River Detectives have been very pleased to partner with the Australian Platypus Network to develop a school communications and activities pack to celebrate this iconic species and encourage young people to take simple everyday action to protect platypus.
This year’s theme is ‘Loopy Litter’ with the ‘Seize it, Snip it, Bin it’ campaign.
The pack is full of practical suggestions, campaign graphics and visuals you can use when exploring this topic with your students. Using our very successful activity matrix style, we’ve put together activity suggestions for all learning styles.
Check out the pack here.
There’s even an invitation to join a platypus webinar for educators on Wednesday 20th August, 4-4:45pm. Hosted by River Detectives and ResourceSmart Schools we’ll be speaking with Jessica Thomas, Platypus Keeper from the Healesville Sanctuary. Details in the pack or you can sign up for it here.
Loopy litter is any type of litter that forms a ring or loop and includes hair ties, elastic or rubber bands, fishing line, string and plastic or metal rings. These litter types are particularly harmful to the platypus. Earlier this year you may have heard about the platypus in Bright that tragically died from being entangled in a hair tie. Unfortunately this is the outcome for many animals found entangled in loopy litter.
We can prevent the platypus from the harmful impacts of loopy litter by adopting a ‘Seize it, Snip it, Bin it’ mindset:
- Seize it: Pick up any litter, especially loopy litter. Litter dropped on the ground ends up in our rivers and creeks.
- Snip it: Cut rings or loops, like hair ties or rubber bands, before disposal to reduce the risk of entanglement.
- Bin it: Always dispose of litter correctly to stop it from reaching our waterways.
This is a great campaign, perfectly suited with a call to action to empower your students and give them agency to make a difference!
