Doris Knoblauch and Felix Nütz (both Ecologic Institute) introduced the Plastics Pirates project to interested visitors at the Danube Festival in Ulm on 10 July 2024. At their own stand, they conducted experiments with children and adults to demonstrate the problem of plastic pollution and microplastics in particular. Many visitors were surprised to learn that microplastics can be filtered out of commercially available sea salt as well as skin scrubs. In addition to the experiment, interested visitors were able to view the results of the Plastic Pirates from previous years and receive information about the next campaign period in fall 2024.

Between 15 September and 15 November 2024, Plastic Pirates Germany will focus on the Danube river system! During this period, children and young people along the Danube and its tributaries will examine sections of the riverbank for plastic pollution. The specific time period and identical methodology allow the collected data to be scientifically evaluated. As the Plastic Pirates are also active in other Danube countries – Austria, Hungary and Bulgaria – the data can then be compared across countries. This allows important conclusions to be drawn about plastic pollution in Europe's second longest river.

Participation materials can be ordered here: Download Aktionsmaterialien | Plastic Pirates (plastic-pirates.eu)