Aotearoa’s Environmental Superhero Waste Free Wanda is releasing a colourful new music video for tamariki in conjunction with Plastic Free July 2024
The Nurdle Song, written by Anna van Riel (NZ) & Katie Herst (USA) shares the story of an unfortunate turtle, named Myrtle who is impacted by microplastics in the ocean.
Although this cabaret-style track is both humorous and uplifting, the reality of Myrtle’s scenario is a growing concern globally.
A 2022 report from oceancare.org states that:
“There are an estimated 5.25 trillion plastic particles floating on the surface of the ocean, which together weigh 269,000 tonnes. That is equivalent to the weight of about 2,150 blue whales. Bacteria and algae gradually colonise these plastic fragments, which in turn become heavier and sink. Even the depths of the ocean are now contaminated with microplastics.”
But it’s not all doom and gloom.
Waste Free Wanda takes a solutions-based approach around what we CAN do, using her ‘Simple Swaps’ philosophy.
Using the Rule of Thumb, Wanda helps us to understand how we can be the change.
RULE OF THUMB
REFUSE- say no to single-use items
REDUCE- take less of what you can when it comes to single-use plastics
REUSE- reusable cups, bottles, beeswax wraps, straws etc. are the answer
REHOME- find a new home for items you no longer use
RECYCLE- rinse, recycle and repeat. Reducing means less in all bins and oceans
ROT- find a compost to put food and green waste in for the worms
With plastic Free July upon us, we have a fantastic opportunity to make some ‘Simple Swaps’ in our homes, schools and communities to impact a real and positive change for Papatūānuku.
“My hope is that, through the modalities of song and the creative arts, I can help tamariki and their whanau to understand the life cycle of plastics, and what they can do to reduce the negative impacts of single-use items on the planet. Children are incredible advocates for Mother Earth and it’s important that we provide them with solution-based tools so they can step confidently into the future”, states Waste Free Wanda.
Created with the help of the Southern Institute of Technology's animation team, and Meek & Wild Creations, The Nurdle Song officially launches on July 1st where it can be found on all major platforms including YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.
Presave link to The Nurdle Song here: https://music.drm.co.nz/the-nurdle-song