Learning Resources

Explore the SIMCoast Microplastics Learning Suite, developed by SIMCoast researchers!

Access curated resources designed to provide detailed information and lessons on researching microplastics in the environment. Course catalog contains learning tutorials, recommended readings, and knowledge checks to support learning more about microplastics.

What are microplastics?

Microplastics are plastic particles less than 5 mm in size. These particles are created directly through manufacturing or are, more commonly, the result of last plastic debris breaking down in the natural environment.

Check out this Fact Sheet

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Learn more about bioplastics

The following information sheets provide an overview of bioplastics, including what they are, the challenges and policy considerations surrounding their production and management, and how they break down in the environment. These resources were developed through the URI Bioplastics Taskforce Subaward, which was awarded to the University of Rhode Island by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management under the EPA Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grant 00A01082.

Bioplastics 101

What are bioplastics? This information sheet explains the basic definitions, challenges, and opportunities bioplastics offer in Rhode Island.

Extended Producer Responsibility

Most bioplastics are used in packaging, and many states are exploring or have adopted laws that make companies responsible for managing and paying for the disposal or recycling of their packaging.

Composting Facilities

Composting is a natural process where tiny organisms, like bacteria and fungi, break down food scraps and other organic materials in the presence of oxygen. This creates a nutrient-rich material called compost that helps plants grow.

Material Recovery Facilities

Material Recovery Facilities sort recyclable materials so they can be reused to make new products, reducing the need for new raw materials.

Anaerobic Digestion

Anaerobic digestion is a way to recycle organic waste without oxygen. As the material breaks down, it produces biogas, which can be captured and used to generate energy.