Creating awareness

Bubble Barrier Amsterdam effectively catches plastic waste in the Westerdok canal and collects 80 kg or 15.536 pieces of inorganic debris per month.

The Great Bubble Barrier installed the first long-term Bubble Barrier in Amsterdam in 2019. The project was commissioned by Waterschap Amstel, Gooi and Vecht and the Municipality of Amsterdam. To monitor the success and impact of the Bubble Barrier a research alliance with the Plastic Soup Foundation and Waternet was formed to monitor the Bubble Barrier’s catch. Over one year, a total of 38,178 pieces of dried, inorganic waste was monitored and categorized using the OSPAR method.

The Bubble Barrier not only serves as a functional tool against plastic pollution but also raises awareness and can facilitate lasting pro-environmental behaviour change. This research delves into the current level of public awareness around the plastic pollution issue, particularly influenced by the visibility of the Bubble Barrier in Amsterdam.

Beyond its practical use, the Bubble Barrier can prove essential in raising public awareness of the problem of plastic pollution. It educates the public and inspires them to take action by its deliberate placement, visibility, and elicited emotions. Innovations like Bubble Barriers can plant seeds to set a foundation for raising environmental consciousness. To foster this seed into a tree of sustained behavioural change, it is vital to intertwine it with additional educational campaigns, community initiatives, and policymaking.

Full report can be found here.

And additional insights on the waste retrieved by the Bubble Barrier and its secondary benefits are further explained here.

For any question, don't hesitate to contact project manager Francesca Alberti at francesca.alberti@ams-institute.org