At the beginning of 2018, our interdisciplinary research project "Macroplastics in the southern North Sea" was nominated for the regional prize "Friesland's Heroes of the Homeland" (awarded by the Gertrud and Hellmut Barthel Foundation in Varel). In order to accept the nomination, a self-contained project planning had to be presented, for the realisation of which any prize money would be used.

Since the start of the research project (2016), we had received a large number of invitations to public events at which we provided young and old with information on marine plastic pollution in the form of lectures, panel discussions and interactive information stands. As we were unable to accept all the invitations due to time constraints and we were aware that the project would end in 2020, we wanted to leave something sustainable behind. As we had repeatedly been approached by schools and environmental organisations as part of events for children and young people, it made sense to focus on the younger generation. This led to our idea of compiling a collection of scientifically based materials on the topic of marine litter, including experiments, games and suggestions for excursions. This material was primarily intended to serve as a basis for teachers to organise their lessons. Our idea was called the "Müllkoffer" project. In order to create a direct link to the Friesland region, we were able to gain the Mellumrat e.V. as a partner; the Wadden Sea Learning Laboratory of the university's own biology didactics department was in turn to support the pedagogical and didactic development of the material.

This concept won us 2nd prize in the "Environmental Protection" category in June 2018, which meant we received EUR 5,000 to realise the "Müllkoffer" project. Shortly beforehand, we had hired Mayra Lenz, a recent high school graduate, to complete a "Voluntary Scientific Year" (2018-19) in our research project. We entrusted her with the task of putting together and testing a prototype of the "Müllkoffer", which she mastered in exemplary fashion until the end of her FWJ. Based on the feedback she received, this prototype was subsequently revised and expanded from one to seven "Müllkoffer".

The ready-made action box "Müllkoffer" is dedicated to educating children and young people about the plastic problem in the sea in order to promote a sustainable approach to this issue. Plastic should not be demonised! It is an ingenious material that contributes to our modern standard of living in many ways. Nevertheless, the pollution of our environment with waste, especially plastic, is a growing problem of our time and is linked to many other aspects, such as our general relationship with nature or our purchasing and consumer behaviour. After completing the tasks and experiments, the children and young people should be better informed and realise that their actions as consumers and fellow citizens have an impact and can make a difference.

Lending is free of charge and is arranged with the respective organisation. Borrowing and return must be organised independently and is at the sole expense of the borrower.

In the event of damage or loss of the items included, or if the items need to be restocked, please inform the lending organisation so that a replacement can be provided from the remaining project funds.

The response to the educational programme so far has been overwhelmingly positive, which in turn reflects the great public interest in the issue of marine litter and the need for awareness-raising and educational measures. We are excited to see how it will develop in the future...