A POISON LIKE NO OTHER
Onderzoeksjournalist Matt Simon windt er geen doekjes om. In zijn nieuwe boek stelt hij dat we met microplastics onze aarde én onszelf hebben vergiftigd.
Research intern: Biodegradability of viscose
Viscose as alternative to synthetic fibres?
Are you motivated to make the world a better place? And are you interested in doing some research? Then you might be the perfect candidate to join our small, but highly motivated research team at Plastic Soup Foundation!
The topic
Almost 70% of the clothes manufactured by fashion brands are made of, or partly made of synthetic materials (polyester, nylon, acrylic). When clothes are produced, used, or washed, they shed microplastic fibres into the environment. Scientific research shows us that microplastic fibres have an effect on human and environmental health. Alternative man-made materials, like viscose, lyocell or bamboo, are becoming more and more popular in the industry to avoid future plastic impact claims. However, are these cellulosic materials a good alternative to the commonly used synthetic fibres? How sustainable are these materials? What can we say about the biodegradability of the materials? To what extent are these materials in fact synthetic? Since a lot of coating- or colouring treatments are also based on plastics.
Your Responsibility
Your main task will be doing desk research on cellulosic materials as an alternative to synthetic (fibre) materials. Besides finding available literature on this topic, we also expect that you conduct interviews and/or deploy survey programs focused on the scientific community and the industrial sectors. The end goal is to reach conclusions (or even consensus) around this topic, to help the PSF research team with forming strategic advice for the board group.
Furthermore, you are free to contribute to other ongoing projects in the organisation and experience how our organisation works.
We are searching someone who
- is passionate to make the world a better place
- has sufficient (desk)research skills
- has a critical mindset and is able to separate main issues from minor ones
- is proactive
- is able to work independently, but also in a team
- is available for at least 4 months.
Plastic Soup Foundation
We are a ‘single issue’ environmental organization (NGO) that is concerned with one thing: stopping plastic pollution at its source. Therefore, we emphasize the use of the precautionary principle. Statements must be robust and correct, but even if something is not yet fully proven, we insist on action. Our recent work includes campaigns on microplastics and the health effects of plastic use. The work that you will do is part of our ‘Plastic Fashion’ campaign in our Research, Advocacy and Solutions team.
Plastic Soup Foundation is based in Amsterdam. We expect that you come to our office at least 2-3 days per week, depending on how many days you will work. There is compensation available and also travel expenses can be covered. The starting date is flexible, but you are welcome to start immediately.
Interested?
Does this sound like you? Send your CV and a motivation letter (0.5-1 page ) to: harmen@plasticsoupfoundation.org
The vacancy is open until we find a suitable candidate, but will close on 1 March.
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