More and more beach clean-ups are dedicated to the removal of smaller bits of plastic known as microplastics. Due to the size of these plastics, the sand must physically be sifted through in order to remove the plastics. This how-to guide explains the steps to follow so that anybody can easily make their own microplastics sand sifters and help keep their beaches clean.
STEP 1: MEASURE & MARK WIRE MESH WITH DIMENSIONS 18” X 14”
Don’t worry if its not perfect, we’ve just found that 18” x 14” is a good working size for a hand sand sifter.
Step 2: Cut wire mesh on your marked line
TIP: Try to cut along each strand to minimize the amount of wire ends sticking out on the mesh.
STEP 3: TRIM OFF EXCESS EDGES SO THERE are NOT ANY POKEY BITS OF WIRE STICKING OUT
This helps reduce the likelihood of stray metal wire that might poke someone while using the sifter.
STEP 4: ADD 1 LAYER OF DUCT TAPE TO THE SIDE OF THE WIRE MESH AND FOLD IT OVER THE MESH
We usually like to leave a gap of 1/8” or so on the edge of the duct tape to give an extra barrier between the wire mesh and hands.
Feel free to measure and cut the duct tape with the measuring tape and scissors to make them exact. Don’t worry about overhang from the duct tape. We will clean it up in the next step.
STEP 5: ADD ADDITIONAL LAYER OF DUCT TAPE TO THE SIDES OF THE WIRE MESH FOR SAFETY/COMFORT
Do your best to keep the duct tape even on either side so that the sticky part of the duct tape is not exposed on one side.
If you have any overhang of duct tape extending over the edges, fold them in and place the second layer of duct tape so that it keeps the edges of the first layer taped underneath it.
STEP 6: GO OUT THERE AND USE YOUR NEW SAND SIFTER AT A BEACH CLEAN UP!
Remember to bring a bucket or reusable bag with you to dump the microplastics that you have sifted out.