5KLitterSnap - DCU Water Institute

Ethics Statement

The WI Ethics Committee, in keeping with the DCU Strategic Plan 2022-25, develop and promote a set of Core Ethical Principles for Water Institute members. These will draw on RRI and research integrity best practice in DCU, Europe and globally, and impact on how and to whom we collaborate.

The Water Institute Ethics Committee will promote RIS Research Integrity module and other relevant resources, including encompassing Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) within the Water Institute.

• WIEC will disseminate ethics information and resources on ethics topics relevant to WI members through workshops and seminars.

• Develop a strong communication and dialogue process on ethical principles and integrity in research and facilitate an Open Forum for discussion on emerging ethical issues in the research and innovation landscape.

We invite you to join our citizen science #5KLitterSnap.

To all our committed citizen scientists. While you are out and about for your 5k exercise we ask that you participate in a week long study of litter. We know that much of the litter reaching our seas comes through freshwater pathways. There is unfortunately more dumping of litter now than before the COVID crisis. While you are out and about please take a photo of the litter you see and complete a short set of questions. We will use this information to help identify hotspots and focus any efforts for clean up. It will also help us identify the type of litter that is predominant in the environment. We know that we want to reduce plastic in particular, so help us identify what types and sources are around you.

This survey is open until 28th May and the data will be placed on a live central litter map on our website (see below) to indicate litter hotspots which you can track.

Thanks for your continued interest in taking part in citizen science. Please be aware that your work is filling gaps in information that we otherwise could not gather.

We need your help with science so get SNAPPING! If you have time, don’t forget to tweet your SNAPS to @DCUWater

#5KLitterSnap #Staysafe #safedistance #Washyourhands

START SURVEY

LIVE LITTER MAP

FAQs

What is it? It’s a brief survey that you can do whilst out on your walk or run as many times as you like.

How does it work? Click on the link, scroll down and you will see the first question. At the end it asks you to take a snap of the litter.

How often can I do it? You can do it as many times as you like as long as its different litter set each time.

What does it tell us? We can build a map of litter hotspots and collect data around litter quantities and types

Do I need to collect the litter? NO, we are not recommending you collect the litter. This is about collecting information on litter type and location.

Do I need to give any personal information? NO, we don’t need to know your name, address or anything like that. The survey collects the survey data and litter location you are at.

Do I need to turn on “my location” on my phone? YES, for the map to collect the location where you are, you need to go to settings, go to locations and go to your browser app like safari – switch on location if it’s not already on.