Film Discussion – Tiny plastic, colossal problem: what we can do now
Many of us are dismayed by the extent to which plastic, and consequently plastic pollution, factors into our lives but we don’t know where to turn. StopPlastics aims to help.
During our time at EcoFair Toronto we’ll be exploring ways we all can effect change both politically and in our daily lives. We’ll be airing the dynamic and fun film Microplastic Madness over a 3 day period and amplifying the stop plastics message on October 25th with an interactive Q&A with water and microplastic experts from Wellington Water Watchers and the U of T Trash Team as well as the volunteer groups StopPlastics and Strawless Torontoadvocating for systemic change
Plastic pollution is right here, in our own backyards and, at our own Lake Ontario shores. Zoom in to share and learn!
Link to YouTube Live will be emailed to registrants 24 h before the start of this event.
Be sure to watch the companion event, the film Microplastic Madness. The film is available online for free viewing on Oct 23, 24 and 25. For details on screening times and registration, visit EcoFair Toronto 2020 on Eventbrite.
This panel film discussion is one of 16 free and exciting online events organized by EcoFair Toronto, which is happening online over four weeks from Oct 15 to Nov 8. Explore the EcoFair Schedule, Exhibitor Showcase, neighbourhood EcoTours, and family-friendly Fun & Games at ecofairtoronto.org. Celebrate the start of a green new decade!
Speakers on Discussion Panel
Karen Rathwell of Wellington Water Watchers
Karen brings her enthusiasm for life and her love of water to her volunteer work at Wellington Water Watchers. She believes that there is no more important legacy to leave our grandchildren than abundant, accessible community water. Water is more than a “resource to be managed”. It is different, something sacred, a part of each of us. It is a human right and while it’s our time here, we each have responsibility to defend water locally and globally for the generations that follow. WWW invites everyone to view their webinar “Plastics, Plastics Everywhere“.
Susan Debreceni of the U of T Trash Team
The U of T Trash Team and its wonderful work on aquatic plastic figures prominently in the feature film “Microplastic Madness” being aired at the EcoFair. Susan is the current Outreach Lead of the Trash Team. The U of T Trash Team is committed to translating science beyond academia to increase scientific and environmental literacy. Susan, along with the other team members, envisions a fun and engaged waste-literate community where citizens are actively working to protect people, wildlife and the planet through the intersection of science, policy, community engagement and innovation that promote zero-waste lifestyles.
Jan Vanderwal of StopPlastics
Ms Vanderwal is dedicated to improving the lot of flora, fauna and humans. Jan fully understands the important role volunteering plays in achieving this objective. Her fierce determination and clarity of purpose are just two of the important attributes Jan brings to her volunteer work. Jan is currently a volunteer for StopPlastics and the Toronto Reference Library bookstore.
Haley Anderson of Strawless Toronto
Haley co-founded Strawless Toronto in 2018; a grassroots community group advocating for and inspiring people, businesses, and government to rethink our relationship with plastic. She believes in the power of community development and citizen engagement to create positive social and environmental changes both locally and globally. Sometimes, it just takes someone to remind you of the power you do hold!
Moderator
Ben Mielke of StopPlastics
Ben, a long time volunteer at StopPlastics, lives close to the shores of Lake Ontario on the Mississauga Toronto border so he understands very well the devastating effect plastic is having on our aquatic ecosystems and the importance of stopping plastic at its source. In his working life, Ben is a cooker of food, a finder of sustainable practices and a lover of the natural world.