Missouri River Bird Observatory is offering on-demand streaming of the movie Microplastic Madness from now until October 5th. The film provides a totally scientifically accurate explanation of the plastic issue, BUT unlike other plastic movies it is extremely uplifting. It's also appropriate for all ages, having been made by and about 4th and 5th graders.
Following this at-home screening opportunity there will be two webinars on the topic of microplastics. On October 5th, MRBO will be joined by the movie's co-producer Debby Lee Cohen and health expert Dr. Jenny Davies, along with Missouri's own Rachel Bartels of Missouri Confluence Waterkeeper. We'll discuss the movie, microplastics in general and in Missouri specifically, and answer audience questions. (Please feel free to send questions in advance of the Oct. 5th panel to dana.ripper@mrbo.org).
Dr. Jenny Davies joins us again on October 18th for a very deep dive into the health issues caused by plastic proliferation. Learn about the effects of microplastics on the human body and what we can do to decrease their prevalence.
About the film: Microplastic Madness is an optimistic take on the local and global plastic pollution crisis as told through a refreshing urban youth point of view with an inspiring take action message.
Fifth graders from PS 15 in Red Hook, Brooklyn – a community on the frontline of Climate Change – spent two years investigating plastic pollution. Taking on the roles of citizen scientists, community leaders, and advocates, these 10-11 year olds collect local data, lead community outreach, and use their impressive data to inform policy, testifying and rallying at City Hall. They take the deep dive into the root causes of plastic pollution, bridging the connection between plastic, climate change, and environmental justice before turning their focus back to school. There they take action to rid their cafeteria of all single-use plastic, driving forward city-wide action and a scalable, youth-led plastic-free movement.
With stop-motion animation, heartfelt kid commentary, and interviews of experts and renowned scientists, this alarming, yet uplifting narrative conveys an urgent message in user-friendly terms with a take action message to spark youth-led plastic free action in schools everywhere. The film has been accepted to 44 film festivals and received 8 awards.
