A Plastic Ocean
On 26 May we watched the documentary film A Plastic Ocean (available on Netflix), directed by Craig Leeson. A Plastic Ocean documents the newest science, proving how plastics, once they enter the oceans, break up into small particulates that enter the food chain where they attract toxins like a magnet. These toxins are stored in seafood’s fatty tissues, and eventually consumed by us. After the streaming of the film, we held a Zoom discussion on the impacts and regulation of plastic. The Zoom discussion was chaired by Dr Melanie Murcott (UP), ELA Executive Committee Member, whose research focus is environmental constitutionalism and the links between social justice and environmental protection. Two experts presented their views: Prof. Jan Glazewski (UCT), an expert in environmental law, including marine conservation and governance; and Prof. Henk Bouwman (NWU), an expert in zoology and ecotoxicology.
You can view a recording of the discussion here.