A special screening of a documentary exploring the impact of plastic waste on ecosystems, wildlife and human health will be followed by a panel discussion on Australia's plastic pollution crisis next week.
The University of Western Australia's Oceans Institute is partnering with Global Citizen, the Western Australian Museum and filmmaker Kal Glanznig for a screening of The Plastic Country.
The screening will be held at the WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle on Friday 16 October as part of Global Citizen NOW: Perth (18–20 October), which is bringing together leaders from across government, business, philanthropy, First Nations people and civil society to mobilise commitments on climate action.
The Plastic Country follows Mr Glanznig's journey from remote coastlines to Parliament House as he investigates the impact of plastic waste on ecosystems, wildlife and human health. According to the film, Australia is the world's second largest producer of plastic waste per capita and missed all of its 2025 National Packaging Targets.
UWA Oceans Institute Director Professor Christophe Gaudin said plastic pollution is one of the most visible and pressing challenges facing our oceans, and it is one we can act on.
"This screening brings researchers, innovators and the community together to turn awareness into action," Professor Gaudin said.
Global Citizen co-founder and UWA graduate Michael Sheldrick said plastic pollution is no longer something happening somewhere else — it is in our oceans, our food chain and our bodies.
"We know many of the solutions; what is missing is action at scale," Mr Sheldrick said.
"Global Citizen NOW: Perth is about turning concern into measurable change. By bringing together filmmakers, leading scientists and community voices, The Plastic Country can help inspire the collective action needed to tackle this crisis."
Mr Glanznig, an ocean advocate and independent Councillor for Sutherland Shire is in Perth to take part in Global Citizen NOW.
"I can't think of a better place to share The Plastic Country than a gathering focused on turning commitments into action," Mr Glanznig said.
"Plastic pollution is on our coastlines, in our wildlife and in our bodies, and I hope this screening, alongside leading scientists, helps people leave knowing how they can act."
Following the 70-minute screening, Professor Gaudin will lead a panel discussion and Q&A with:
• Professor Peta Ashworth, Director, Curtin Institute for Energy Transition
• Professor Sarah Dunlop, Head, Plastics and Human Health, Minderoo Foundation
• Kal Glanznig, Councillor, filmmaker and ocean advocate
• Professor Nicki Mitchell, Deputy Director, UWA Oceans Institute
• Dr Julia Reisser, Co-founder and Co-CEO, Uluu
The evening will close with practical actions attendees can take to reduce plastic pollution.
Tickets are available via Humanitix. For more information visit Global Citizen NOW.
