A special free community screening of microplastics documentary Plastic People, hosted by York University, will include a recognition by the sustainability-oriented Council of Canadians of York as a Blue Community for its leadership in supporting the right to clean water. York is among the only approximately 120 cities, institutions and organizations in the world to have received the designation.
The screening, on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. in the Price Family Cinema in the Accolade East Building, will see author and activist Maude Barlow deliver remarks about York’s recognition as a Blue Community.
The designation was earned – in part – due to York University having prohibited the sale of bottled water on campus since 2015 and having invested in over 77 water refill stations. In a recent audit, it was noted that those water stations diverted two million bottles of water. York recognizes water and sanitation as a human right and the importance of publicly owned water systems.
The screening – one of several events throughout York’s Campus Sustainability Month – will allow attendees to enjoy how the feature documentary Plastic People investigates society’s addiction to plastic and the growing threat of microplastics on human health.
In the film, by award-winning director Ben Addelman, author and science journalist Ziya Tong takes a personal approach by visiting leading scientists around the world and undergoing experiments, in her home and on her food, to explore how almost every bit of plastic ever made breaks down into “microplastics.”
These microscopic particles drift in the air, float in all bodies of water and mix into soil – with particles even being found in our bodies – making them a permanent part of the environment and promoting questions like: what is the impact of these invisible invaders on our health, and can anything be done about it?
The screening is presented in partnership with OneWATER; Cinema & Media Arts; the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design; the York Emergency Mitigation, Engagement, Response & Governance Institute; the Disaster & Emergency Management program; the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies; and the Office of Sustainability. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register in advance