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Sound Rivers adds to plastic pollution solution

Education, Environmental, Litter-Free Rivers, Microplastics, Neuse River Watershed, Sound Rivers, Stormwater Issues, Water Quality

Posted on August 1st, 2024

Attendees talk about the plastics problem following the screening of "A Plastic Ocean" at the Walnut Creek Wetland Center last Friday.

Sound Rivers Volunteer Coordinator Emily Fritz and water-quality intern Eloise MacLean teamed up with The Great Raleigh Cleanup and the Walnut Creek Wetland Center for a documentary screening, trash trap tour and discussion about the plastic pollution problem.

“A Plastic Ocean” is an adventure documentary shot on more than 20 locations from 2012 to 2016, in which explorers Craig Leeson and Tanya Streeter and a team of international scientists reveal the causes and consequences of plastic pollution and share solutions.

Sound Rivers’ trash trap on the grounds of the Walnut Creek Wetland Center gave attendees a firsthand view of how much plastic ends up in even a small waterway.

“The documentary was incredibly impactful and did a fantastic job of highlighting the frightening impacts of plastic pollution,” Emily said. “After the screening, we walked the trails of the Wetland Center to the trash trap, which gave a great visual of how much plastic pollution can accumulate in such a short time. Afterward, we had a short panel discussion on plastic pollution, what role we play in it and what can be done to minimize our plastic use. … Everyone at the event engaged in the conversation and shared some fantastic thoughts and ideas.”

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