Anyone interested in finding out more about the true cost of plastic waste should head along to a free screening of ‘The Story of Plastic’ this evening (Wednesday October 28), says Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).

The hard hitting documentary is showing as part of the annual RESET Summit, organised by charitable trust We Are One (WAO).

Creating awareness and providing education on how to reduce plastic consumption and properly recycle material to reduce the impacts of plastic is a big focus for QLDC and an important part of this community’s journey towards zero waste.

Plastic is part of our everyday lives, the QLDC said in a statement. 

“Some forms of plastics are obvious, like packaging for food, personal hygiene items and cleaning products. Others are hidden in the form of micro plastics in body scrubs, wet wipes, dishwasher pods and even some tea bags. It can certainly be challenging to reduce plastics, let alone live completely plastic free.”

WAO founder Monique Kelly said the documentary looks at the true cost of plastics from a human and environmental perspective. 

“Spanning three continents, the film illustrates the ongoing catastrophe: fields full of garbage, veritable mountains of trash, rivers and seas clogged with waste, and skies polluted with the poisonous emissions from plastic production and processing. This film is incredibly eye opening and educational for anyone who is interested in becoming more sustainable,” she said. 

The film will be followed by a panel discussion with local waste experts, including QLDC waste minimisation project officer Kath Buttar, to discuss plastic related problems in New Zealand.

“I’m very passionate about the topic of plastic pollution after seeing the devastating impacts this is having on the natural environment and local communities during my travels through South East Asia and Africa,” Kath said. “I’m excited to talk about the plastic crisis and the steps we are taking to move towards zero waste.”

‘The Story of Plastic’ is showing at the Lake Wānaka Centre on Wednesday October 28 from 6.30pm-9.00pm, and the Queenstown Memorial Centre on Thursday October 29, from 6.30pm-9.00pm.

This is a free community event but attendance must be pre-booked here.

The RESET summit is an annual event organised by WAO, whose aim is to educate, inspire and enable a transition to a healthy, diverse and carbon zero community. 

PHOTO: Supplied