Putting theory into practice: tackling ocean plastic pollution at source

While plastic pollution is one of the most significant and growing threats to ocean health, there is increasing recognition that no single solution will solve this issue. The latest science shows that systems change is the route to fundamentally address plastic pollution, yet there is low awareness of what is required to turn this theory into practice. This is particularly important in the context of giving confidence on how to achieve the Global Plastics Treaty.

Taking a conversation-style panel format, interspersed with engaging messages from partners around the world, this event will showcase and explore real-life approaches, innovations and interventions that have been working to reduce plastic pollution at different levels across the system. Together we will illustrate the importance of trialing and adopting approaches that seek to change entire systems, which will in turn help us achieve more sustainable, ocean-friendly cities, and deliver on the critical targets and commitments of the SDGs.

Panelists:

Gabe Davies, Ocean Marketing Manager (EMEA), Patagonia

Hugo Tagholm, Co-Founder and Chief Executive, Surfers Against Sewage (SAS)

Louisa Hooper, Interim Director, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation UK (CGF)

Prof. Heather Koldewey, Lead of Bertarelli Foundation's Marine Science Programme, Zoological Society of London (ZSL)

With video messages from:

#OneLess London - stopping plastic pollution at source in an urban setting

Coast4C, Philippines - social enterprise initiatives to save the ocean

University of Dhaka, Bangladesh - community youth action through Teachers for Planet Earth

RSVP

This will be an in-person event. Please register on this page to confirm your attendance.

Coffee and a continental breakfast will be served at the event. If you have special dietary requirements or any questions, please contact [email protected].

We look forward to seeing you there!

The #OneLess team

Additional information:

The event will highlight how the global awareness of plastic pollution has engaged record numbers of citizen scientists in collecting evidence to influence policy changes on a local, national and international level. The combination of successful actions and interventions underway since 2017, when Blue Planet engaged global audiences with the plastic pollution crisis, helps set out a roadmap for the forthcoming Global Plastics Treaty. We can learn from successful global projects and identify the gaps when bold systems change is still required to dramatically reduce plastic pollution at source.

Background on #OneLess:

#OneLess was set up as an experiment to turn the tide
against single-use plastic within a complex urban setting. Together with collaborators in London UK, we have
eliminated 9 million single-use plastic items; dispensed 981,000 refills from new drinking fountains; and removed
137,000 bottles from the River Thames.

Host or Publisher #OneLess