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Windsor

Public invited to free screening of 'Plastic Ocean'

The Detroit River Canadian Cleanup is hosting a free screening of the award-winning documentary "Plastic Ocean" on Tuesday.

There is no cost to attend the event at the Capitol Theatre in downtown Windsor, but those interested in going need to register online.

The film explores the state of our oceans and highlights alarming truths about our disposable lifestyle. It also examines what the public and government can do to clean up plastic pollution.

The group quotes Sir David Attenborough as calling it "one of the most important films of our time."

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"It is estimated more than 22-million lbs of plastic pollution ends up in the Great Lakes each year," said Remedial Action Plan Coordinator, Jacqueline Serran. "This plastic does not go away. It simply breaks down into smaller pieces. It is then ingested by wildlife, causing a whole host of other issues."

"Campaigns to reduce the use of single-use plastics and encourage recycling have worked to some extent, but there is still more work to be done," she continued.

After the film, the public can stay and hear from a panel of experts on plastic pollution, recycling, and reducing waste, including Heather Taylor of the Essex Windsor Solid Waste Authority. Mercedes Lavoy, a Ph.D. student studying the movement and removal of microplastics through wastewater treatment plants at the University of Windsor, will be there, along with Kelly Laforest from Caesars Windsor who recently took part in a project to recycle soap and shampoo from the casino's hotel.

Related story: Solid Waste Authority warns of coming ban on plastic bags

Doors open at the Capitol Theatre on Tuesday at 6 p.m. and the screening starts at 6:30 p.m.

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