“Plastic People” Documentary Screening

Our planet is choking on plastic. Help us act now.

The Lower Westchester Chapter of Beyond Plastics is presenting an event featuring a free screening of the award-winning documentary, “Plastic People,” at the Yonkers Riverfront Library on Sunday, April 27, 2-4:30pm. The film exposes how microplastics – plastic particles less than 5mm — are invading our food, water, air, and bodies. Attendees will have the chance to take action on a critical piece of legislation addressing this crisis.

The event will feature local politicians, legislators, and prominent young climate ambassadors, including Horace Greeley High School freshman, Ellyanne Chlystun-Githae Wanjiku, spokesperson for the global initiative, EndPlasticSoup, and winner of Kenya’s prestigious Eco-Warrior Award. In 2023, Ellyanne spoke at events for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and for the World Health Organization.

RSVP HERE to reserve your spot as space is limited.

Of the 16,000+ chemicals involved in plastics production, at least 3,200 are potentially harmful to health or the environment. Researchers suspect these “chemicals of concern” pose serious threats because microplastics are virtually everywhere in the body.Moreover, they may be linked to the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer in those under 45.

In Westchester County, plastics make up about 16.8% of the municipal solid waste stream equaling 378 tons of plastic waste (daily). Most of this is burned in the Peekskill incinerator, emitting toxic gas and ash, far too much of which ends up in our rivers and lakes. Of the seven billion tons of plastic waste generated globally so far, less than 10% has been recycled.

Right now, our state legislators are considering a critical bill to reduce the amount of plastic that is made and used. The NY Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, PRRIA, would reduce plastic packaging by 30% over the next 12 years.The PRRIA would also ban 14 highly toxic chemicals. We need urgent action to get this bill passed. 

The Bronx Times is recognized for its outstanding service to the community. Publicizing this event, reporting on the speakers, and alerting readers to the dangers of these toxins will enhance your public image, especially since so many of the 21 co-hosts are organizations based in your coverage area.*  Help your readers learn how best to protect themselves and their loved ones because we are all exposed. 

Contact: Holly Malekian, Beyond Plastics, Lower Westchester Chapter at hollybeach3@gmail.com, tel: 914-693-6113 

Co-hosting organizations include: Beyond Plastics, Lower Westchester; NW Bronx Indivisible; Riverkeeper, League of Women Voters, Rivertowns Chapter;; Federated Conservationists of Westchester County; Shames JCC on the Hudson; Food & Water Watch, and Sierra Club, Lower Hudson