Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Town Coucil is to host the screening of a new film that features the problem of plastics in our environment as part of a ‘green’ project.
The screening of ‘A Plastic Ocean’ will be held at 2pm on Saturday 13th October at The Princess Theatre and will be free to enter and is suitable for all ages.
The film shows how plastics that enter the oceans are ingested by sea creatures and birds and their young, often fatally. When plastics break up into small particulates they enter the food chain, where they attract toxins like a magnet. These toxins are stored in seafood’s fatty tissues and are consumed by us.
Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Town Council has signed up to be part of the Plastic Free Communities Campaign run by Surfers Against Sewage, and is working with members of the Plastic Free Partnership to help local firms, groups, organisations and schools give up single-use plastics and promote the use of more environmentally friendly materials.
This hard-hitting film, winner of 14 awards, was filmed across 20 locations and uncovers the harrowing state of pollution in our ecosystems and the Town Council says it has the potential to inspire and provoke real and lasting change locally.
“This film not only explores this impact but also inspires action. There will also be displays of plastic items and suggestions for alternative materials that could be used to replace them and Litter Free Somerset will be there with useful information,” says a spokeswoman.
The Town Council’s theme for this year is ‘Clean and Safe Beaches’ and the Mayor, Cllr Bill Hancock, pictured above, is keen to spread the word about the danger of plastics and the importance of the local marine rescue services, RNLI and BARB.
Bill is encouraging everyone to get involved: “It doesn’t matter whether you’re young or old, a businessman, farmer, shopper, resident or visitor: I’d like to see all of us making the effort to help clean up our streets and coastline and preventing further pollution.”
“A small change in our daily habits can make a big difference. Please think about the materials you’re buying – and businesses can consider the products they are supplying.”
“There are regular beach cleans, pictured, to take part in and people can do a quick two-minute beach clean at any time. I really hope that local residents take the opportunity to come along to the free screening of A Plastic Ocean.”
The Council is supporting Litter Free Somerset’s Business Award Scheme and is leading by example by working through an action list at both the Town Council offices in Jaycroft Road and at the Princess Theatre to improve practices.
