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Plastic Lab Takeover: We’re drowning in plastic. How do we turn the tide?

It’s estimated that 11 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean every year and littering puts 1000 more tonnes of plastic into the Scottish seas each year. Terrifying truths – but what can we do about it?

Come along to meet activists, artists and designers turning the tide on plastic in our oceans. Staff and volunteers from the Marine Conservation Society, the UK’s largest and leading marine charity, will be on hand to help you unpack the problem. From a marine litter timeline competition to practical beach clean training to learning how you can influence vital environmental legislation, drop in and take action.

From 13.00 there will be short pop-up talks including from the Marine Conservation Society, as well as recent DJCAD graduate and artist Laura Porteous, whose work makes visual connections between people and ocean pollution to raise awareness and spark change.

We will also hear from Ally Mitchell, founder of Glasgow based Ocean Plastic Pots. As an international commercial diver Ally experienced first-hand the impact of plastic waste on our oceans and planet – this inspired him to act. With self-taught manufacturing techniques he started making plant pots from plastic waste collected off Scottish beaches as well as discarded ropes and fishing net. Made from recycled material and designed to be recycled, Ocean Plastic Pots follow a circular economy module and quickly became an award-winning manufacturing company based in Scotland.

10.00 – 15.00 Drop in to meet the Marine Conservation Society and take action.

13.00 – 14.00 Lightning talks - Hear from Ally Mitchell founder of Ocean Plastic Pots, DJCAD graduate Laura Porteous and the Marine Conservation Society.

14.00 – 15.00 Drop in and chat informally to Ally and Laura, learn more about their work and what you can do to help tackle the problem of plastic in our oceans.

Plastic Lab invites you to explore the promise and problem of plastic. Housing Precious Plastic recycling machines and hosting a dynamic programme of events, this free interactive space encourages visitors of all ages to learn, question, challenge, and act on some of the most important issues relating to plastic today. From board games to plastic sorting stations and pop-up talks, drop in and explore some of the free things you can see, do, and get involved in.

You can also find Ocean Plastic Pots in our Shop!

Plastic: Remaking Our World is the first exhibition co-produced by V&A Dundee, Vitra Design Museum, and maat, Lisbon with curators from V&A South Kensington.

Image: The Ocean Cleanup, crew sorting plastic on deck after System 002 extraction, October 2021 © The Ocean Cleanup

Times

10.00 – 15.00

Location Plastic Lab

Free

Drop-in

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