We are cordially inviting you to join us for a film screening of “Microplastic Madness” and a panel discussion on November 1st from 5:00 — 7:00 pm EDT at the Forum at Columbia University, brought to you by the Columbia Climate School, Barnard Sustainability, and Cafeteria Culture. This is a hybrid event that is open to the general public. Registration is required.

The film is an optimistic take on the local and global plastic pollution crisis as told through a refreshing urban youth point of view, with an inspiring take-action message. The production follows a group of 5th graders who spent 2 years investigating plastic pollution by taking on the roles of community scientists, leaders, and advocates.

The film takes a deep dive into the root causes of plastic pollution, bridging the connection between plastics, climate change, and environmental justice before turning their focus back to school. With stop-motion animation, heartfelt kid commentary, and interviews of experts and renowned scientists, this important and uplifting narrative conveys an urgent message in user-friendly terms with a take-action message to spark youth-led plastic-free action in schools everywhere. The film has been accepted to 44 film festivals and received 8 awards.

This special event between the Columbia Climate School, Barnard Sustainability, and Cafeteria Culture, the creators behind the film, will start with a screening, followed by a dynamic discussion with a diverse panel of scientists, educators, and students, including:

Debby Lee Cohen — Co-Director/Producer of Microplastic Madness and Executive Director, Cafeteria Culture

Sandra Goldmark — Director of Campus Sustainability and Climate Action, Barnard College and Senior Assistant Dean of Interdisciplinary Engagement, Columbia Climate School

Joaquim Goes — Lamont Research Professor, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia Climate School

Rhonda Keyser — Education Director, Cafeteria Culture

Rebeca Sabnam —Youth Advocate, Cafeteria Culture, and Sophomore, Columbia University

Moderator:

Laurel Zaima-Sheehy — Program Manager, Non-Degree Education, and Outreach Programs, Columbia Climate School

For those joining us live, please register for an in-person ticket. Doors open at 4 pm EDT. Please note that all guests to campus are required to comply with Columbia University’s Health and Safety Policy for visitors, which includes mandatory primary COVID-19 vaccination for all eligible individuals. Guests must be prepared to provide proof of vaccination if asked.

For those who wish to join us remotely, please register for a remote participant ticket. We will send you a link to watch the movie when the event starts at 5:00 pm EDT on November 1st. The link will be available to you for 28 hours (ending on November 2nd at 9:00 pm EDT). We will also share a link for you to tune in live to watch the panel discussion.

Time: 5:00 PM — 7:00 PM EDT

Free!

Registartion