On Thursday, Sept. 14, the award-winning documentary film, “A Plastic Ocean,” will be screened at the Portland Museum of Art at 7 Congress Street, followed by a panel discussion with Rockport’s Matt Prindiville, executive director of UPSTREAM, a Damariscotta-based non-profit working on plastic pollution nationally; Stonington’s Abby Barrows, a microplastics scientist; and Freeport’s Clayton Kyle, CEO of CLYNK. The event, sponsored by CLYNK, Lamey Wellehan, Klean Canteen, ChicoBag, and Patagonia, is free to the public with a suggested donation of $10 which will support UPSTREAM’s work in Maine and throughout the country. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the movie will begin at 6. The event is expected to reach capacity, so UPSTREAM advises arriving before the film begins..

“A Plastic Ocean” addresses the environmental and health crises impacting our planet, oceans, and bodies from single-use plastics, yet does not leave viewers without hope. The film and panel discussion will encourage viewers how to combat the use of single use plastics with practical ideas and plans of action.

The documentary focuses on the problems as well as the solutions for disposable plastics. Plastic does not really break down, but rather “breaks up,” assuming other forms. Director Craig Leeson explains, “Plastic is wonderful because it’s durable. And plastic is terrible because it is durable. Almost every piece of plastic ever made is still on the planet in some form or another. Plastic production this year is expected to be more than 300 million tons – half of which we will use just once, and then throw away.”

For more information about the event or UPSTREAM, visit www.upstreampolicy.org or email info@upstreampolicy.org..