X Trillion screening in Fort William highlights the impact of plastic pollution from source to sea

X Trillion screening in Fort William highlights the impact of plastic pollution from source to sea

On Saturday 13 July, as part of Plastic Free July, Lochaber Environmental Group (LEG), in collaboration with New Connections Lochaber, hosted the first in a series of screenings planned by the Highland Community Waste Partnership (HCWP) of X Trillion, a documentary about pioneering ocean plastics research in the North Pacific Ocean.

Released earlier this year, X Trillion follows the gruelling journey of eXXpedition’s all-women crew, led by ocean advocate Emily Penn, as they sail 3,000 miles through the densest accumulation of ocean plastic on the planet, to carry out cutting edge microplastics research and make the unseen, seen.

The event was kicked off with a litter pick along the shoreline of Loch Linnhe, joined by X Trillion Director Eleanor Church and local volunteers. Six bags of litter were collected from the Lochside, shining a spotlight on the local impact of plastic pollution in the Highlands and the reality of litter and its journey from source to sea.

Over 40 people then came together for the screening, held at the Highland Cinema in Fort William, followed by a Q&A with director Eleanor Church, climate activist Laura Young, and LEG HCWP Officer Lesley Hawkins. Audience members had a chance to learn more about the project and about action being taken to address ocean plastics, both locally and further afield.

Following the event, Laura Young said “X Trillion is another vivid reminder of the work we all have to do to safeguard our oceans and kick the plastic habit. Seeing on the big screen the reality of what is happening off out of sight truly brings home the problem we face, but also the amazing women working in this field to solve these problems. Alongside others in Fort William and from further afield it was great to discuss the possibilities of what a sustainable future looks like in the Highlands and beyond! I feel enthused about what is possible, and have a new sense of inspiration to fuel the work I am doing!”

The event was also an opportunity to share information about some of the work of the Highland Community Waste Partnership to reduce single use items and packaging. This includes the recent launch of Refill Lochaber, which aims to promote packaging-free options in the region through the Refill app.  Any businesses in the Lochaber area, interested in adding themselves to the Refill App can contact Lesley, who will provide further information and support lesley@lochaberenviro.org.uk.

HCWP are planning more screenings of X Trillion later in the year. Our next one is on 15 August. For all other screenings, check the Events webpage.

For further action and support on reducing waste and litter, Highland businesses can visit the HCWP Conscious Consumption page.

To learn more about how Keep Scotland Beautiful is addressing litter from source to sea, visit our Upstream Battle campaign.