SEAS Events

Turn inspiration into impact with insights from researchers, scientists, artists, and activists tackling the question: What can we do about single-use plastics?

The U-M Museum of Art, U-M Arts Initiative, the Graham Sustainability Institute, and UMS join forces to offer this illuminating event designed to share diverse perspectives and empower individual action.

Single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, straws, and cutlery, have become a major environmental concern due to their widespread use and presence as a global polluter. These plastics can take hundreds of years to break down, and, in the process, release harmful chemicals into the environment.

During the event, the diverse panel of experts will explore various ways to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics, such as using reusable alternatives, implementing policies to reduce plastic production and consumption, and promoting recycling and proper waste management. The speakers will also discuss the role that individuals, businesses, and governments can play in addressing this issue.

Venue

Helmut Stern Auditorium at UMMA, University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Livestream

Panel

Lashaun Jackson, Graham Sustainability Scholar

Samuel McMullen, Co-Founder, Live Zero Waste

Shelie Miller, Professor, Director, Program in the Environment; Jonathan W. Bulkley Collegiate Professor of Sustainable Systems; U-M Distinguished Faculty Fellow in Sustainability, SEAS

Meredith Miller, Associate Professor of Architecture, Taubman College

Thomas Moran, Associate Professor of Architecture, Taubman College; collaborator, Thing Thing

Genevieve Rattray, Director of Environmental Initiatives and Affairs for the Belle Isle Conservancy and Founder & Chair of the Detroit River Coalition

Hannah Tizedes, Artist and Environmentalist

The Plastic Bag Store by Robin Frohardt is co-presented by University of Michigan Museum of Art, the University Musical Society, and the U-M Graham Sustainability Institute, with support from the U-M Arts Initiative.