Welcome to the Plastic: The Last Straw podcast, a mini-series where we'll be tackling the plastics problem, as we hear from the experts and organisations who are working in the field! Check back soon for our first episode, where we'll be entering into 'The Plastic Age'.

In today's episode, prepare to enter The Plastic Age as we hear from UNE’s Dr Martin Gibbs, Siobhan Threlfall from Ocean Watch and UNE’s Dr Susan Wilson. We’ll be setting the scene as we learn about the history of plastic, what it actually is, why it’s such an issue and what we should be doing about it.

In episode two we're giving you a front-row seat in the battle of plastic vs the planet, as we hear from experts from Flinders University, OceanWatch Australia and The University of New England about how Australia's unique environment is faring in the fight against plastic pollution.

In episode three, we’re holding the magnifying glass over ourselves as we learn about the consequences of plastic pollution on human health. Join us as we hear from Dr Michaela Lucas from the University of Western Australia about her ongoing clinical trial, and from Associate Professor Amy Lykins, about ‘eco-anxiety’ and the impact of global, ecological issues on mental health.

In the final episode of this series, we’re hearing from the 2023 NSW Young Australian of the Year recipient, Lottie Dalziel. Lottie is the founder of the educational community/platform, Banish, and is on a mission to make Australia more sustainable. Lottie talks about how simple actions can domino into larger change and how harnessing the power of community might be the key to confronting plastic pollution.