The Plastic Free July campaign kicks off Thursday with the world premiere of David Segall’s “Touch of Love” video, at Oniracom Headquarters.
The event will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 216 E. Gutierrez St., Santa Barbara, 93101. It is produced in conjunction with the Community Environmental Council, Santa Barbara Channelkeeper and the Adams School Ocean Guardians.
“‘Touch of Love’ tells the story of going the extra mile to preserve, heal and protect our ocean. It demonstrates how a youthful and optimistic outlook of being the change we wish to see inspires us to live a life of ‘love in action,'” said Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival Director Kathi King in a press release.
The video features the Adams Elementary School Ocean Guardians and fish ‘puppet’ sculptures from Matthew McAvene, along with a variety of community members coming together to celebrate and preserve our beaches and ocean environment, according to the press release. In the video, students share their ‘save the sea’ message, participate in a beach clean-up, and spread the ‘plastic free’ message.
Community Environmental Council and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper have partnered on single-use plastics reduction in the region for more than a decade.
“Working together, they have successfully advocated for bans on plastic bags, Styrofoam food containers, and the recent straw/stirrer ban in the City of Santa Barbara. In addition to advocating for policies, they also work to educate the community about the impacts of single-use plastics to the environment and ocean, encouraging more sustainable choices,” according to the press release.
As part of the Plastic Free July campaign, the community is invited to join the Community Environmental Council and partners around the world in the challenge to ‘Choose to Refuse’ single-use plastics during the month of July.
“We can all be part of the solution to plastic pollution! The challenge is simple: commit to refusing ALL single-use plastic, or at minimum the top 4: plastic bags, water bottles, takeaway coffee cups, and straws,” said Ms. King.
In addition to video screenings, the event will feature songwriter David Segall in a special live performance with his band. Refreshments will be served, including fresh, local, veggies donated by Local Harvest and beer from Draughtsmen Aleworks.
“Please bring your own cup!” said Ms. King.
There will also be a fundraiser drawing that will include a sailing excursion for two in the beautiful Santa Barbara Harbor, a private acoustic concert, and reusable items for a successful Plastic Free July. All ages are welcome.
A suggested donation of $5/person will help cover production costs, but Ms. King said no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
For more information go to the event page at Facebook.com/events/2351989841708037or call 805-963-0583 Ext. 108.
