Plastic and synthetic debris are silently choking our oceans, posing horrific impacts on marine wildlife and ecosystems. As an island continent, marine debris is particularly important for

Plastic and synthetic debris are silently choking our oceans, posing horrific impacts on marine wildlife and ecosystems. As an island continent, marine debris is particularly important for Australia. Creatures become entangled, drown, or ingest concentrated toxins, jeopardizing the food chain. Plastics also transport and introduce new species into environments.

To address this critical issue, the CSIRO research team spearheaded the world-first Marine Debris Survey, studying plastic pollution along Australia's coastline. This vital research was published on September 9, 2012, by ABC Catalyst.

TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. Organizer guidelines are here. This talk was independently

TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. Organizer guidelines are here. This talk was independently organized. Learn more at ted.com/tedx.

Global Water Dances is a visionary initiative combining participatory art and environmental activism. It uses dance and film to promote water preservation and conservation through community engagement, connecting a worldwide community of artists and environmentalists.

Anja Schäplitz, a freelance dance artist and educator, co-founded Tanz & Theater in PHYNIX, a non-profit supporting socially-engaged dance. She focuses on participative, site-specific projects, believing in cultural power to address societal challenges and foster a more just, humane society through collaboration.

De Clique is committed to creating "zero waste cities" by actively reusing and recycling all residual products. They transform waste from local caterers and businesses into fertilizer, which then

De Clique is committed to creating "zero waste cities" by actively reusing and recycling all residual products. They transform waste from local caterers and businesses into fertilizer, which then supports the production of new plants, food, and raw materials.

Their Utrecht station is the initial step in an ambitious expansion plan across Dutch cities and potentially further afield.

This talk was delivered at an independently organized TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.