Special Guest Talk: Maya Meena’s Last Straw

Plastic pollution is a well discussed concern as a major environmental crisis. The disastrous effects of it are already seen far and wide, drawing attention to the gravity of the situation. This alarm has directed academics, scientists, researchers and innovators alike to dedicate research and development helping manage and mitigate the environmental impacts of plastic pollution. Common perception is that such responsibility largely falls on the aforementioned parties to solve our predicament of the indestructible plastic. Another common view is that protecting and healing the earth is overwhelming and unachievable therefore an impossible undertaking by a ‘non green’ person. Maya Meena’s Last Straw was founded in 2018 by a 3year old who passionately believes that we do not need millions doing things perfectly, we just need millions doing SOMETHING. Maya Meena’s Last Straw proposes the simplicity of beginning with the plastic straw. In this presentation, Maya Meena aims to stage her oath to our Plastic Warriors committed to finding solutions, mitigating processes or innovation to manage our plastic waste that she will aid them in the means of making better choices every day so that everyday people like her and families like hers can take steps to “turn off the faucet as tightly as we can” so the true work of healing our earth can take place. Highlights of steps she has personally taken in reducing plastic waste as well as the barriers keeping her from them will be shared.