Green Drinks: Microplastics – What are they, what are they doing to us, and what can we do about them?

In this presentation, MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper, Anna Alsobrook, and Dr. Christine Mauck will discuss the definition of microplastics, their common sources, their health effects, and how to reduce our exposure.

Microplastics are everywhere now:  all over the news, social media – and in our air, water, and bodies.  But what are they?  Where do they come from?  How do they affect our health, and what can we do to reduce our exposure – and their presence in our environment?  Come learn about the science, the reality, and how we can make a difference.

Anna Alsobrook is MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper, facilitating water quality monitoring, citizen science, and improvement programs in the French Broad River watershed. Prior to this, she was a Peace Corps Volunteer in rural Senegal and attained her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of TN, Knoxville, where she focused her graduate degree and career on water issues. She is an avid kayaker, paddleboarder, hiker, and biker, and the convener of the Plastic-Free WNC multi-organization task force.

Christine Mauck, MD, MPH, is a physician who lives in Arden. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Health and is board-certified in Preventive Medicine and Public Health. She graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School and completed a residency in Preventive Medicine and Public Health at the Johns Hopkins University and has worked to develop contraceptives and other health products for women ever since.

Christine heads the Plastic-free WNC Microplastics and Health group. This group has published a brochure on the health effects of plastics as well as several letters to the editor of local papers, and has given talks on this subject. Their goal is to educate the public about the possible adverse effects of plastics and steps that can be taken to reduce these effects.

5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.

6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!

Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and The Local Table curated by Stump Farms. Come to Green Drinks to learn more about current environmental issues, have relevant discussions, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks, just come and listen. The Local Table offers beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.

Contact Pam Torlina, pam@conservingcarolina.org, with questions or for more information.