Procter & Gamble launched the Activate Ending Plastic Waste documentary this morning at UNSW, as part of its drive to create the circular economy for its plastic packaging.
Activate is a six-part documentary video series which P&G has co-produced with National Geographic and the Global Citizen organisation. Speaking at the launch at UNSW, the P&G communication leader Candice Glynn said, “Activate will raise awareness on crucial inter-related issues including extreme poverty and inequality. Procter & Gamble is committed to using its voice and influence to make the world a better place, and to contribute to a sustainable planet through eliminating waste. We are thrilled with the outcome of the Active project, and proud to be part of it.”
Glynn highlighted P&G's commitment to the environment, and said that the company had already met its 2020 plastic waste targets, and is now working towards its 2030 targets, which include having 100 per cent of its plastic reused or recycled.
P&G convened an expert panel prior to the screening of an Activate episode at the launch, which comprised Global Citizen Australia country director Sarah Meredith, TV chef and ocean defender Hayden Quinn, and National Geographic underwater photographer Michaela Skovranova.
Quinn called on everyone to get active in various ways: by signing the Global Citizens petition, by using re-usable food containers, and by supporting initiatives like Sea Bin with its marina and harbour plastic recovery. He encouraged the audience to call out companies and individuals doing the wrong thing.
Meredith echoed the call for personal responsibility, then said there needs to be a public education programme on household waste. She also called on people to lobby their councils to join the zero waste cities movement.
The invited audience was then shown one of the six episodes, which highlighted environmental sustainability and the need for clean waterways. Among the 100 or so guests was star Socceroo player, TV pundit and human rights activist Craig Foster.
