The public is invited to a free presentation titled “Thinking Like an Island: How to Survive the Plastic Pollution Pandemic” that will be offered by Hannah Bernard from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Wednesday meeting of Maui Nui Marine Resource Council at The Sphere at Maui Ocean Center. Doors will open at 5. Advance reservations are recommended at bit.ly/MauiPlasticPollution.

“While scientists and politicians may argue about climate change and its impact on our world ocean, the world is waking up to the devastating reality of the oceanic plastic plague,” said Bernard, the co-founder and executive director of Hawai’i Wildlife Fund. “After several decades of local awareness-raising, we are at a tipping point worldwide where plastic pollution of the ocean is widely recognized as one of the greatest threats of our time to the ocean ecosystem and even human health.”

Bernard’s talk will focus on ways individuals help turn the tide on the plastic plague and why there’s hope for the future.

“We are excited to have this opportunity to share Hannah Bernard’s extensive knowledge about plastic pollution with the community,” said Amy Hodges, program manager at Maui Nui Marine Resource Council. “She’ll be sharing the latest findings about plastic pollution and offering common-sense ideas for ways to slow down and perhaps even stop the ‘plastic plague’ that is threatening our ocean and all marine wildlife.”

The meeting will also include updates on Maui Nui Marine Resource Council’s programs, including results from its ocean water quality monitoring program along the shores of South and West Maui and its program to improve ocean water quality at Maalaea Bay.