Ethan Clarke
Guts is a documentary that takes an anti-colonial, feminist view of plastic pollution. The film showcases the work of scientist Max Liboiron and her Newfoundland lab, the Civic Laboratory for Environmental Action Research (CLEAR). Liboiron believes that the only way to tackle the plastic pollution problem is to reduce the production of plastics, rather than focusing on consumer behaviour and recycling. The film also highlights how Liboiron makes scientific research accessible to members of her community and empowers citizens to engage in science at the community level.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Guts |
| Director | Noah Hutton |
| Year | 2019 |
| Subject | The Civic Laboratory for Environmental Action Research (CLEAR) |
| Focus | Research on microplastics from a feminist and anti-colonial perspective |
| Location | Newfoundland |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The documentary is called 'Guts'
The documentary is called Guts. It takes an anti-colonial, feminist view on plastic pollution and sustainability, showcasing the work of Max Liboiron and her Newfoundland lab, the Civic Laboratory for Environmental Action Research (CLEAR). CLEAR conducts research on microplastics from a unique perspective, challenging assumptions and advocating for systemic change in the plastics and petrochemical industries.
Guts provides an inside look at how Liboiron empowers citizens to engage in science at the community level, making research on plastic pollution accessible to members of her community. This growing trend is often referred to as "citizen science." In the documentary, Liboiron introduces "equitable tools" that enable anyone to test for microplastics in their local water sources. She emphasizes the importance of addressing the root cause of the problem by reducing plastic production rather than focusing solely on recycling.
The film also highlights the global impact of plastic pollution, with CLEAR scientists working with beachcombers in Scotland to monitor fishing tags originating in Canada and tracking plastics in sediment, surface waters, and on shorelines. Guts underscores the urgency of the plastic pollution crisis, as the global recycling rate remains below 20%, and China's ban on importing contaminated plastic waste in 2018 has led to a displacement of plastic waste to other Southeast Asian countries.
Through Guts, filmmaker Noah Hutton captures Liboiron's sharp critiques and empathetic engagement with others' viewpoints, offering a compelling and invigorating perspective on the plastic pollution problem.
DMSO and Plastic Roller Balls: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$5.99
It showcases the Civic Laboratory for Environmental Action Research (CLEAR)
The Civic Laboratory for Environmental Action Research (CLEAR) is a lab based in Newfoundland that focuses on researching microplastics from a feminist and anti-colonial perspective. CLEAR was founded by Max Liboiron, who takes an anti-colonial, feminist view on pollution. Liboiron's work has been featured in the documentary Guts, which provides an inside look at the lab and its research on plastic pollution and sustainability.
CLEAR takes an "epistemic approach" to its work, meaning that its scientific protocols, ethics, and research designs are informed by its feminist and anti-colonial perspective. This approach challenges the assumptions and methodologies of traditional scientific research. For example, Liboiron argues that the focus should be on the top of the pollution pipe (the plastics and petrochemical industries) rather than the end, and that reducing plastic consumption is not an effective way to address the problem of plastic pollution. Instead, she advocates for a decrease in the production of plastics.
CLEAR also believes in the importance of "citizen science" and empowering citizens to engage in science at the community level. To this end, Liboiron has invented "equitable tools" that allow anyone to conduct microplastics testing on their waterways using cheap and readily available materials. This makes it possible for people in rural areas to monitor the level of microplastic contamination in their local water sources.
The lab works with beachcombers in Scotland to report on the presence of fishing tags originating in Canada and monitors plastics "whenever and wherever" it can—in sediment, surface waters, and on shorelines. This work is urgent, as plastic pollution is quickly spinning out of control, with a global recycling rate of less than 20%. Since China banned the import of contaminated plastic waste in 2018, the displacement of plastic waste has led to even more environmental concerns.
Installing Plastic Basement Window Covers: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It takes an anti-colonial, feminist view on plastic pollution
The documentary "Guts" by Taylor Hess and Noah Hutton takes an anti-colonial, feminist view on plastic pollution. It showcases the work of scientist Max Liboiron and her lab, the Civic Laboratory for Environmental Action Research (CLEAR). CLEAR conducts research on microplastics and plastic pollution from this unique perspective, challenging assumptions and the scientific status quo.
Liboiron's work focuses on the systemic problems in science and the plastic pollution crisis. She empowers citizens to engage in science at the community level, making research accessible to members of her community. This growing trend is often referred to as "citizen science." She has developed equitable tools that allow anyone to conduct microplastics testing on their waterways using cheap or readily available materials. This enables people, especially in rural areas, to monitor the level of microplastic contamination in their local water sources.
In the documentary, Liboiron challenges the idea that individual consumer behavior changes, like recycling, will significantly impact the plastic pollution crisis. Instead, she argues for a drastic reduction in the production of plastics, stating that "your consumer behaviors do not matter. Not on the scale of the problem." She also advocates for removing subsidies from oil and holds the plastics and petrochemical industries accountable as the primary source of plastic pollution.
The film provides an inside look at CLEAR's research on plastic pollution and sustainability. It highlights Liboiron's belief that science is inherently political and that the status quo in scientific research is often inadequate. By showcasing Liboiron's work, the documentary offers a unique perspective on the plastic pollution crisis and potential solutions, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and systemic change.
Enhance Plastic Picture Frames: Creative DIY Ideas
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It highlights the need to focus on the source of the problem
The documentary "Guts" by Taylor Hess and Noah Hutton offers an inside look at the Civic Laboratory for Environmental Action Research (CLEAR) and its research on plastic pollution and sustainability. It highlights the need to focus on the source of the problem, which is the plastics and petrochemical industries, rather than just monitoring the harm caused by plastic pollution.
In the film, Max Liboiron, the founder of CLEAR, emphasizes that the only effective way to address the plastic pollution problem is to reduce the production of plastics, as opposed to dealing with plastic waste after it has been created. Liboiron argues that individual consumer behaviors and recycling efforts are not enough to make a significant impact on the scale of the problem. This is evident in the global recycling rate, which is less than 20%, and the displacement of plastic waste to Southeast Asian countries after China banned the import of contaminated plastic waste in 2018.
To support her argument, Liboiron has made her research accessible to the community through "citizen science." CLEAR has invented devices that allow anyone to conduct microplastics testing on their waterways using cheap and readily available materials. This empowers citizens to monitor the level of microplastic contamination in their local water sources and take action at the community level.
By focusing on the source of the problem, Guts highlights the systemic issues within the plastics and petrochemical industries and advocates for a shift in the approach to plastic pollution. It emphasizes the importance of reducing plastic production and removing subsidies from oil to address the growing threat of microplastics on human health and the environment.
Overall, the documentary Guts takes a unique anti-colonial and feminist approach to plastic pollution, challenging the status quo and empowering citizens to engage in science and take action against plastic pollution at its source.
Matt Rife's Plastic Surgery: What's the Truth?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It features scientist Max Liboiron
The documentary Guts by Taylor Hess and Noah Hutton offers an inside look at the Civic Laboratory for Environmental Action Research (CLEAR), directed by scientist Max Liboiron. The film explores the lab's research on plastic pollution and sustainability, as well as Liboiron's unique approach to science. Liboiron, a Canadian researcher and designer, is known for their contributions to the study of plastic pollution and citizen science.
Liboiron's work at CLEAR, based at Memorial University in Newfoundland and Labrador, involves creating research methods that bring humility, accountability, and good land relations into the scientific process. This is reflected in their book, "Pollution is Colonialism," which critiques the colonial underpinnings of environmental policies and the science upon which they are based. Liboiron extends this critique to recycling, arguing that the focus should be on reducing plastic production rather than individual consumer behaviour.
In the documentary, Liboiron challenges well-intentioned recyclers to examine the limitations of their actions. They assert that the only effective way to combat plastic pollution is to drastically reduce the production of plastics. Liboiron's inventions, which they call "equitable tools," enable citizens to monitor microplastic contamination in local water sources. These tools empower individuals to engage in community-level science and contribute to data collection.
Liboiron's work extends beyond plastic pollution to include broader scientific practices. They advocate for equity in academia, challenging traditional power structures and incorporating intersectional social standing into the scientific process. Liboiron's academic journey began in rural Alberta, where they initially studied science before transitioning to the fine arts. They eventually returned to science, obtaining a PhD in science and technology studies, reflecting their interdisciplinary approach to knowledge.
How Plastics Can Trick Metal Detectors
You may want to see also
