Oct. 9: Minnesota State Mankato to Host Screening of Documentary Film 'Plastic People'

Thursday, October 9, 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Ostrander Auditorium

Mankato, Minn. – Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Department of Health Science is hosting a screening of the 2024 award-winning feature documentary, “Plastic People,” on Thursday, Oct. 9 from 5-7 p.m. in MSU’s Ostrander Auditorium, located in Centennial Student Union.

The 80-minute film screening is free and open to the public, with free parking available in the visitors pay lot (lot 4), across from Centennial Student Union. Advance registration is requested at https://bit.ly/plasticmsu.

Following the screening, attendees are invited to participate in a Q&A discussion with experts, including:

• Mary Kosuth, University of Minnesota Institute of the Environment researcher featured in the film
• Joshua Toor, engagement and policy manager, Eureka Recycling
• Jane Dow, environmental and social justice activist, co-chair of Mankato Area Zero Waste and Beyond Plastics – Greater Mankato Area
• Steph Putzier, retired from internal medicine and member of Beyond Plastics – Greater Mankato Area

According to a provided synopsis of the film, “Plastic People” explores humanity’s growing dependence on plastic and the emerging health risks posed by microplastics—tiny fragments that result when plastic materials break down. Once released, microplastics contaminate the air, water and soil, becoming a permanent part of our environment. Increasingly, researchers are detecting these particles in the human body, including in organs, blood, brain tissue and even the placentas of new mothers. The film raises urgent questions: What impact do these invisible pollutants have on human health—and what can be done to address them?

For more information, contact Mary Kramer, associate professor in Minnesota State Mankato’s Department of Health Science, by email at mary.kramer-1@mnsu.edu or by phone at 507-389-1422.

The event is organized by the Minnesota State Mankato Department of Health Science’s HLTH 361 Health Communications and Advocacy class, Eta Sigma Gamma student honorary, the Minnesota State Mankato Environmental Committee, Eureka Recycling and Mankato Area Zero Waste.

The Minnesota State Mankato Department of Health Science is part of the University’s College of Allied Health and Nursing. The Department of Health Science is committed to promoting health, preventing disease and improving quality of life through education, scholarships and service to the local, national and international community.

Minnesota State Mankato, a comprehensive university with 15,251 students, is part of the Minnesota State system, which includes 26 colleges and seven universities.