Plastic is inescapable. It wraps our food, fills our cupboards, and lines our pockets — yet most of us know surprisingly little about what it actually is, where it comes from, or what happens to it when we throw it away. This June, Branciforte Branch Library is bringing in an expert to help change that.
About the Event
On Wednesday, June 4th from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, the Branciforte Branch Library will host What’s All This Plastic?!?, a free public talk exploring the role of plastics in our everyday lives. The event is presented by Santa Cruz Public Libraries in partnership with the Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries – Branciforte chapter.
Meet the Speaker
The talk will be led by Rebecca Braslau, Professor of Chemistry at the University of California, Santa Cruz. With deep expertise in materials chemistry, Professor Braslau is well positioned to break down the science of plastics in a way that’s accessible and relevant to everyday life — no chemistry degree required.
Why It Matters
From microplastics turning up in drinking water to the slow breakdown of ocean debris into the food chain, plastic pollution has become one of the defining environmental challenges of our time. Understanding what plastics are made of, how they behave, and what alternatives exist is the first step toward making more informed choices — as consumers, as a community, and as advocates for our local environment.
Santa Cruz sits at the edge of Monterey Bay, one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on the West Coast. That makes conversations like this one especially meaningful here.
Come Join the Conversation
This event is free and open to the public — a great opportunity for curious adults, students, and families alike. Whether you’re a science enthusiast, an environmentally minded community member, or just someone who wants to understand the world a little better, this talk is worth your afternoon.
📍 Branciforte Branch Library, Santa Cruz 📅 June 4th, 2025 | 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Presented by Santa Cruz Public Libraries and the Branciforte Library Friends.
