Every single piece of plastic ever made since way back in the 19th century survives somewhere on planet Earth and the effect is devastating.

Scientists are looking into this as single-use plastic objects continue to be used with reckless abandon.

Plastic Planet is an exhibition with a difference taking place at this year’s Science in the City being held in Valletta on Friday in the hope that it would help people understand the need to curb their desire for all things plastic.

Fifteen bird boxes will be hung from the trees in Great Siege Square with startling messages inside, all pointing to the fact that people are responsible for the creation of a hideous plastic planet.

Chemicals used in the creation of plastic for consumer products, including food packaging, also have negative health effects and may, for example, disrupt normal breast development in ways that predispose women to later-life breast cancer.

Science in the City is part of the EU-wide celebration of European Researchers’ Night. It is funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions of the Horizon 2020 Programme of the EU, and a number of corporate sponsors. It is recognised as a festival by Europe for Festivals and Festivals for Europe.

The exhibition is organised by a national consortium led by the University of Malta and the Malta Chamber of Scientists together with the University’s Research Trust in partnership with the Education Ministry , the Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation, Jugs Malta, Studio 7, MEUSAC, MCST, Esplora, the Valletta council, the Malta College for Arts, Science and Technology, PBS, Notte Bianca, Spazju Kreattiv, Pjazza Teatru Rjal, the AquaBioTech Group, the Central Bank of Malta, Wasteserv and others.

The full programme can be viewed here.