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THE BIRTH OF

PLASTIC FREE BOY

WORDS by Rosie Wang
Standing on an idyllic Byron Bay beach, 11-year-old Arlian Ecker His message has now spread throughout the world to more than a
watched as three turtles swam back into the ocean after being rescued million students. Current Affair, ABC and other national TV
and rehabilitated. This heartening moment was to be etched into the channels have documented his amazing journey over the years. He
young Arlian as he vowed there and then that he wanted to make a even has support from Byron Bay resident and Hollywood star, Chris
difference. Hemsworth, who messaged him: “Well done Arlian for having the
“I saw the effect that plastic had on marine animals, and I wanted to courage and passion to stand up and fight for something so important.”
make a difference” Arlian said. “I wanted to know what I could do as a In four years Arlian has presented to 110 schools and been invited to
kid to get other kids to care about plastic in the ocean too.” speak at conferences worldwide.
With this resolve “Plastic Free Boy”, as he is now affectionately called, Plastic Free Boy was featured in 2017 on ABC’s dirtgirlworld and
was mobilised into action and with the help of his film making Get Grubby TV, creating a real life superhero in addition to the
mother, Karin, they produced a film about the effects of plastic on animated character, an environmental ‘tour de force’, to help inform
animals called “Plastic Alarm’. and influence the next generation on promoting the benefit of trees,
healthy plant life, composting, and plastic environment awareness.

“Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future”
– J.F. Kennedy

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