Arlian Ecker, worldwide known as the “Plastic Free Boy”, has been campaigning for ocean protection for many years. He is on a global mission to save the ocean from plastic pollution.
His mission began in 2017 when, on his 11th birthday, he saw three sea turtles released back into the ocean – injured by plastic. He found out that by the time he is 42, there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean. He also realised that this will not only have a big impact on the sea creatures, but also on us humans, when millions of people who depend on fish become climate refugees.
Together with his mother Karin Ecker, who is a filmmaker, the inspiring and educational documentary “Plastic Alarm” was made, which shows the problems and solutions of plastic pollution. Arlian Ecker has since brought thousands of children together by showing his film in schools around the world.
Arlian Ecker: “I believe that my generation is the key to change. Let’s make environmental protection part of school education. Through engaging and inspiring education, we can motivate children to become future leaders.
Arlian Ecker Lecture Topics
- Sustainability
As a Young Speaker on Sustainability, Arlian speaks on the importance of education and awareness as essential tools for creating change. He educates employees and stakeholders about sustainability, and the importance of implementing effective solutions, for Corporations to raise awareness and inspire action.
- Gen Z and the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Arlian’s generation will be most impacted by the SDGs, therefore, as a student/young changemaker in a time driven by systemic change, he is on a mission to co-lead the young generation toward a sustainable and innovative future, encouraging young people to get involved in their communities and take action to support the SDGs.
In his speeches, he provides and showcase a crucial link between the undeniable power of inspired young generations being incorporated in the governing to address the world’s most pressing challenges, including, climate change, water scarcity, and plastic pollution.
- Circular Economy
As a solution orientated Young Changemaker, exploring and voicing new alternatives to non-renewable resources, Arlian Ecker will explain the benefits of Circular Economy will have on the future and how it differs from the traditional linear economy. He will discuss the benefits of the Circular Economy, such as reducing waste, conserving resources, and why young people are interested in investing their time and money into the awareness of global and communal change.
- Sustainable Travel
Alongside Arlian’s Impact Documentary Filmmaker Mother, Karin Ecker, who has for the past 6 years through films documented his learning experience to become a young Change Maker, they explore with the audience the concept of sustainable travel and its role in preserving the planet’s natural and cultural heritage. Drawing from their passion for environmental conservation, they will share insights, solutions, and personal experiences to guide attendees on a transformative journey toward responsible and regenerative travel practices.
Since Arlian was 11 years old, he and his mother have been traveling to numerous ecosystems and locations, documenting his learning experience to explore meaningful solutions to environmental challenges. In their speech, they will share how they produce educational and empowering films for schools while exploring ways to support conservation efforts while traveling, i.e. participate in wildlife conservation projects, visit protected areas responsibly, and contribute to local conservation initiatives.
- Youth engagement
Arlian Ecker shares his own journey of becoming passionate about environmental conservation, particularly the fight against plastic pollution. Attendees will hear how he became motivated to take action, following in the footsteps of his Impact Documentary Film Maker, and raising awareness of education on sustainability at a young age.
Arlian will share insights on how to engage and empower youth through educational programs, workshops, and campaigns, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to become advocates for change.
- Biodiversity
Arlian underscores the vital role biodiversity plays in supporting ecosystem services, such as clean air, water, pollination and climate regulation, which are essential for human well-being. Attendees will gain insights into the major threats facing biodiversity, including habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, invasive species, and overexploitation. Emphasize the cascading effects of biodiversity loss and how it exacerbates the challenges already posed by plastic pollution.
Most importantly, Arlian will discuss various conservation strategies and actions that individuals, communities, and organizations can undertake to protect biodiversity.
- Sustainability Implementation Challenges
Through his speech, attendees will gain insights into the benefits of joining forces with like-minded young individuals, organizations, and communities. Through engaging storytelling of his personal experiences, Arlian Ecker will share critical barriers and challenges that hinder come when standing for change and the tools young people need to master to take meaningful action and create a better, cleaner future for generations to come.
These may include resistance to change, lack of awareness or understanding, limited resources, competing priorities, and the lack of inspiration for changing behaviors. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenges encountered in sustainability efforts.
Arlian Ecker inspires not only school children but all generations with his mission to protect the ocean and our waterways by highlighting scientific facts such as microplastics and its impact on human health.
His film campaign and international speaking appearances have been honoured by being nominated for Green Globe Awards. In 2019, he became a youth ambassador for Clean Up Australia Day.
As an ambassador and speaker on the environment and sustainability, Arlian Ecker speaks about how he unites and empowers future generations by working with community groups, businesses and government agencies to co-create a sustainable future.
Arlian Ecker: “I love talking to students about the importance of our environment and showing them that they can be part of the solution by developing innovative projects to solve today’s problems. I share my story and my successes to inspire them and show them that no one is too young to make a difference.”