Film:
- Film review
Message of the film: The message of the film is that the mass production of plastics is taking a toll on the Earth, returning in the form of microplastics in our reusable water and affecting marine life. These microplastics are very small but toxic to our bodies. Overall, while plastic is a convenient material to use because of its durability, it comes at a cost to our planet.
Summary: First, the film talks about how plastic was discovered pretty recently (the 1950s). Since then, we have been producing plastic items one after another, leading to a buildup in landfills and oceans. The movie then explores ways to help the environment, such as buying clothing made from non-plastic materials, recycling aluminum cans, cleaning out food containers properly, etc.
Biases: There are many challenges in reducing plastic use because there is a lack of alternatives, and plastic is cheap, affordable, and durable. People tend to be biased toward continuing to use plastic. For example, most people I know prefer single-use plastic straws over paper ones because paper straws are usually bound to get soggy, causing discomfort.
Reflection:
Before watching the film, I did not know that plastic in the oceans was that big of an impact. I learned about microplastics turning up in filtered water and how the majority of “recycled items” actually end up elsewhere.
I find it very jarring that every single plastic item that has been made is still with us today because they decompose very slowly.
2. Photos
