The Alternative Press

LIVINGSTON, NJ - Green Team members Tom Measday and Joan Cohen pantomime the message "Just say no to plastic bags," to publicize the film "“Bag it”," which will be shown on Wednesday, March 20 at 7 pm at the library as part of the Bicentennial Environmental Film Series.

The Livingston Green Team, Public Library and the Recycling & Reclamation Committee will co-sponsor the film ““Bag it” -  Is your Life Too Plastic?” on Wednesday, March 20 at 7 pm at the Livingston Public Library.  This is the fourth film in the Environmental Film Series to celebrate the Bicentennial theme for March – Livingston at 200 Getting Greener.   The film is free to the public and no reservation is necessary.  There will be a discussion after the film.  Those who sign a pledge to use reusable bags instead of plastic bags will receive a Livingston Living Green reusable bag that compacts down into a pouch when

This 74 minute film follows Jeb Berrier, an average American guy, admittedly not a "tree hugger," who makes a pledge to stop using plastic bags. His girlfriend, Anne, joins him in the challenge to decrease their use of plastic at home. This small action gets Jeb thinking about plastic not just about plastic bags, but other kinds of plastic. "What is plastic made of? Is it recyclable? Does it decompose when it ends up in the landfill? Does plastic have negative health effects?" Jeb wants to learn more, so he embarks on a global tour to unravel the complexities of our plastic world.

Jeb begins his journey by delving into the history of the plastic bag and how they have become a ubiquitous part of our daily lives. Only 50 years ago, plastic bags did not exist! Jeb travels around the world to find better possible models. Plastic bags then lead Jeb into the world of 'single-use disposable' plastic. Jeb goes into a well-known coffee chain and is incensed to see everyone sitting inside using to-go cups. Jeb alludes to our 'culture of convenience'- we want everything now and FAST! Most people don't even think about the massive amount of plastic wrappers, food containers, bottles and packaging materials that make up an average American's plastic waste per year- 800 lbs!

Upon thinking about this massive amount of waste from only single use disposables, Jeb then begins to consider the rest of our waste. What really happens to items that have the chasing arrows recycling symbol on them? Do they all really get recycled? What do the numbers mean? Jeb does quite a bit of research on the matter and still finds himself confused. Turns' out, recycling is very confusing, and “Bag It” attempts to get to the bottom of this.

“Bag it” explores the impact of plastic on marine life. Plastic never fully degrades, and when it is thrown "away," some of it finds its way into our waterways, and eventually, our oceans. Plastic breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces, and marine animals are ingesting these bits of plastic . . . and it's killing them. It is estimated that over a hundred thousand birds and marine animals die each year from ingesting, or getting entangled in, plastic debris. Jeb learns that the chemicals in plastics are making their way up the food chain and straight onto our dinner plates.

While “Bag it” is a film that deals with a serious subject, the film's tone and mood is kept light to keep audiences engaged and entertained. “Bag it” will draw in a broad range of people to the film, not just environmentalists. While many environmental films leave viewers disheartened and feeling helpless, “Bag it” will leave viewers feeling empowered, informed, and excited to create change starting today!