10 documentaries to watch to understand the plastic problem
3/20/2024
by :
Lucile de Castelbajac
Broadcast in 2017 by the British group BBC, the documentary Blue Planet II is ringing the alarm. The level of plastic pollution in the oceans is rising, causing destruction to underwater flora and fauna. The documentary puts an emphasis on the aesthetic aspect and the images filmed with state-of-the-art technology are eye-catching.
Where to watch: BBC One, BBC America, Amazon, Itunes, Netflix
Plastic is intertwined throughout our daily lives: straws, shopping bags, toothbrushes, face creams, pens and even clothing. But plastic is not fantastic. In A Plastic Ocean, the Australian journalist Craig Lesson teamed up with diver Tanya Streeter, scientists and researchers to uncover the alarming impact of plastic on marine ecosystems around the world.
Where to watch it: Netflix, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu, Itunes
Prior to 2018, China received ten million tons of plastic waste each year from developed countries around the world. That Plastic is often sorted and processed in unregulated recycling workshops. Plastic China follows the lives of two families who have their workshops: Pen and her daughter Yi Jie, who grows up uneducated playing in vast hills of plastic waste; and her boss. Over time, one man prospers through the exploitation of others, showing the realities of global consumer capitalism.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Google Play, Itunes, Vimeo On Demand
This film was made by 13-year-old Dylan D'Haeze to help children, but also adults, understand the problem of plastic pollution and what we can all do about it. Dylan wanted to know what happened to the plastic when it is thrown away, so he began to investigate. It is a truly inspiring and very informative film from a 13-year-old perspective that shows us all how kids really can help save the planet.
Where to watch it: http://www.kidscansavetheplanet.com/plasticisforever.html
Join Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons in his movie to discover the scope and effects of the global waste problem as he travels the world to beautiful places contaminated by plastic. It presents an informative and enlightening perspective, highlighting the possibilities in changing our way of life to ensure a sustainable future.
Where to watch it: Youtube
Vice explored the North Pacific Gyre, home of Plastica Island: a mythical island the size of Texas made entirely of our trash.
Where to watch it: Youtube
American Masters 'A Fierce Green Fire, chronicles 50 years of global environmental activism from the 1960s to 2009. Narrated by Robert Redford, Meryl Streep, Ashley Judd, Van Jones and Isabel Allende, the film is divided into five acts: the conservation movement, the pollution and cleanup, Greenpeace, global resources and climate change.
Donde mirarlo: PBS
This 30-minute documentary explores the history of straws and the problems of single-use products. Narrated partially by Oscar winner Tim Robbins, it is an interesting documentary for all generations. You'll definitely never use straws again after watching this!
Where to watch it: http://www.strawsfilm.com/
Jeb Berrier, an "average" man, decides to stop using plastic bags. This makes him think about the plastic used, and so begins his journey to get to the bottom of the reality behind the plastic. This amusing story will answer all your questions about plastic: what is it? Can it be recycled? How does it affect us? Instead of feeling discouraged and gloomy about the state of the planet, this documentary will leave you empowered and ready to take action.
Where to watch it: Youtube
Made as part of the Sky Ocean Rescue campaign, this 45-minute documentary explores the complexities of plastic pollution, gathering information and insights from people around the world. The problem is complex and serious, but the film gives us hope and shows that there are amazing and inspiring people everywhere trying to solve this problem. As Mumbai local Afroz Shah says, "cleaning up trash is addictive," and we agree. Together we can make a difference.
Where to watch it: Youtube