Bag It

Bag It is a 2010 American documentary film directed by Suzan Beraza and starring Jeb Berrier. The thought-provoking film explores the deep-seated impact of plastic bags and other plastic consumer merchandise, highlighting their effects on our environment, marine ecosystems, and human health. Berrier, a regular American guy with a light-hearted and affable demeanor, takes us on an insightful journey to uncover the truth behind plastic pollution.

In Bag It, Berrier, who is not a radical environmentalist, starts questioning his use of plastic bags, taking this everyday item as the starting point for a global expedition. It's a simple premise – plunge into the world of plastic and attempt to understand its presence in every aspect of our lives. Berrier takes a keen interest in our environmental footprint and decides to dig deeper into our plastic-dependent society.

The film demonstrates the consequences of our disposable lifestyle by delving into where the plastic goes and how it impacts not only the planet but also our health. From our local stores to the state of the world's oceans, Berrier's quest opens our eyes to the scale of the problem.

Bag It further introduces us to the corporate influence in culture, taking an in-depth view of the plastic bag industry in America. By interviewing experts in biology, pharmacology, and geology, and even confronting the people responsible for marketing and regulating plastic bags, Berrier examines the far-reaching influence this everyday commodity has on our culture and implies an urgent need for personal and political action.

On his journey, Berrier travels to the Pacific Ocean, including the infamous Great Pacific Garbage Patch, where plastic is amassed in horrifying quantities. This deeply disturbing sight paints a grim picture of the horrendous damage that decades of plastic usage have done to our precious marine ecosystems.

The film also navigates the controversial and confusing issue of plastic regulation, raising questions about the risks associated with Bisphenol A, an organic synthetic compound used in producing plastic, and the Phthalates, a group of chemicals also used in plastic products. These issues are broken down in an informational and engaging manner, making the complex interplay between environment, health, and industry comprehensible for anyone watching.

However, beyond just establishing the problems, Bag It also offers potential solutions and encourages viewers to take individual responsibility, to refuse, reduce, reuse, and recycle. It reminds viewers of their power as consumers and drives home the idea that individuals are capable of instigating change, one plastic bag at a time.

Berrier’s affable on-screen presence and charming self-effacing humour keep the film from being a gloomy viewing experience. His relatable nature and personal journey make the unfolding narrative compelling. Despite the film's serious message and harrowing findings, Berrier maintains a playful, almost innocent approach, making Bag It resonate long after the credits roll.

Featuring interviews with experts like Jared Blumenfeld, International Environmental Law Expert, and Martin Bourque, representative of Ecology Center, the movie provides expert opinion and factual evidence to substantiate its exploration. These interviews lend credibility to Bag It's findings and help turn the abstract concept of environmental protection into a tangible and immediate concern.

Throughout the film, the cinematography and editing successfully evoke a sense of urgency while the informative narrative keeps the audience engaged. Coordinating with factual data and personal anecdotes, the film skilfully instils awareness and stimulates dialogue.

Bag It is an enlightening and empowering film embodying the very essence of the phrase—every little helps. As such, the film is a motivational nudge, an educational eye-opener, and a heartfelt appeal to viewers to rethink their relationship with plastic. It manages to infuse humour into a serious problem while spreading important, actionable messages about environmental responsibility. Its wider implication asks us to ponder how we might live more sustainable lives, encouraging a shift from mindless consumption towards mindful conservation.

In conclusion, Bag It is a must-watch for all, whether environmentally conscious or not. Not only does it hand viewers a mirror, making them reflect on their individual impact on the health of the planet, it also equips them with knowledge and tools to make a difference. The film teases out the complexities of our relationship with plastic and pushes us to question our complacent consumption of it. Bag It is a wake-up call packaged in a light-hearted, accessible narrative that sits right at the intersection of education, entertainment and empowerment. It innovatively uses entertainment to advocate for a healthier, less disposable future.