The Story of Plastics: Film Screening & Expert Panel

In November, SPG co-hosted a film screening of the Emmy award-winning documentary, The Story of Plastic. Unlike many other documentaries on the topic, The Story of Plastic did not leave viewers with the impression that they can help solve the crisis of plastic pollution solely by using reusable bags, by banning plastic straws, or even recycling. Rather, it drove home the realities of the oil and gas industry and their creation of the crisis, and drew attention to the communities that are disproportionately burdened by the waste. It was an exposé that called on those who have created the crisis to be held responsible for solving it.

Following the screening, SPG Co-President Bineh Ndefru moderated a panel featuring experts and advocates to discuss the future of plastic pollution in California and beyond. Senator Ben Allen, discussed SB 54, the strongest anti-plastic pollution policy ever passed in the United States. The bill establishes producer responsibility for packaging in the US, reducing the burden for the average citizen who, at the point of use, can do little to prevent the accumulation of plastic pollution. The panel also featured Clara Castronovo–Board Chair for CALPIRG Students, Sam Pearse–Campaign Manager for The Story of Stuff Project, and Daniel Coffee–Project Manager at the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation whose research has influenced much of the policy strategy for plastic pollution in LA.