"Story of Plastic" Discussion Questions Answered
Discussion Questions credits: here
My hero from in the film was the woman lawyer from Indonesia. Every time talked, she was dropping truth bombs. Talking about corporation’s products in developing countries, she said,
“If their product isn’t able to be recycled not only in the country where it’s produced but also in the country where it ends up. They shouldn’t be producing that kind of product.”
In order to address the problem at the source, we need to call out companies and officials who need to be a part of the solution.
The film reminds me to question the plastic usage of my workplace. In 2019, I got my company to switch from styrofoam cups to paper cups (#babysteps). But I realized after some time in 2020, they reverted back to their old ways.. I need to remind the office supply buyer again to stop buying the styrofoam cups.
Oil and gas extraction exists in Los Angeles, a little too close to where people live. I notice oil extraction site in Torrance and El Segundo (near LAX Airport). It can cause cancer, water contamination, other negative health and safety impacts. Stand-LA Coalition is a local group asking for a 2,500 feet health and safety buffer. As an individual I can sign the petitions Stand-LA sends my way and call my councilmen and Governor to let them know I feel strongly about this issue. To find out more, Visit https://www.stand.la/
If I could reimagine a life without single-use plastics, it would look like reusable receptacles or people growing their food at home. People would shop at farmer’s markets or the produce section and bulk bin section of the market. Reusable receptacles would look like cotton drawstring bags, tote bags, jars, multiple-use plastic. Providing customer what they demand in glass, aluminum or real biodegradable materials.
The future is using reusable, plastic-free grocery delivery services, such as Wally, or Loop. These companies should work with more brands to deliver goods that people want. I’m throwing it out in the universe, I would like Flamin’ Hot Cheetos in a plastic-free container I can return and can be reused. Loop also works with Haagen Daas to provide ice cream. Here’s hoping Loop will expand to the West Coast soon.
Corporations have been pushing pro-plastic narratives for decades. Oil companies created “Alliance to End Plastic Waste,” a load of greenwashing bullshit. It’s important to note: Plastic is an by-product of oil. “Alliance to End Plastic Waste committed to $1.5 billion to clean up while $204 Billion goes to +334 new Petrochemical facilities.” There’s something wrong with that.
Bioplastics are still a part of the pro-plastic narrative. Promoting Bioplastic is a green-washing because it can still be composed partly of plastic. Usually these require special facilities and higher temperatures to degrade. These facilities don’t exist on the West Coast. A bio-based plastic also does not mean it’s “biodegradable,” meaning it does not return back to the Earth’s soil. In order to be better, the product is bio-based and biodegradable. Overall, reusable is the best way to go.
Sadly it is the low-income, people of color are the communities that are most affected by these issues. We need to action.
ACTION ALERT:
Talk about plastic pollution with your friends and family!
Watch the movie, Tweet or Post about the issues from the film using #StoryofPlastic #Breakfreefromplastic. Call out the companies and officials who need to be a part of the solution.