Submitted by Grainne Kennedy on Mon, 2016-08-22 15:35
A fantastic way to remind people about the importance of good waste management and sustainable practices in general is to host a film screening in your department. Here are some of our favourite waste documentaries:
Length: 76 minutes
Synopsis:
In this entertaining and inspiring film, partners Grant and Jen compete against each other to see who can defy consumerism and produce the least amount of rubbish. Their struggles are set within the context of the global waste issue, which puts their efforts into stark perspective. With engaging interviews, stop motion animation and some funny and genuinely touching moments; this film has a bit of everything and, best of all, it leaves you feeling that you really can make a difference.
Length: 20 minutes
Synopsis:
Released in 2007, this mini movie takes just twenty minutes to thoroughly critique our entire global consumption system and show how we can move to a waste-free society. Quick, concise and deeply thought-provoking; it can be watched in less time than it takes to eat your lunch but it could change your perspective forever! The Story of Stuff website also features a number of other shorter films, including ‘The Story of Bottled Water’ and ‘The Story of Electronics’ that are also worth a watch.
Length: 98 minutes
Synopsis:
Presented by Jeremy Irons, this dramatic documentary demonstrates the extent and the drastic effects of our global waste problem. Our pollution has infiltrated beautiful and remote environments, contaminated oceans and posed a huge health risk to animals and humans. On a sweeping global journey that still manages to go deep into the science and details of the issues, the film captures the sheer scale of the dangers we have created for ourselves. Not the most upbeat of films, but even in this starkly honest portrayal there are moments of great hope and inspiration.
Length: 48 minutes
Synopsis:
By now, many of us have heard about the ‘Great Garbage Patch’ in the Pacific Ocean, where vast quantities of plastic have accumulated due to ocean currents. But this issue is not exclusive to the Pacific; plastic is collecting in all five global ‘gyres’, or ocean circulation systems, wreaking havoc across the oceans of the world. Following a research team’s investigation as they sail from Brazil to South Africa, ‘Plasticized’ demonstrates just how devastating the effects of our throw-away, plastic-obsessed culture is proving to be.