Follow Jeb Berrier, an average American guy who isn't a "tree hugger," as he makes a pledge to stop using plastic bags. His girlfriend, Anne, joins him in reducing plastic use at home. This small act prompts Jeb to ask bigger questions about plastic: What is plastic made of? Is it recyclable? Does it decompose when it ends up in the landfill? Does plastic have negative health effects? He sets off on a global tour to unravel the complexities of our plastic world.
Jeb begins by tracing the history of the plastic bag and how these ubiquitous items became woven into daily life. Fifty years ago, plastic bags did not exist; now they are everywhere. He travels around the world in search of better models. In Ireland, a small fee on plastics leads to a dramatic drop in use — more than 90%. He visits communities in the United States that have implemented or proposed bag bans and fees, and the film reveals the politics behind the issue. He discovers that the American Chemistry Council (the ACC) has invested significant money to keep plastic bag use free.
From bags, the film expands to the broader world of single-use disposables. At a well-known coffee chain, he is struck by how many patrons sit inside while using to-go cups. He reflects on our culture of convenience—a desire for things now and fast—that generates enormous plastic wrappers, food containers, bottles, and packaging. The film notes that the average American creates about 800 pounds of plastic waste each year.
The story then turns to recycling itself. What happens to items bearing the chasing arrows? Do they always get recycled? What do the numbers on the symbols mean? Jeb digs into the complexities and sometimes confusing reality of recycling. BAG IT attempts to get to the bottom of these questions and to separate myth from practice.
A turning point comes when Jeb and Anne reveal they are going to have a baby. The news adds a personal dimension, as they describe their hopes, nerves, planning, and joy about the child. The prospect of a family gives new meaning to the responsibility of creating a world for their child.
The documentary also examines the impact of plastic on marine life. Plastic never fully degrades, and discarded items can end up in waterways and oceans. It breaks down into smaller pieces that marine animals may ingest or become entangled in, leading to the deaths of tens of thousands of animals each year. The chemicals in plastics rise up the food chain, potentially ending up on our plates.
Health concerns are explored as well. To make plastics harder or softer, manufacturers add chemicals such as Bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates. Scientific evidence links these substances to a range of health problems, especially for babies in utero and young children. The chemicals, found in cosmetics and personal care products, can leach into our bodies through the skin. The film asks who protects consumers—public health advocates or corporate profits?
Despite dealing with serious themes, the film maintains a light tone designed to engage a broad audience. It aims to empower viewers who might otherwise feel overwhelmed, offering clear information, personal stories, and practical examples of how policy changes and everyday choices can spark real change. BAG IT invites viewers to rethink plastic use and to begin making changes today.
