Community members came out last Friday in support of Assemblymember Holly Mitchell’s (D-Culver City) Environment Cabinet Committee to watch the documentary film “Bag It,” and to participate in an after-screening discussion at West Los Angeles College.
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Assemblymember Holly J. Mitchell, West L.A. College President Nabil S. Abu-Ghazaleh
Produced by Reel Thing Productions in association with the Telluride Institute, Bag It is a powerful look at the impacts of plastics on society.
The film focuses on plastic as it relates to Americans’ throwaway mentality, a culture of convenience, a perceived overconsumption of unnecessary, disposable products and packaging – things that are used one time and then, without another thought, thrown away.
But where is away?
“Away” is overflowing landfills, clogged rivers, islands of trash in our oceans, and even our very own toxic bodies.
Featuring interviews with scientists and experts from around the world, Bag It is a first-person documentary in the style of Michael Moore, asking how Americans can incorporate healthy, more environmentally friendly practices into their lives, their cultures and their communities.
Following the screening, experts and advocates from the movie helped lead a discussion with members of the audience. Council members-elect Jim Clarke and Meghan Sahli-Wells were in attendance as well as West L.A. College President Nabil Abu-Ghazaleh.
“This movie was thought-provoking and compelling, not to mention very real in its portrayal of just how dependent we have become on plastic”, said Ms. Mitchell.
“I am thrilled that my Environment Cabinet was interested in screening this movie, and that we had an audience on Friday evening of people who want to get educated and engaged around this issue.”
Ms. Mitchell has an Environment Cabinet Committee that meets once a month on Wednesdays to discuss environmental issues in the community.
She will be participating in an Earth Day event on Sunday at Kenneth Hahn State Park. The event is free and open to the public. There will be greening, planting and watershed activities for children of all ages.
Information is available by contacting the assemblymember’s office, 310.342.1070.
