This video will introduce you to the plastic “life-cycle” which pollutes at each stage.
Video Credit:
This video was produced by The Story of Stuff Project and is a condensed version of the Story of Plastic feature-length documentary. Check out our Story of Plastic – Watch the Film action to learn more and watch the film.
Journaling Ideas
- Which parts of the plastic lifecycle directly affect your community? (Fossil fuel extraction, plastic production, plastics being marketed over traditional materials, incinerators, landfills, litter??)
- Most plastic is made from fossil fuel. How does that fact change the way you think about the plastic pollution problem?
Processing overwhelm
Plastic pollution is an overwhelming problem. It’s important to understand that there are thousands of people and hundreds of organizations working to bring awareness to this issue, and to find ways to reduce human reliance on plastics. There are also many ways that you can get involved. Check out our Actions and Solution Set pages to find a way to get involved that fits for you.
Action is the antidote to overwhelm
Related Resources
Lesson: The Problem with Plastics
Brainstorm and discuss the benefits and consequences of plastic.
Grades 4 and up
30 minutes
Lesson: How and where are plastics made?
Find out how plastics are produced in the US and find out how it impacts communities using geography tools like our GIS interactive map.
Co-created with FracTracker Alliance
Grades 7 and up
30 to 60 minutes
Toolkit: The Story of Plastic Documentary
This feature-length Emmy-winning documentary reveals the human side of the plastic problem.
Grades 8 and up
2 hours (90 min screening time)
Students Take Action!
Pack a Litterless Lunch
Keep building your plastic-less habits.
Explore Uplifting Solutions
Learn from experts about how we can address plastic pollution locally and globally.
#SkipTheStuff
Learn about this policy action being implemented in many cities to reduce single use food accessories.
Ask Your Elders
Learn about how your elders maximized their resources before the deluge of “disposables”.
Explore more
Breathe This Air: A #PlasticJustice Film by Peak Plastic Foundation
Learn about a powerful tactic for creating a more just world: listening to and amplifying the stories and solutions shared by people being harmed by plastic production and disposal.
