Members are invited to initiate or just participate in a fun and purposeful outreach activity. We have purchased 2 copies of the award-winning documentary, Bag It, with public screening rights. It is a touching and often flat-out-funny film, where we follow “everyman” Jeb Berrier, an average American who decides to take a closer look at our cultural love affair with plastics. We are asking members and friends to reach out to a school, library, religious organization, or other location to schedule an event.

Bag It Intro from Suzan Beraza on Vimeo.


NJEL will provide:
• Poster for publicity • DVD
• Speaker for your venue!

The goal is to increase awareness of the problems caused by our plastic throw-away society and to share positive steps being taken by other communities. In addition, we want to inform the public about the mission of NJEL.

Americans use 60,000 plastic bags every five minutes, disposable bags thrown away without a thought, but . . . there is no such place as “away”.

Every bit of plastic that has ever been created still exists and keeps degrading into smaller and smaller pieces. Incinerated plastics give off toxic chemicals into the atmosphere. In the ocean, plastic waste accumulates in the gyres which are becoming swirling seas of  debris. Marine life ingests the tiny particles of plastic mistaking it for plankton. Birds and  mammals are often found dying of starvation and dehydration with bellies full of plastic. In humans, plastics from chemicals cause reproductive problems and other health effects.

Speaker: Following the film, an NJEL member can lead a discussion about local initiatives to reduce plastic waste.  If available, the discussion could also include the film maker or main character in the film (over Skype), or a scientist studying the problem or a member of the town Environmental Commission.

Contact info@njel.org or 732-261-3899 to schedule a screening or to get more info.