Music venues become a proving ground for reusable packaging
Have you seen Abbott Elementary, Hacks, or other shows that bring the plastic pollution crisis to our screens? In our work to shift the narrative in popular culture, we’ve been focused on film and television tackling the plastic pollution crisis from three angles: on set, on screen, and in the script. As our work continues to move forward, we’re seeing the changes roll in in that order, with directors, producers, and showrunners starting on set, moving to on screen, and now, adding plastic reduction into the storyline.
The on-set standard was the first and easiest for Hollywood creators to implement, by enforcing a no single-use plastic bottled water rule and providing reusable alternatives during production. Showrunners like Quinta Brunson—who created, runs, and stars in the smash hit Abbott Elementary—have openly talked about how this first step sets a mindful practice that honors everyone working on the show.
I know who probably uses plastic bottles the most and it’s our below-the-line crew members. These are the people who are carrying things, doing the hard jobs. And I was like, ‘How do you guys feel if we switch to like these really f–ing fancy water bottles, you can refill them, I’ll buy them,’ and then that was a change that got to happen from our below-the-line up. And I think that just really makes a huge difference.
— Quinta Brunson, in The Hollywood Reporter
Other showrunners, such as Lucia Aniello—one half of the creative team behind HBO’s hit Hacks—have discussed similar practices on panels and interviews, with Lucia saying at the 2024 Hollywood Climate Summit:
We work with the studio and the network to make sure we’re a sustainable set, and that just means implementing things like getting rid of plastic water bottles and eliminating as much waste as possible. […] Sometimes when you’re a showrunner, people want to give you a million choices because they want to make sure you have your options. But it’s like, please don’t go buy a bunch of plastic crap to show me or whatever.
— Lucia Aniello (Hacks)
These conscious on-set choices set the stage for mindfulness as to what is shown on screen. Gloria Calderón Kellett (One Day at a Time, The Horrors of Dolores Roach) has discussed the importance of climate conscious storytelling on screen and how it is often a no-brainer when you consider the characters in your story. Gloria notes how her approach includes centering stories on poor people and communities of color: “We were green when it was called being poor. If it was a pickle jar before, it was 500 other things after it was a pickle jar in my house,” she told Variety. And she has carried this reality into shows like One Day at a Time, where she works with the set decorators to make sure her character’s fridges are full of jars with worn-down labels versus new plastic containers, because that’s simply more accurate to the lived experience.
Reusables and Plastic Pollution Take Center Stage
When at Plastic Pollution Coalition we first launched Flip the Script on Plastics in 2021, our study with the Norman Lear Center’s Media Impact Project found that every episode of TV studied had, on average, 28 pieces of single-use plastic, and at least one “mass plastic event” —a scene with so much single-use plastic, it was impossible to count the individual items on screen. But thanks to showrunners like Brunson, Kellett, and Aniello, among many others, we’re seeing reusables take the place of single-use items on screen more and more.
The even better news is, reusables aren’t just showing up in the background to replace their single-use counterparts, they’re becoming plot points to the larger story. Like in AppleTV+’s Shrinking, where Jessica Williams’ reusable water bottle becomes not only her sidekick, but a way to build a new bond with her boss, played by Harrison Ford.
Now, showrunners like Lucia Aniello are working climate change and plastic pollution into the script. In Hacks first season, Jean Smart’s character Debrah Vance made a conscious decision, after some prodding, to switch to a reusable cup for her insatiable soda thirst. And in the newest season, the creative team has taken it even farther after conversations with Hollywood, Health and Society, Plastic Pollution Coalition, and NCRD’s Rewrite the Future: they dedicated an entire episode to addressing the climate crisis, including plastic use, in a way that felt natural to the characters.
As more shows get the message that plastic isn’t cool, and climate change is real, we’re confident that we’ll see the amount of reusables on screen skyrocket, and more episodes dedicated to tackling the issue of plastic pollution in creative ways that flip the script on plastics. And while we may not want to take Debrah Vance’s advice on a lot of things, we can all agree with her when she says, “You shouldn’t use plastic.”
Learn More and Get Involved
Learn more about Flip the Script on Plastics initiative helping the entertainment industry model real solutions to the plastic pollution crisis, both on set and in storylines. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Amelia@plasticpollutioncoalition.org.
Earlier this year we launched Independence from Plastic: A ‘micro’ plastic-free film contest, which challenged filmmakers to show us their positive vision of a plastic-free future in micro films of 60 seconds or less.
Additionally, we challenged the filmmakers to go plastic free behind the scenes, submitting a brief report detailing how their production teams worked to eliminate single-use plastics, manage waste and materials, reduce energy and fuel usage, and source sustainable products. These reports were reviewed by our expert partners from Earth Angel.
This contest was made possible with the generous support of Judd Apatow, Hollywood, Health & Society, the Johnson Ohana Foundation, the Mazursky Family Foundation, and the Yarkin Family.
We received a wide array of films from across the globe, and we are grateful to all of the filmmakers who worked to create sustainable, beautiful, and plastic-free micro films.
After careful review by our expert and notable judges, taking both the films’ content, entertainment value, and sustainability reports into consideration, we are pleased to announce the contest winners.
Grand Prize Winner
Do you want to see a life without plastic?
A witness to the arrival of plastic and a representative of the new generations review what elements were used before and discuss the effects that nanoparticles generate within our body.
Directed by Lorna Santiago
“Intergenerational impact is evident, shifting baselines of what is normal is well conveyed. A time before plastics shows the solution as a lived reality.” — Asher Jay, Artist, Designer, Conservationist
“Well thought out, cinematically pleasing, very informative.” — Maria Sten, Writer, Actor (Reacher, Swamp Thing)
“Good information and well done.” — Judd Apatow, Writer, Director, Producer (Knocked Up, The 40-Year-Old Virgin)
“Such a well-made film! Loved the shots and the angles and music and V.O., while also being incredibly informative.” — Sarah Yarkin, Actor (School Spirits, Platonic)
“I really appreciated this film’s point of view and chosen facts to highlight throughout the film. The visuals were also beautiful which held my attention and was emotionally evocative.” — Emellie O’Brien, CEO of Earth Angel
Sustainability report highlight:
We haven’t used any single-use plastic except for the one we used to fall on the girl and float in the water. We rescued this plastic from recycle bins. We dared to do it because we believed it was the clearest way to generate the sensation of having plastic inside the body. During filming we did not have meals, we drank water from glass glasses and used canvas backpacks to carry the equipment.
We strive every day to generate the least impact on the environment in filming, insisting on good practices with our colleagues. We perceive that setting an example and talking about the topic generates great impact.
Second Place
No Plastic in Me
After being one of the top plastic polluters in the world, Snow Cola has seen the light and gone plastic free.
Directed by Adam Wademan
“This is wonderfully produced and has a terrific, upbeat message.” — Amy Aquino, Actor (Bosch, Working Girl)
“Very catchy tune, funny and memorable. Great entertainment with messaging.” — Paula Kahumbu, CEO of WildlifeDirect
“Very fun and creative!” — Gina Belafonte, Actor and Producer, Daughter of Harry Belafonte
Sustainability report highlight:
The only new materials that were purchased specifically for this film were five glass cola bottles. All other materials were previously owned prior to the project. All clothing used was personal and previously owned by any of the talent on screen. We specifically told them not to buy anything new for this project and selected outfits from their wardrobe they already had. The plastic Snow Cola bottle is a prop that I have used for other projects and continue to use.
Third Place
Back in Time
We are bombarded with plastic today…but it wasn’t always this way. Life can be simple again and we need to find that “shift” back to a plastic free life.
Directed by Wendy E. Reynolds
“I like the solutions-oriented perspective and the good examples shown and spoke about simple shopping changes we can make.” — Allison Agsten, Director of USC Annenberg Center for Climate Journalism and Communication
“I enjoyed the witty exploration of how the times may change, but plastic will outlast us and our trends! I also appreciated that it showed simple changes to eliminate our dependence on single-use plastics. The syncing of sound needed some work.” — Tamika Katon-Donegal, Actor (Side Hustle, Agent Carter)
“Yes! Very clear storytelling, and nice use of nostalgia.” — Ed Begley Jr., Actor, Author, and Environmentalist
Sustainability report highlight:
It’s hard to describe our single-use avoidance practices because it has become second nature to us at this point where, “We just do.” We have operated a single-use plastic free business, to the best of our ability, for close to 10 years now. We actively operate “plastic free” sets and it is printed in bold on all of our call sheets. Our small crew use reusables during any production and throughout post-production. Anyone who works with us is advised on how to adhere to our “less waste” and single-use free practices. This comes with education and leading by example. We find it easier to offer a controlled environment and take on the extra steps needed to avoid single-use plastic and excessive waste on our sets. This entails a lot of time to source local and offer most amenities in house.
Fourth Place
The Last Piece of Plastic
In a future museum, a woman encounters the last piece of plastic, which comes to life and shares its longing memories of the world it once knew.
Directed by Allie Corser-James
“Really liked the aspirational aspect—plastic bags are EXTINCT and a part of history… that we don’t miss! Funny use of stop-motion animation.” — Tamika Katon-Donegal, Actor (Side Hustle, Agent Carter)
“I really appreciated this approach to highlighting the weight that the ‘last plastic bag’ will hold for people in a plastic-free world. I think this POV is a very relatable one for those that have full awareness of the impact of plastic waste.” — Emellie O’Brien, CEO of Earth Angel
“Such a clever original approach…I loved this!” — Ed Begley Jr., Actor, Author, and Environmentalist
Sustainability report highlight:
The main way this film tackled waste management was by maintaining a small-scale production while delivering a film with a larger, impactful premise. I decided to tackle this project alone to minimize waste, centering my premise on rethinking waste and single-use plastic. The star of the film is a piece of single-use plastic, which I gave new life. By keeping the production small, I ensured it produced little to no waste. After shooting, the plastic bag was repurposed.
Fifth Place
Matata’s Dream
Matata has a bad dream about being attacked by microplastics but he awakes and all is well.
Directed by Ross Franks
“Fun and playful and creative.” — Ben Von Wong, Artist and Activist
“Very clever use of puppets for such an important deadly message told as a premonition. Loved it.” — Paula Kahumbu, CEO of WildlifeDirect
“Adorable and fun.” — Alysia Reiner, Actor (Ms. Marvel, Orange is the New Black)
Sustainability report highlight:
We used as small a crew as possible (five in all, including one intern) to create this film with people taking on multiple roles. This reduces not only the carbon footprint of getting to and from work but also helps with avoidance of single-use plastics. Less crew means less chances of our studio’s single-use plastic ban policies not being followed. General studio practices included use of refillable water bottles (preferably made of metal). We use a water dispenser instead of single-use plastic water bottles. Our catering people deliver food in reusable containers and their kitchen is within walking distance of our studio, so they can deliver our food by foot. Breakfast was delivered in brown paper bags. Lunch is brought to us on large porcelain plates covered in aluminum foil. Coffee and tea on set is served in porcelain mugs which are also used for drinking water if no refillable bottles have been brought to the shoot by crew members. We use metal thermos flasks to hold boiled water for making hot beverages, so the kettle is not constantly in use. We purchase coffee and tea in large containers, with the coffee in metal tins and loose tea in cardboard boxes to avoid single-use packaging. If the crew orders soda for lunch, this is delivered to us in glass bottles by the caterer and we do not use straws of any kind.
A very special thank you to our notable judges.
- Allison Agsten – Director of USC Annenberg Center for Climate Journalism and Communication
- Judd Apatow – Writer, Director, Producer (Knocked Up, The 40-Year-Old Virgin)
- Amy Aquino – Actor (Bosch, Working Girl)
- Ed Begley Jr. – Actor, Author, and Environmentalist
- Gina Belafonte – Actor and Producer, Daughter of Harry Belafonte
- Christopher Coppola – Actor, Producer, Director
- Katie Elmore – Executive Producer (East Los High, Five Points)
- Asher Jay – Artist, Designer, Conservationist
- Woody Harrelson – Actor (True Detective, The Hunger Games)
- Paula Kahumbu – CEO of WildlifeDirect
- Tamika Katon-Donegal – Actor (Side Hustle, Agent Carter)
- Emellie O’Brien – CEO of Earth Angel
- David Radcliff – Writer (Tracker, The Rookie)
- Alysia Reiner – Actor (Ms. Marvel, Orange is the New Black)
- Maria Sten – Writer, Actor (Reacher, Swamp Thing)
- Joy Gorman Wettels – Executive Producer, Founder of Joy Coalition
- Benjamin Von Wong – Artist and Activist
- Elizabeth Voorhees – Director of Content Advisement at Walt Disney Studios
- Sarah Yarkin – Actor (School Spirits, Platonic)
- AY Young – Musician and UN U.S. Youth Ambassador
Learn More & Get Involved
Learn more about Flip the Script on Plastics, including additional resources and latest news on how we’re helping Hollywood eliminate single-use plastics from sets and storylines. To get involved with our initiative, contact Amelia@PlasticPollutionCoalition.org.
June 25, 2024 , 3:00 pm – June 28, 2024 , 10:00 pm America/Los_Angeles
The Hollywood Climate Summit is an annual multi-day conference that creates a community space for thousands of cross-sector entertainment and media professionals to take action on climate.
We gather filmmakers, executives, artists, activists, climate organizations, scientists, and other experts for interactive action-oriented programming and professional development opportunities. The main conference is located in Los Angeles with hybrid workshops and virtual networking opportunities for our international audiences.
A full conference pass guarantees full access to all main conference programming and first access to special workshops, screenings, and the closing night party on Friday, June 28th. Each day includes a plant-based food experience (equivalent to a full lunch and dinner!) and nightly cocktail networking hours.
Single-day tickets are also available, but buying a full conference pass is 10-15% less per day than buying individual days.
To ensure that the conference is as accessible as possible, attendees will pay based on career-level (not age! you could be 50 and early career). This is an honor system, purchasing a ticket at your self-identified level helps the conference fund scholarship tickets for those who need them. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship ticket opportunity to attend, please apply here.
A portion of your ticket will support conference partners the Sacred Places Institute and the Gabrielino/Tongva Springs Foundation.
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January 28, 2024 , 9:30 am – 11:00 am EST
Burning Injustice is a powerful short documentary from The Story of Stuff Project that follows the inspiring journey of Latino activists, John Mataka and Bianca Lopez of Valley Improvement Projects, as they lead a tireless effort to permanently close one of the last trash incinerators in California. The film exposes the devastating health consequences of incinerator pollution in California’s Central Valley, and amplifies activists’ calls for environmental justice and a safer future for their community. Doors open at 12:30 pm (Pacific Time), film starts at 1pm, State Theatre of Modesto, 1307 J St., Modesto, CA 95354. Get tickets.
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In the Northern Hemisphere, colder weather, longer nights, and time with family can often mean more opportunities to stream your favorite films and binge new or beloved TV shows. And if you’re anything like us, you can’t help but notice when a character you love has an emotional support water bottle, or when a beloved science fiction show knows enough about the harm of microplastics to make them a key storyline. But how can you mark it when you do spot these moments? With our new Reusables on Screen Form, you can help us celebrate reusable and refillable wins on film and TV.
“Plastic is Forever” is the slogan plastered across the promotional posters for the new Mean Girls movie musical. And while the writers of this movie certainly are referencing the pivotal mean girl group of the movie, referred to as “The Plastics,” the double meaning isn’t lost on us.
Those of us at Plastic Pollution Coalition and Flip the Script on Plastics like to think this slogan means Tina Fey and the producers of the film understand, on some level, the toxic nature of plastics, and that, loaded with that understanding, the movie just might contain a tangible lack of single-use plastics replaced with more sustainable, environmentally friendly reusable alternatives.
In fact, since launching our Flip the Script on Plastics initiative in 2021, we have noticed more and more reusables popping up in our favorite TV shows and movies. This year alone we found significant reusable water bottle placement in Sex Education (Netflix), Shrinking (AppleTV+), and the movie Theater Camp. But we are certain there are more sightings that we simply have not had time yet to catch and reflect, which is why we need you as a part of our community’s help.
The Reusables on Screen Form
Introducing our new tool, the Reusables on Screen Form. A quick and easy way for you to let us know where you see reusables, refillables, or language about plastic pollution reflected in popular culture, so that we can highlight these wins, thereby showing Hollywood that ditching plastic isn’t so hard after all.
The process is simple: If you catch a reusable feature in a TV show or movie, be them brand spanking new, or 20+ years old, open our form and let us know. Give us as much information as you can, but don’t feel bad if you didn’t catch the exact time or episode it happened in, even the title will go a long way.
What About Single-Use Plastics on Screen?
We are still watching out for single-use plastics that show up on our screens, but at Plastic Pollution Coalition, we prefer to focus on the positives rather than the negatives. And, unfortunately, the amount of plastics on screen can at times be so high it’s impossible to count. We’re hoping that one day the same goes for reusables, and the more we identify these wins on screen, the more we can encourage the entertainment industry to keep up the good work and highlight even more reusables.
If you spot reusables on screen and submit it with our form, don’t forget to drop your social media handles if you are willing; we would love to celebrate you as well as the plastic-free moments! If we choose to highlight the reusables you found, we’ll tag you in our posts and let you join us in our joy that another piece of media is working to Flip the Script on Plastics. So go ahead, bookmark the form, and get watching!
Learn More & Get Involved
Learn more about Flip the Script on Plastics, including additional resources and latest news on how we’re helping Hollywood eliminate single-use plastics from sets and storylines. To get involved with our initiative, contact Amelia@PlasticPollutionCoalition.org.
