Ep 11. Plastic Wars

Plastic Wars, the eleventh episode of the thirty-ninth season of Frontline, takes a closer look at the plastic industry and its impact on our environment. The documentary examines how the industry has successfully sold the idea of recycling to the public while secretly fighting efforts to reduce plastic production.

The episode opens with footage of plastic waste in our oceans and landscapes, highlighting the massive environmental impact of plastic. We then learn about the history of plastic and how it became such a ubiquitous material in our daily lives. The documentary explains that in the 1970s, manufacturers began promoting recycling as a solution to the growing problem of plastic waste.

However, Plastic Wars exposes the hidden truth behind the plastic industry's recycling message. We meet activists and reporters who have discovered that the industry has deliberately undermined recycling efforts and fought against legislation that would reduce the production of plastic. They argue that the industry's focus on recycling and consumer responsibility has shifted blame away from the manufacturers themselves.

One particularly striking example is the story of how the industry successfully lobbied against California's proposed ban on plastic bags. We see how the industry hired a PR firm to create a fake grassroots campaign against the ban, using techniques reminiscent of Big Tobacco's campaign to deny the dangers of smoking. We also learn about the industry's efforts to prevent initiatives that would require them to take responsibility for the disposal of their products.

Throughout the episode, we meet individuals who are fighting back against the plastic industry. We learn about how cities around the world are banning single-use plastics, and how organizations like Greenpeace are pressuring companies to take responsibility for their plastic waste. The documentary highlights the need for systemic change, and includes interviews with experts who argue that recycling alone will never be sufficient to address the plastic crisis.

Overall, Plastic Wars is a compelling and urgent look at one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. It challenges viewers to think critically about the role of plastic in our lives, and the responsibility of manufacturers to create sustainable products. The episode is sure to leave viewers with a greater understanding of the scope of the plastic problem, as well as the potential for grassroots activism to create change.