Campus Life

Free showing of 'Bag It' set for April 18 at Penn State Brandywine

MEDIA, Pa. — Penn State Brandywine’s sustainability committee invites students, staff, faculty and the local community to a free showing of “Bag It,” a documentary film exposing the effects of plastic bags and other plastic consumer merchandise on the ecosystem.

The film will be shown at 6:30 p.m. on April 18 in Room 101 of the Main Building. Free pizza, provided by Penn State’s Sustainability Institute, will be served before the event at 6 p.m.

“Bag It” opens with an average person wondering what happens to plastic bags after they are discarded. By the end, the film exposes the surprising havoc that plastic wreaks on oceans, marine life and human health.

According to Mark Boudreau, assisting teaching professor of biology at Penn State Brandywine and member of the campus’ sustainability committee, the message of “Bag It” is highly relevant to the Brandywine campus and neighboring regions.

“This event will benefit our students — and anyone else — by raising awareness of the cost of the growing plastic pollution,” said Boudreau.

The event is also in line with the University’s broader observance of Earth Day, a global movement that is being recognized by Penn State students, faculty and staff on multiple campuses. This year’s global Earth Day theme is “Ending Plastic Pollution.”

“The problem of plastic pollution is particularly evident in the oceans,” Boudreau said. “A new report indicates plastic in the ocean will triple in the next decade.”

Following “Bag It,” attendees can enjoy a group discussion led by Brian Taussig-Lux, chair of the recycling committee for the Media Environmental Advisory Council and appointed treasurer for Media Borough.

“Hopefully all this will encourage people to reduce, reuse, recycle, and support legal and institutional efforts to eliminate disposable plastic,” said Boudreau.

Last Updated April 13, 2018

Contact