What happens when you throw plastic away? Dylan D'Haeze, a 13-year-old filmmaker from the San Juan Islands, decides to find out by following plastic trash to its end source which is the ocean. As the "downhill to everything", that great blue expanse serves as an unintentional dumping ground and a transportation system as countless pieces of plastic debris wash up on shores around the world. Marine life often ingest plastic debris which ends up affecting human health as those creatures end up on dinner plates.
The film also explores the history of plastics and how they came into wider use due to World War 2 as well as the science of plastics which breaks down the fact that they simply do not break down in nature.
Dylan emphasizes how fellow kids can help make a difference in a world that is increasingly dependent on plastic.
"Interesting, informative, and accessible on many age levels...Best suited for ages 10-adult"
— Green Teacher
"The use of a middle school narrator to address the problem of plastic trash will make this readily suitable in an environmental science curriculum."
— School Library Journal
"HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Does an excellent job of telling a story from the beginning of plastics in America, the science of making plastics, and its explosive and pervasive presence in our world today in 20 minutes...Does a wonderful job of telling an engaging story that will captivate most middle schoolers."
— Science Books and Films
"A short but engaging film on one of our planet's controversial issues regarding wastes."
— Educational Media Reviews Online
"Wonderful cinematography on a script that goes step by step through a logical progression that is complete - hard to challenge. It is simple, compelling, and accurate. Amazing work!"
— Dan Haifley, Executive Director O'Neill Sea Odyssey
"A powerful message about the necessity of reducing our dependence on plastic."
— Karen Palmer, Producer Friday Harbor Film Festival
"Very engaging and important...An inspiring documentary that will cause people of all ages - young and old - to come together and make a difference. It combines a strong message with credible professionals and creates a cinematic artwork. This film is beyond excellent!"
— Kids First Film Festival
"The award-winning 20-minute film covers the history of plastic, its myriad uses, and the big problem with it -- it doesn't go away....One of the highlights of the young filmmaker's documentary is the powerful message of how young people can help solve the problem."
— San Juan Islander
