Bag It!

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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Bag It! is an entertaining and informative documentary about the mountains of trash humans create and dispose of in the U.S. today. A few scenes showing the disastrous effects of the pollution of our oceans on its wildlife (specifically, the albatross) may be unsettling for younger or more sensitive kids. In describing effecs of some toxins, the words "penis" and "sperm" are used. A baby is delivered on-camera, carefully filmed in a hospital setting. The pain associated with childbirth is kept to a minimum and there is no nudity.
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What's the Story?
Jeb Berrier is our guide through supermarkets, landfills, oceans, and our homes in BAG IT!, an easily understood, entertaining film about what we use, what we buy, what we eat, and finally, what we throw away. Jeb's personal story (he and his wife are expecting their first child) and his decision to be part of the solution to imminent environmental disasters frame the movie. In it are simple facts, figures, visual images, and countless interviews with scientists and activists on the frontlines of desperately needed change from today's consumer-directed culture. Director Suzan Beraza and Jeb travel the world to see how other societies and people are making these changes, then come back to the U.S. The clever graphics, wonderful images of wildlife and nature, and a breezy, generally comic tone are interrupted only for some pretty scary stats about the pollution of our oceans and the animals who live there. The final section, which informs about the impact of dangerous toxins -- specifically bisphenol A (BPA) and pnthalates -- on children, is nothing less than a powerful invitation for our getting involved, too.
Is It Any Good?
Upbeat, creative, bent on keeping us engaged while informing us, Bag It! is a wonderful introduction to environmental awareness and responsibility. With its humorous tone, its clear voices with passionate points-of-view, and with easy-to-follow suggestions to help solve the problems of our consumer-oriented world, kids of every age will find ways in which they can make a difference.
This is the kind of title that's great to watch as a family. Parents and kids can get inspired by the ideas put forth and talk about how they can make positive changes as a family.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can discuss what steps each person in your household can take to help lessen your family's ecological footprint.
Do an experiment of your own where you try to reduce the amount of trash you produce by being thoughtful about what you buy and consume.
Talk about the humor and tone of Bag It! Why do you think the filmmakers made the choices they did in delivering their information? Were they successful?
Movie Details
- In theaters: September 1, 2011
- On DVD or streaming: March 13, 2012
- Cast: Jeb Berrier
- Director: Suzan Beraza
- Studio: Reel Thing Films
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Science and Nature
- Run time: 79 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 25, 2022
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