ATLANTA, Ga. – Plastic cups, plastic bags, plastic toys, even plastic bottles. Two women say America's obsession with plastic is hurting our environment and our health. They even made a documentary about it.
"You have the power of film to create change," said Judy Kohin, the executive producer of Bag It.
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Bag It highlights the dangers of chemicals used in plastics. Two of these, BPA and phthalates, are linked to certain cancers, obesity, low sperm counts, asthma, ADHD, miscarriage, premature birth and more.
Bag It Producer and Director Suzan Beraza said, "I just felt annoyed that as a parent that we hadn't been given all the information."
These filmmakers have some tips for how you can avoid the toxins. First, limit your exposure.
"Stop using plastic bags, stop using plastic bottles, and stop using plastic disposable cups," advised Kohin.
It's used to line the inside of cardboard cups, canned foods, soda, juice, and beer. Choose glass when you can and don't heat your plastics. Next, look at the number on the bottom. Avoid those with a three, six, or seven.
"Number three is PVC, polyvinyl chloride. Six is polystyrene. A lot of seven is BPA," explained Beraza.
Also look for beauty products that say "phthalate-free," and remember, it's never too late to change.
Beraza said, "The good news for all of us is it is reversible."
Experts say you can change BPA levels in your body within two weeks of changing your habits. It took the filmmakers almost two years to complete the documentary. They had a budget of just $200,000. The filmmakers are now working on their second film about the mining and milling of uranium in a small town.