Museum shows documentary aimed at reducing waste

February 18, 2013

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History and the University of Florida Office of Sustainability will present a free screening of the award-winning documentary “The Clean Bin Project” at 7 p.m. Feb. 27 at the museum.

Filmmakers Grant Baldwin and Jen Rustemeyer will answer questions after the film, which chronicles their yearlong competition to buy no material goods and produce as little waste as possible while examining the larger issue of garbage in North America.

“There are very few family-friendly events that deal with important issues in our society like waste and the environment in a way that is insightful, entertaining and empowering for all ages,” said Florida Museum education assistant Tiffany Ireland.

As part of its “Under One Umbrella” spring campaign, the UF Office of Sustainability will pilot a campuswide clean bin challenge, the REthink Your Waste Challenge, the night of the showing. Program assistant Michael Amish said members of the university community who accumulate the least trash in a zip-close or trash bag during a weeklong version of the challenge this spring will win eco-friendly prizes.

“We want to see what people will learn about their waste habits and decision making, especially while the trash is connected to them,” Amish said.

Using comedy, stop-motion animation and interviews with artist Chris Jordan and marine pollution expert Charles Moore, the 76-minute film presents the serious topic of waste reduction with optimism, humor and inspiration for individual action.

“People will probably be surprised that our movie is fun,” Rustemeyer said. “It’s a documentary, but there are also laugh-out-loud moments, and you don’t have to be an environmentalist to enjoy it.”

Refreshments, including vegan options, will be served by High Springs Orchard and Bakery.

For more information about the documentary and related projects, go to
http://www.cleanbinmovie.com/.