As the world grapples with the alarming increase in waste production, a new documentary sheds light on one of the pressing environmental issues of our time in France. Airing on March 18, 2025, on TMC, the film titled Que faire de nos déchets? (What to Do With Our Waste?) is the second installment of the documentary series C'est pour demain (It's for Tomorrow), presented by journalist Guy Lagache. According to a startling statistic, each French citizen produces an average of 560 kilograms of waste per year—almost 400 kilograms more than in the 1960s. This increased waste output has spurred an urgent need for effective waste management solutions.
The documentary, which took six months to produce, explores the life cycle of trash and the dire consequences of unaddressed plastic pollution. Lagache aims to inform viewers about how to sort waste effectively and what happens to their discarded items. He shares insights on the plastic epidemic, describing it as a “plague” that affects not only local environments but also contributes to climate change.
To give context to the issue, the documentary highlights that while 86 percent of French citizens now participate in waste sorting, only a fraction of plastic is recycled properly. Shockingly, just 25 percent of plastic waste is recycled in France, with much ending up incinerated or exported, thus exacerbating pollution problems both locally and globally.
As nations, especially in Europe, seem to be falling behind in addressing waste management, Lagache investigates innovative solutions being implemented globally. The documentary explores initiatives ranging from biodegradable plastics to zero-waste supermarkets. In the Nordic countries, waste sorting and recycling practices have reached record highs, while in Japan, companies have transformed waste into valuable resources.
But the documentary does not simply highlight success stories; it also shines a light on the hurdles these initiatives face. High costs, lack of political will, and industrial lobbying efforts impede broader adoption of effective solutions. Lagache's investigation reveals the collective responsibility that both individuals and industries share in this crisis and emphasizes the need for change, urging viewers to recognize their role in reducing waste.
Lagache's documentary is positioned as a clarion call for those who have become apathetic towards waste issues and offers practical advice on how to combat the waste crisis. Encouraging zero-waste approaches, the film suggests steps individuals can take, such as purchasing in bulk, to lighten the environmental burden.
The documentary also delves into the storytelling dimension, where Lagache will take viewers on a journey from local neighborhoods to remote places impacted by waste. Reflecting on his observations from an open dump near Toulon, he demonstrates the harsh realities of waste mismanagement.
In the wake of its release, the documentary appears particularly timely as it coincides with the celebration of World Recycling Day. The culmination of Lagache’s effort is designed to inspire action from viewers by showcasing not just the problem but also the methods to tackle it.
In conclusion, as humans continue to grapple with the overwhelming reality of waste generation, Que faire de nos déchets? serves to educate audiences and address a critical environmental issue that affects us all. The onus is on both the public and policymakers to innovate and implement solutions that could ultimately change our relationship with waste—and perhaps alter the ecological balance of our planet.
