The Human Side of Plastic: SC Johnson Launches New Human Interest Film Series to Spotlight the Global Plastic Pollution Crisis, Calls for Stronger Plastics
RACINE, Wis., April 16, 2025 – SC Johnson today launched the first film in a series of human interest pieces that highlight the global plastic pollution crisis and how it impacts people around the world. The Human Side of Plastic: Babacar Thiaw, follows a surfer and restaurateur named Babacar Thiaw in his coastal hometown of Dakar, Senegal and shares the extraordinary yet simple changes he implemented to reduce waste in his community. After watching the film, viewers are encouraged to visit blueparadox.com to ask legislators to support stronger regulation of plastics through frameworks like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
“Our goal with these human interest stories is to show how plastic waste is affecting people around the world,” said Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO of SC Johnson. “We are bringing the plastic pollution issue directly to the public to help galvanize a movement to get people to use the power of their voices to help us ask politicians for stronger plastic regulation and an international plastic pollution treaty.”
The Human Side of Plastic
In The Human Side of Plastic: Babacar Thiaw, Babacar sees firsthand each day the effects plastic waste has on his community and marine life, inspiring him to make a change. After learning of various ways he could reduce plastic waste in his day-to-day, Babacar turns the surf club he owns into the first zero-waste restaurant in the community, including eliminating single-use items, focusing on reusable alternatives and buying in bulk. This change inspired nearly 70 other restaurants to follow his lead, highlighting how even small changes can lead to big impact. Today, Babacar leads the Surfrider Foundation chapter in Senegal, educating others and working to protect and keep the oceans clean.
The Human Side of Plastics - Babacar Thiaw
Calling for Stronger Plastics Regulation
SC Johnson is a strong advocate for EPR, a policy framework designed to make producers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, especially when it comes to disposal and recycling. In March 2024, Fisk Johnson testified on the importance of EPR before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Work. The company believes that voluntary actions from companies can only go so far and that the only practical way to get every stakeholder in the plastic ecosystem to work together effectively and drive scale is with a regulatory framework like EPR.
EPR has proven effective in places like British Columbia with its Recycle BC program having one of the highest recycling rates and highest recovery rates in the world[1]. In the U.S., Oregon, Colorado, California, Maine and Minnesota have already passed EPR legislation, with 10 other states actively working towards it.
“As a filmmaker, some of my favorite stories to tell are the ones that are relatable and solution-oriented,” said Ben Ayers, Founder and Director of Rainshadow Films and one of the filmmakers on the project. “It is deeply gratifying to dive into these human experiences and see firsthand the complex issues people and communities are facing in their corners of the world. Plastic pollution is prevalent globally and every one of us faces it. We are grateful to partner with SC Johnson to bring these films to life and hope that they can empower and enable the small actions that lead to big differences.”
The company is currently working on other film projects for this series, including a film about microplastics and their impact on marine life and human health, following a community in remote Maine.
Babacar’s story had two private launches at the International Ocean Film Festival and Wild and Scenic Film Festival this year. Viewers can now watch the film from anywhere at www.blueparadox.com/stories/senegal.
[1] Annual Reports - Recycle BC
ABOUT SC JOHNSON
Founded in 1886 and headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin USA, SC Johnson believes that a more sustainable, healthier and transparent world that inspires people and creates opportunities isn't just possible – it's our responsibility.
A heritage of innovation and bold, transparent decisions is why our high-quality products and iconic brands – including OFF!®, Raid®, Glade®, Windex®, Scrubbing Bubbles®, Ziploc®, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day®, method®, Autan®, Baygon®, Mr Muscle®, Duck®, Lysoform® and more – are in homes, schools and businesses in virtually every country worldwide.
As a global, purpose-led company, we are committed to making the world a better place today and for future generations. That means relentlessly bringing our expertise in science, innovation and partnerships to bear on some of the world's most pressing environmental and health issues like reducing plastic waste and eradicating malaria. Around the world, we use our resources to unlock greater economic and educational opportunities for people and communities where access may be limited, but curiosity and potential are limitless.
See how SC Johnson is a Family Company At Work For a Better World by visiting scjohnson.com or joining us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS
The Human Side of Plastic is a co-production between Rainshadow Films and River Roots Productions.
ABOUT RAINSHADOW FILMS
Rainshadow Films is an impact-first production company co-founded by Ben Ayers and Andrew Lynch, dedicated to creating documentaries that empower communities and promote environmental conservation. Ben, a National Geographic Explorer and humanitarian, brings over 20 years of experience as a documentary director and producer, with acclaimed films such as Snow Leopard Sisters (2025) and The Last Honey Hunter (2017). Andrew, a multi-award-winning director and cinematographer known for his compelling environmental storytelling, has directed films including Snow Leopard Sisters (2025) and Amputating Alice (2023) and delivers a raw visual style that blends artistry with purpose to drive change.
At the core of Rainshadow Films' mission are collaboration and respect for the rights of the communities they feature. They carefully choose projects that benefit those who feature in the films, valuing inclusion and diversity to enhance their work. Committed to listening before speaking, they strive to leave a positive impact on their collaborators and the planet. Through authentic storytelling, Rainshadow Films is dedicated to illuminating the intersection of community, environment, and the human experience.
ABOUT RIVER ROOTS PRODUCTIONS
Rush Sturges is a professional filmmaker who founded River Roots Productions to merge adventure, storytelling, and conservation. Based in the Pacific Northwest, River Roots has produced award-winning documentaries that elevate environmental issues and celebrate the beauty of wild places through gripping, character-driven narratives. His recent collaborations with SC Johnson have taken him around the world to document plastic pollution and spotlight innovative solutions, creating media that drives both awareness and action. Whether filming in remote regions of Africa or along pristine rivers in the American West, Rush’s work is grounded in a deep love for nature and a belief in the power of storytelling to inspire meaningful change.