An Earth Day Conversation with SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher

In honor of Earth Day 2022, SAG-AFTRA premiered An Earth Day Conversation with Fran Drescher, which focuses on sustainability within the industry and the continued need to address the use of single-use plastics. Joining her were actor Ed Begley Jr., founder of Begley Living, and Plastic Pollution Coalition co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Dianna Cohen. 

The trio talked about their personal journeys toward a more sustainable lifestyle and explored how we, as a society, have become so reliant on single-use plastic. 

“We have an avalanche of plastic in our oceans and bodies; we ingest a credit card’s worth of plastic every week. But there are ways to live without [using single-use plastics],” said Begley. 

Added Cohen, “I feel like the millions of dollars spent on marketing to take the responsibility of plastic pollution and put it on the public and individuals … is a very strategic move by its creators, and when you’re up against that, what is needed is to reframe the narrative.” 

Drescher also spoke about the formation of the Green Council, a new initiative that will push for more sustainable production practices and storylines onscreen. 

“I think it’s important that we step up and leverage our reach for the greater good. The Green Council is a program I put into [motion] to help pivot our industry toward eco-responsible entertainment. We’re gathering the major players, celebrities and organizations, to come together as a giant entity [to address this issue]."

For ideas on how you can green your SAG-AFTRA membership, click here.

Photo: From left, SAG-AFTRA member Ed Begley Jr., SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher and Plastic Pollution Coalition co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Dianna Cohen.

This event is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. Unless otherwise stated, the views expressed are those of the individual guests, not of SAG-AFTRA. The information provided through the workshop is given for informational purposes and may not be a suitable substitute for applicable professional advice. You should always use good judgment in these matters and should not act or refrain from acting based solely on information provided through the workshop.