We're often caught up in the hustle of our everyday lives, leaving us little time to connect with the world around us and truly understand the impact of our actions on the environment.
Fortunately, there's a way to gain insights into these issues without leaving the comfort of our homes.
Sustainable documentaries and shows offer us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in our planet's challenges and solutions.
If you're eager to learn more about your world and how you can help protect it, we've compiled a list of essential sustainable documentaries & shows.
1. Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret
Ideal for you if… you want to understand the environmental implications of our dietary choices and the hidden cost of animal farming.
Where to watch? Netflix
"Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret" is a true eye-opener for anyone interested in sustainability. It questions the environmental and ethical implications of animal farming.
The film, created by environmentalist and filmmaker Kip Andersen, dives deep into how livestock farming contributes to climate change, accounting for 14.5% of all greenhouse emissions.
2. Seaspiracy
Ideal for you if… you're interested in marine life and would like to learn more about the impact of commercial fishing on the environment, Seaspiracy is your go-to documentary
Where to watch? Netflix
Seaspiracy, a Netflix original, pulls back the curtain on commercial fishing, revealing the significant harm we are causing to marine life. The team behind the earlier mentioned "Cowspiracy" also created this documentary.
Ali Tabrizi, who narrates the film, tells us about the global fishing industry but uncovers a disturbing network of damaging and often illegal practices.
The documentary begins by reminding us of the importance of oceanic life - home to 80% of all life on Earth.
The film pushes viewers to reconsider their seafood consumption habits and raises awareness about the devastating effects of overfishing on oceanic ecosystems.
3. I Am Greta
Ideal for you if… you're inspired by young change makers or want to understand the urgency of climate action.
Where to watch? Prime video & Apple TV
"I Am Greta" is a heartwarming biography of the young Swedish climate activist, Greta Thunberg. The documentary showcases her journey from a school striker to an internationally recognized figure advocating for environmental change.
The film offers glimpses into Greta's life, her strong bond with her father, and her unique perspective due to her Asperger's syndrome.
It also highlights her determination to fight climate change and the need for all of us to step out of our comfort zones and work towards sustainable living.
Greta's weekly "Fridays for Future" strikes serve as a constant reminder that we need to keep pushing for change to prevent our own extinction.
4. Our Planet
Ideal for you if… you enjoy wildlife, are fascinated by the diversity of ecosystems on Earth, and wish to learn how climate change is affecting them.
Where to watch? Netflix
"Our Planet" is a breathtaking eight-part series narrated by the charismatic David Attenborough. The documentary takes you on a global tour, exploring the beauty of various landscapes while highlighting the impacts of global warming on wildlife.
The stunning footage connects you with the world we live in, while also highlighting how human activities are disrupting the delicate balance of these ecosystems. This series really serves as a powerful reminder of why it's crucial to protect our planet.
5. The True Cost
Ideal for you if… you want to dive into into the “dark” side of the glamorous world, "The True Cost" offers a thought-provoking perspective of the environmental and human cost of fast fashion.
Where to watch? Amazon Prime Video
"The True Cost" gives you a fresh perspective on fashion - it's not just about the clothes we wear, but also about the people who make them and the environmental cost. While clothing prices have dropped over the decades, the human and environmental toll has skyrocketed.
This documentary takes you around the world, from glittering fashion runways to impoverished slums, giving you a firsthand look at the hidden realities of the fashion industry.
"The True Cost" forces us to question - who really pays the price for our clothing?
6. A plastic ocean
Ideal for you if… you want to better understand our global plastic problem, its impact on our oceans, and the changes we need to implement in our daily lives.
Where to watch? Netflix
"A Plastic Ocean," created by the Australian journalist Craig Leeson teaches you about the problems our planet faces due to our use of plastic. This film explores how plastic pollution is harming our world, especially the seas.
The documentary is a powerful mix of beautiful ocean scenes and tough truths about our love for plastic. So, if you are curious about the world's oceans, and how our everyday plastic use affects them, this documentary is for you.
Conclusion
Now that you've been introduced to these eco-conscious documentaries and shows, it's time to grab your popcorn, snuggle into your favorite spot on the couch, and disover on these thrilling journeys of discovery.
Each of these is unique, eye-opening, and thought-provoking in its own way. They may stir your emotions, shake up your beliefs, and challenge you to question your actions... But in the end, they all have one goal: to make you more aware of the state of our planet and inspire you to contribute to its well-being.
Let's Chat!
What's your favorite documentary or show about sustainability? Let us know in the comments down below.