Top 5 sustainable living documentaries
Did you know
that without bees, 80% of the world’s plants wouldn’t survive?
Or that 2500 gallons of water are needed to produce 1 pound of beef? Nor did we.
Maybe you’re already on your sustainable living journey and need some words of encouragement. Or perhaps you’re taking your first tentative steps into a more conscious lifestyle and are looking for guidance.
All five are available on Netflix, so grab a green tea and some dark chocolate and get inspired to live your best sustainable life.
The True Cost (2015)
This harrowing expose reveals the horrifying truths behind the fast fashion industry. Ever wondered why that top only costs a few dollars? This is the documentary for you. Not only does the film cover the enormous impact that cheap mass-produced clothing has on the environment, but we also learn of the terrifying human cost of our bargain clothing addiction.
Inspired by the Rana Plaza collapse in 2013, and funded on Kickstarter, this unflinching study will persuade any doubters that it is our moral responsibility to shake up the retail industry.
For tips on how to take the first steps towards a slow fashion closet, read here.
An Inconvenient Truth / An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power (2006 /2017)
A groundbreaking film that follows former US Vice President Al Gore as he campaigns to raise awareness about climate change.
Despite this film’s age, its message is still hugely relevant today, especially given the current President’s thoughts on the subject of climate change. Indeed, at the time of its release, the documentary was credited with revitalizing the environmental movement and spreading the message of climate change to a wider audience, and the effect is just as powerful today. The 2017 sequel addresses the progress made in the battle against climate change since the first film and makes for a sobering watch.
If this year’s climate change related natural disasters have got you shook, this one is sure to inspire you to take positive action, whether it’s through leading a more sustainable lifestyle or getting involved in protests and direct action.
Cowspiracy (2014)
With Leonardo DiCaprio in the role of executive producer, this call to arms for environmentally friendly veganism rocked the world when it was released in 2014.
Director Kip Anderson investigates the devastating impact that factory farming animals is having on the planet. Though the industry is revealed to have a hand in almost all of the environmental disasters that befall us today, Anderson finds huge resistance to even discussing the problem, never mind campaigning for change.
This one is sure to open your eyes to the horrors of the animal agriculture industry, as you learn what even the environmentalists don’t want you to know. The sustainability movement needs this documentary.
Happy (2011)
For anyone looking to achieve a better mental state, or change their outlook as part of a move towards conscious living, this film is unmissable. An exploration of what it means to be happy, you are guaranteed to come away with a new perspective on your problems.
Through hundreds of interviews with a huge variety of people, Roko Belic explores the common denominators amongst the happy people he finds across the world, from the slums of Bangladesh to the universities of Illinois.
Over the course of the film, Belic realizes that being happy isn’t just good for the individual, but has the power to benefit the planet. Watch this if you’re searching for the secret to true happiness. (Clue: it’s not money.)
More Than Honey (2013)
For such little creatures, bees are essential to maintaining the world as we know it today. Indeed it was Albert Einstein who was quoted as saying, “If bees were to disappear from the globe, mankind would only have four years left to live.” This shocking statement is explained in depth in this visually stunning documentary by Marcus Imhoof.
Discover why the planet has seen such a dramatic drop in the bee population, learn about the potentially devastating effects if this trend continues, and head back into life committed to go green and make positive changes to support our fuzzy flying friends.
Take the opportunity to #netflixandchange on your next duvet day and join the revolution. Tag us in your positive change posts #azneoliving.
