7 Documentaries For Going A Zero Waste Lifestyle

April 21, 2020

A way to a zero-waste lifestyle can’t be short, unfortunately. Even if you are following all eco rules, a great part of the world’s population doesn't. Documentaries on consumerism are a great way to learn more about eco-friendly lifestyles as they provide information from reliable sources and real researches. In this article, we have collected seven documentary movies about ecology you may start with.

Bag It, 2010

We are drowning in plastic. The vast majority of products in the supermarket are packed in plastic. It is better to say that all of them. In this documentary, Jeb Berrier is carrying out research about plastic and its effect.

His scientific journey is intertwined with his personal life: he and his wife are waiting for the baby. Even though we are aware that plastic is hazardous to our planet little of us understand how terrible the situation really is. For example, did you know about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? This is a huge stain of plastic trash, which even has its own name.

There are a lot of facts about the results of our plastic usage, so we will not spoiler them.  What is more, the movie gives advice to usual mortals on how to contribute to saving the planet.

Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things, 2015

Minimalism is not just about having fewer things. There is a tight bond between this kind of lifestyle and zero waste movement. The documentary from an independent filmmaker Matt D’Avella is about meaningful things.

We are living in the crisis of consumerism, where plastic literally clutters our lives, distracts us. Having only the most important things in life helps to develop consciousness and step on the journey of zero waste. It is about giving meaning to the things that are durable, not disposable and fake like plastic.

What the Health, 2017

This documentary is not just about healthy nutrition. It is about the “cooperation” of industry, government and health organizations. Thousands of businesses contribute to making the world population sick. We are the victims of businesses that determine the state of our health and try to control us with:

• bright and eye-catching advertisement;
• profitable deals and discounts;
• new tastes;
• sugar and trans fats.

Zero waste is about liberating one’s mind from these things and living a free life without being the puppet of the food industry.

Small Is Beautiful: A Tiny House Documentary, 2015

Large houses require a lot of water to wash them, lots of furniture to fill them, plenty of energy to light them and make all the devices work. What is more, they take plenty of space, which is especially a problem in the times when everyone lacks space.

Tiny living is not just a desire of people to live like forest fairies in the trees where everything has to be packed compactly. Small houses mean that the owner can fully control his water and energy expenses. Matt Hickman said about the movie: “This documentary shows that the tiny house building is not the proverbial walk in the park. It is hard. And it is in discussing these hardships that Small is beautiful”.

The Clean Bin Project, 2010

“Is it really possible to survive without any waste in the world suffering from consumerism?” - this is the question this documentary is trying to answer. Jen and Grant, a couple, have decided to turn this challenge into a competition. The journey of living waste-free should not be stressful but rather challenging in a positive way.

It is nice to add some spice to our lives by complicating it with such thing as trying to not produce any waste. The most exciting thing is that the main heroes actually managed to keep on track despite living in a “throw-away” society. This zero-waste documentary proves that having a person to accompany you on this journey is the best bet to not derail.

Just Eat It: A Food Waste Story, 2014

We love food so much, but yet 50% of it ends up in the landfill. Becoming a fulfilled zero-waste citizen, you should learn how to buy only the amount of products you are sure you will consume and compost.

The New York Times called it a “startling, spunky documentary”. It is surprising even to see not how much food people waste, but how much of it does even come to the supermarket as it is being rejected. Familiar to us Jen and Grant are now trying to only eat food that would otherwise be thrown away.

Forks Over Knives

Veganism is not just a trendy diet. If you think so, then one of those lifestyle documentaries will show you the real effect and purpose of veganism. Obviously, vegan does produce waste, but by going vegan you would exclude animal-based, overly-refined and processed goods, which mostly come in a lot of packaging.

It is ridiculous how much packaging sweats and cookies need. This is done to please the consumer, to draw his attention and impress with super detailed packaging. Veganism can also be regarded as an interactive game, where you are in a virtual fight with the supermarkets always on the lookout for food additives.

Conclusion

This is a common misconception that documentaries will make you fall asleep. After watching one of these, you will immediately change your mind not only about documentary films but about zero waste as well. Do not forget to write a review for them and check it with the help of writing services reviews, such as Online Writers Rating.