Introduction – Sustainability Documentaries on Netflix
Sustainability and environmental issues have taken center stage in recent years, leading to an increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable living. As a hub for information and entertainment, documentaries and movies have played a crucial role in raising awareness and educating people about the challenges our planet faces. This article presents a curated list of environmental documentaries and movies available on Netflix that will not only engage you but also inspire you to take action towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
Best Environmental Documentaries On Netflix
Our Planet (2019) – David Attenborough
This groundbreaking documentary series, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, focuses on the importance of biodiversity for a sustainable ecosystem. It explores different habitats across the world, showcasing the fragility of our environment and the urgent need for conservation efforts.
Chasing Coral (2017) – Jeff Orlowski
Coral reefs are considered the rainforests of the ocean, playing a vital role in maintaining a healthy ocean ecosystem. Chasing Coral delves into the shocking phenomenon of coral bleaching caused by climate change and the need for urgent action to save these vital ecosystems.
The 11th Hour (2007) – Leonardo DiCaprio
Narrated and co-produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, The 11th Hour examines the effects of climate change on the planet and presents potential solutions to mitigate this global crisis. The documentary highlights the crucial actions required to create a sustainable future.
Best Sustainability Documentaries On Netflix
The True Cost (2015) – Andrew Morgan
This thought-provoking documentary sheds light on the harsh realities of the fast fashion industry and offers compelling arguments for sustainable fashion practices and conscious consumerism. The True Cost encourages viewers to consider the environmental and social impact of their clothing choices.
Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things (2015) – Matt D’Avella
Minimalism introduces viewers to the benefits of a minimalist lifestyle, which reduces waste and environmental impact. The film features the stories of people who have adopted this lifestyle, providing inspiration for those seeking a more mindful and eco-conscious way of living.
The Minimalists: Less Is Now (2021) – Matt D’Avella
Challenges the notion that more is better. This thought-provoking documentary inspires viewers to reassess their relationship with possessions. Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, known as The Minimalists, share their personal journey of embracing minimalism, demonstrating how life can be richer with less. This film invites us to reflect on consumerism’s impact on our lives and the environment, offering practical strategies for decluttering and living a focused, purposeful life.
Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (2014) – Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn
Cowspiracy explores the environmental impact of the meat industry and the benefits of switching to a plant-based diet. This documentary uncovers the hidden cost of animal agriculture and challenges the status quo of meat consumption.
Zero Waste Documentary
Trashed (2012) – Candida Brady (was available by DVD but not streaming)
Featuring Jeremy Irons, Trashed explores the consequences of waste management issues and offers steps towards adopting a zero-waste lifestyle. This film encourages viewers to question their consumption habits and take responsibility for the waste they generate.
Environmental Fictional Movies On Netflix (Not Documentaries)
Okja (2017) – Bong Joon-ho
This is a fictional film so doesn’t quite fit the documentary category. This captivating film follows the story of a young girl and her genetically modified “superpig,” Okja. The film contemplates the ethical dilemmas surrounding animal agriculture and encourages viewers to consider the impact of their consumer choices on the environment.
Downsizing (2017) – Alexander Payne
Downsizing is a thought-provoking movie set in a world where people can shrink themselves to live more sustainably. The film explores eco-friendly living in a whimsical yet meaningful manner.
How To Apply Lessons From These Documentaries To Your Lifestyle
As you explore these documentaries and movies, consider how the lessons learned can be applied to your own lifestyle. Whether that entails adopting a minimalist approach, choosing sustainable fashion, reducing your plastic consumption, or advocating for change within your community, remember that every action counts in the pursuit of a more sustainable world.
Peacock TV
Here we highlight selections from other platforms. Peacock TV is the streaming platform of NBC.
A Plastic Ocean (2016) – Craig Leeson
A Plastic Ocean discusses the dangers of plastic pollution and the need for reducing plastic usage. This eye-opening documentary offers insight into the devastating impact of single-use plastics on our environment, marine life, and human health.
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime of course is one of the big ones that rivals Netflix in content diversity.
Wasted! The Story of Food Waste (2017) – Anthony Bourdain
Hosted by the late Anthony Bourdain, Wasted! The Story of Food Waste aims to increase awareness of food waste and promote sustainable food practices. The documentary offers solutions to minimize wastage at individual, community, and industrial levels.
The Day After Tomorrow (2004) – Roland Emmerich
This science fiction disaster film, therefore fictional and not a documentary, underlines the urgent need for action on climate change. The Day After Tomorrow serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of our inaction on this pressing issue.
Other Streaming Platforms
What’s fantastic is that there are so many streaming platforms besides Netflix, Amazon Prime and Peacock, that offer excellent sustainability-related documentaries:
- Amazon Prime Video: This service offers a wide range of documentaries focused on sustainability and the environment. Titles may include “An Inconvenient Truth”, a powerful documentary about climate change, and “The Biggest Little Farm”, which chronicles the eight-year quest of an LA couple to create a unique, biodiverse farm.
- Hulu: This streaming service features documentaries on a variety of topics, including sustainability. For instance, “Food, Inc.” examines corporate farming in the United States, while “The 11th Hour” discusses environmental issues and solutions.
- Disney+: Disney’s streaming service includes National Geographic content, which often delves into topics of sustainability, nature, and environmental science. A standout is “The Flood”, which depicts the stunning wildlife of the Okavango Delta and the importance of preserving such habitats.
- HBO Max: This platform hosts documentaries like “Ice on Fire”, which explores innovative ways to slow down our planet’s escalating environmental crisis.
- BBC iPlayer (available in the UK): BBC has produced a lot of high-quality nature and sustainability documentaries, like the “Planet Earth” series, and these can often be found on their streaming service.
Conclusion – Sustainability Documentaries on Netflix
Netflix has successfully become a platform for raising awareness and promoting eco-friendly living through its diverse array of documentaries and movies. By watching these films and taking their insights to heart, we can all contribute to creating a greener, more sustainable future for our planet.