Living a more sustainable life is a journey – with a capital J – and it looks different for everyone. And because sustainability practices are so multifaceted, environmentalism can be approached from so many different angles. From examining our own consumption habits, to learning about breakthrough farming practices, to voyeuristically looking into an entirely unique environment that only exists in one place on the planet, this list of documentaries, series, and nature videos takes a choose-your-own-adventure approach to exploring environmentalism through film. Cozy up, get some snacks, and press play!
Kiss The Ground
Directed by Rebecca Harrell Tickell & Josh TickellWhile a lot of documentaries about the environment can leave you feeling heavy and defeated, Kiss The Ground is a feel-good documentary. Narrated by Woody Harrelson, the film makes a compelling argument for transitioning to regenerative agriculture as a means to rehabilitate the planet. In an effort to close the information gap, the filmmakers set out to create an uplifting film that showcases a multitude of ways people can support regenerative farming. The Mauritania Railway: Backbone of the Sahara Directed by Macgregor Filmed along a 437 mile long railway that cuts through the Sahara desert, this documentary provides an immersive glimpse into a way of life that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world. Rolling hills of sand as far as the eye can see give way to a full moon hanging in the horizon. And hypnotizing views of train cars cutting through the wind-swept Sahara shows the sheer magnitude of the world’s largest and heaviest train in the world. It’s an incredible reminder of how precious the earth’s resources are and a unique look at one of the most extreme environments on the planet. The True Cost Directed by Andrew Morgan Not for the faint of heart, The True Cost is an examination of the fashion industry, specifically fast fashion, and the impact it has on human rights and the environment. An educational watch for anyone who wants to learn more about where their clothes come from and where they end up. The film touches on important issues and offers an eye-opening look at the devastating effects producing cheap clothing can have on those who make it and the planet. Planet Earth I & II Narrated by the incomparable David Attenborough, the Planet Earth series is a must-watch for anyone who loves nature. When it first aired in 2006, Planet Earth I showcased the majesty of nature in ways that had never been seen before. In 2016, Planet Earth II pushed the envelope even further by utilizing state-of-the-art technology that could capture some of the rarest phenomena on earth. From an intimate look into the lives of Araguaia River dolphins to a rare glimpse into the underground habitats of Golden Moles in the Namib Desert, the Planet Earth series is the perfect thing to watch if you want to marvel at the sheer beauty of our planet. And fun fact, Planet Earth II is currently the highest rated TV Show on IMDb’s list of Top Rated TV Shows! Blue Planet I & II From the creators of the Planet Earth series, Blue Planet I & II captures marine life and behavior that had previously never been filmed. The Blue Planet series provides an amazing look into life underwater paired with the incredible narration of David Attenborough. Filming open oceans, the deep, coral reefs, coastal tides, and everything in between, this series offers a mesmerizing experience that will leave you feeling like you’re floating. Have a suggestion we should add to the list? We’d love to hear from you! Send us your suggestions on Instagram @betterbooch