This article has no association with Netflix…(I’m sorry I’ve used my brother’s account for two years).
I’m not afraid to admit, I’m a big Netflix fan. I can’t be the only person out there that is obsessed with murder documentaries; Netflix has over 100 million subscribers worldwide.
The service has increased people’s accessibility to content and considering the rapidly expanding doco section, I think it can be used as a tool for good. There’s some incredible thought-provoking doco’s to watch currently.
Here are just 7 of my favourite on the topic of the environment.
Minimalism: A Documentary About The Important Things
This impactful and terrifying doco by Joshua Millburn Ryan Nicodemus, explores the issue of over consumption. Joshua and Ryan make up ‘The Minimalists’ duo, helping others explore more meaningful lives with less stuff. Considering overconsumption in society is a direct strain on the environment, it really puts into perspective how life should be.
‘We spend so much time on the hunt, but nothing ever quite does it for us’
A Plastic Ocean
As someone who is completely in awe of the ocean and marine life, I found this documentary heart breaking. Documentary filmmaker Craig Leeson decided to make the film after he realised the oceans were brimming with plastic waste. The journey includes international scientists, a free diver and a look at potential solutions.
Thankfully, after watching this with friends at a free screening I noticed a change in their plastic consumption.
Rotten
Food is a hot topic right now in terms of climate change and Netflix seems to be playing to this. Rotten is a Netflix produced series, exploring the consequences and corruption of today’s global food industry.
This documentary is less focused on sustainability but makes you question, what am I actually eating? As a society we should be questioning the ethics of all supply chains, from food to clothing.
The Blue Planet
“The first ever comprehensive series on the natural history of the world’s oceans” BBC One
David Attenborough & cool sharks, need I say more? This series won multiple Emmys and BAFTA awards for it’s incredible music and cinematography. If it doesn’t make you want to go out and protect the ocean, you’re dead inside. Planet Earth is also on Netflix, spend Sunday learning about how cool animals are.
Chasing Coral
These last few years have been the worst bleaching events in history on The Great Barrier Reef, so this film is very relevant. The doco follows passionate scientists and filmmakers exploring and fighting for coral reefs, which are dying out globally. It won the Sundance Film Festival Audience Award; it’s beautiful and educating.
Mission Blue
‘The ocean is dying…we are beneficiaries of having burned through fossil fuels.’ Sylvia Earle
If you don’t know Sylvia Earle, be prepared to find your new hero. She is a world-renowned Marine Biologist, oceanographer and activist. She is now in her 70’s and still diving to protect the ocean. This doco follows her round the globe, campaigning to create a network of protected marine sanctuaries.
The True Cost
The shocking documentary is must-see for everyone, we all wear clothes. This sheds light on the real story behind the fast fashion industry, the true cost of fashion. Filmmaking at it’s best, uncovering dirty secrets and encouraging positive change in society’s behaviour.
Olivia Burton
Olivia is an eco-writer, producer, science graduate & ocean enthusiast. After moving from London to Sydney, she found her love for the outdoors and recycled textiles, which led her to start writing about science and sustainable fashion. Olivia is really passionate about brands using fashion for good and innovation in the industry. She now splits her time between several not-for-profit organisations in communication roles. Olivia is also a Centre for Sustainability Leadership alumni and sits on the Fashion Revolution committee for Australia & New Zealand.you might also be interested in
