ECO LEARNING
Eco Blogs
The L’Oven Life (Ottawa)
A Dream Lived Greener (Ottawa) – a personal journey towards ZW and many helpful resources
Reduce, Reuse, Renew (U.S.) – a guide to reduction-based living through mindfulness, minimalism, managing anxiety and zero waste living
The Eco Conscious Consumer (U.S.)
Zero Waste Blogs and Vlogs (U.S.)
Check Green Living Ottawa’s Blogroll for more green-focused blogs.
Books
101 Ways to Go Zero Waste (2019) by Kathryn Kellogg – a non-judgmental, beginners handbook for eco-friendly and sustainable living.
Doughnut Economics (2017) by Kate Raworth – explores how the goal of economic activity should be about meeting the core needs of all within the means of the planet.
Life without Plastic: The Practical Step-by-Step Guide to Avoiding Plastic to Keep Your Family and the Planet Healthy (2017) by Jay Sinha & Chantal Plamondon. For more info on the authors and founders of the online shop based in Wakefield Quebec, visit their site.
Plastic Game Changer: How to Reduce Plastic in your Organization to Make a Difference to Plastic Pollution (2019) by Amanda Keetley
Simply Living Well: A Guide to Creating a Natural, Low-Waste Home (2020) by Julia Watkins
The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Make Small Changes that Make a Big Difference (2020) by Jen Gale
Zero Waste Home: the Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Life by Reducing Your Waste (2013) by Bea Johnson
Eco Documentaries
Business/Economics
The Corporation (2003): this documentary argues that corporations are considered today’s dominant institution and we should be troubled by their behaviour of plundering our common wealth, and in their pursuit of profit, becoming a danger to our health and that of the planet.
Human Impact on Nature/Earth
Chasing Coral (2017) on Netflix: Divers, photographers and scientists set out on an ocean adventure to discover why the reefs are disappearing and to reveal the underwater mystery to the world.
Home (2009): Scientists tell us that we have 10 years to change the way we live, avert the depletion of natural resources and the catastrophic evolution of the Earth’s climate.
Mission Blue (2014) on Netflix: unites a global coalition to inspire an upwelling of public awareness, access and support for a worldwide network of marine protected areas, led by legendary oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle.
Our Planet (2019) on Netflix: Documentary series focusing on the breadth of the diversity of habitats around the world, from the remote Arctic wilderness and mysterious deep oceans to the vast landscapes of Africa and diverse jungles of South America. Narrated by David Attenborough.
Terra (2015) on Netflix: this documentary essay reflects on our relationship to other living creatures as humanity becomes more isolated from nature.
Fast Fashion
True Cost (2015) – for rent or purchase on their site: a groundbreaking documentary film that pulls back the curtain on the untold story and asks us to consider, “who really pays the price for our clothing?”
Food – diet, waste
Game Changers (2018) on Netflix: follows the story of James Wilks – elite Special Forces trainer and winner of The Ultimate Fighter – as he travels the world on a quest for the truth about meat, protein, and strength. Showcasing elite athletes, special ops soldiers, and visionary scientists.
Rotten (2018-2019) – TV series on Netflix: dives deep into the food production underworld to expose the corruption, waste and real dangers behind your everyday eating habits.
Plastic
The Plastic Problem (2019) – PBS NewsHour takes a closer look at this now ubiquitous material, how it’s impacting the world and ways we can break our plastic addiction.
A Plastic Ocean (2016) on Netflix: dives into and investigates the devastating impacts that plastic has caused to our environment, especially our marine life.
Story of Plastic (2019) – available April 22nd on Discovery Channel in the U.S. and online in the near future.
For more eco-conscious documentaries, check out this comprehensive list in honour of Earth Day 2020.
Eco Videos
The Ugly Truth of Fast Fashion – Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj (2019): Hasan Minhaj breaks down the inner workings of fast fashion companies and explores how they are actually killing the planet.
The Story of Stuff (2007): a short animated documentary about the lifecycle of material goods that criticizes excessive consumerism and promotes sustainability.
This is a short list of resources among many. Let us know which others to add!
