Want to learn more about sustainability? What’s holding you back? At Want Not Waste, we commonly find with our customers and online community that people either don’t have the time, or find that the information available is just not that accessible to the lay-person. Well, fear not – we have compiled a quick fire list of the top sustainability documentaries and series. Time to turn your netflix and chill into ‘Netflix and save the planet’!
Most of these are available on Netflix, BBC IPlayer, ITVHub, etc.
War on Plastic with Hugh and Anita (2019)
Hugh and Anita look at the amount of plastic we produce and the danger of microplastics whilst also considering how we can, as individuals, reduce our plastic. In later episodes the dynamics shift to focus on the plastic industry’s plans to drastically increase plastic production and what that means for the state of the earth. The more hard hitting episode draws attention to where our plastic ends up and how UK recycling can end up in the back yard of a developing country.
BBC News Focus: The UK’s First Climate Change Refugees
Full link here.
Residents of Fairbourne, a village in Gynedd, have been labelled as climate change refugees after the government declared that they must leave their homes. The area including 450 houses, and essential high street shops will be “decommissioned” by 2054 because of the threat of rising sea levels and coastal flooding to climate change. Only 6 minutes long, the film looks at the economical and social devastation this has caused among the community.
Climate Change – The Facts (2019)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/EOctIuyVfnA
We can hardly write this list without mentioning Sir David Attenborough. In this documentary, Attenborough draws attention to the science of climate change and considers potential solutions to the global threat. He interviews leading climate scientists and explores how extreme weathers are consequences of climate change. The focus is on identifying the very real danger of climate change to humans and the natural world.
War on Plastic with Hugh and Anita: The Fight Goes On (2020)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/NA1WA63lI0o
The sequel to their hit series, Hugh and Anita investigate how Covid-19 has enhanced the problem of single use plastics on a global scale.
Kiss the Ground (2020)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/K3-V1j-zMZw
Carbon is confusing. We need it and don’t want it at the same time. Scientists and celebrities join together to unpack how soil might be the key to combating climate change and preserving the planet.
Mission Blue (2014)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/B1wp2MQCsfQ
Join oceanographer Sylvia Earle in her campaign to save our oceans. Her decades of work focus on threats such as overfishing and toxic waste and how vital life under the sea is.
There’s Something In the Water (2019)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/nKhIYFDnCoY
Elliot Page looks at the intersectionality of environmentalism. This documentary brings the struggles of minority communities in Nova Scotia into the spotlight, as they fight officials over the effects of industrial waste on water supply.
An Inconvenient Truth (2006)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/Bu6SE5TYrCM
Previous Vice President of US, Al Gore campaigns to raise public awareness of the dangers of global warming. This documentary follows Al Gore as he calls for immediate action to curb the catastrophic effects on the environment.
An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power (2017)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/huX1bmfdkyA
Follows the continuing mission by Al Gore to battle climate change. The film highlights the progress made, but also shows the lack of action in other areas. Gore’s global efforts persuaded governmental leaders to invest in renewable energy and ultimately the signing of the 2016 Paris Agreement (although we now know this is redacted in the next presidency).
Cowspiracy (2014)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/nV04zyfLyN4
Here, the dairy industry is revealed as one of the most destructive industries killing our planet today. It considers the global challenges and social difficulties and proposes that it’s not just about where energy comes from but also our food consumption behaviour.
Minimalism (2017)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/0Co1Iptd4p4
Two minimalists explore the life of consumerism we find ourselves in and introduce minimalism as a possible solution. They talk to people from all walks of life – families, artists, businessmen – who want to live a more meaningful and purposeful life with less stuff.
Before the Flood (2016)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/unaY8mgo2S0
National Geographic Documentary featuring Leondardo DiCaprio spanning the 5 continents and the Artics. In this you’ll see people that experience climate change first hand and meet the groups tackling the climate crisis. Good for basics about global warming.
Chasing Coral (2017)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/b6fHA9R2cKI
Follows a team of divers, scientists and photographers into the deep blue. They’re trying to learn why the corals are bleaching and vanishing and what we can do about it. On their way they discover hidden treasures of the world’s remaining coral reefs.
Planetary (2015)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/Q6X_VFOGwas
To solve the current climate crisis we need a new perspective – this film considers just that. It asks you to rethink your assumptions about human kind as a species and evaluate our relationships with ourselves, the planet and those that we share it with. A new narrative of what it means to be human.
I am Greta (2020)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/i74n4BUYgHI
Young environmentalist icon of 2019, Greta is the mind behind ‘school strike for climate justice’. This film follows her journey from the first climate strike to her 2018 UN speech, her sailing trip and the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit. A great insight to Greta.
Drowning in Plastic (2018)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/t7J3p8SLHXE
A marine biologist visits scientists working in plastic to discover the true danger of plastic in our oceans, and what this means for our future. She uncovers that one of the world’s biggest rivers has evolved into one ‘huge plastic artery’, transporting 50% of all the plastic that ends up in the ocean. This leads to devastating consequences on fishing, health and livelihoods.
A Plastic Ocean (2016)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/6zrn4-FfbXw
Plastic pollution is a real problem. The world’s oceans are brimming with plastic waste. This documentary looks at the environmental impact of plastic pollution and what we can do about it.
The True Cost (2015)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/NDx711ibD1M
Fashion-focused film uncovering the devastating and catastrophic ethical and environmental impacts of the fashion industry. From factory collapses, workers rights and the impact on developing countries to the destruction of the natural world. It’ll make you think twice before investing in fast fashion.
No Impact Man (2009)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/Z9Ctt7FGFBo
Follow the journey of one environmentalist who vowed to make as little environmental impact for the duration of one year. This is a 30 day zero waste challenge upgraded!
Manufactured Landscape (2006)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/KVybNCPzG7M
Climate change is a natural process, but the rate of current climate change is not. This documentary considers how landscapes have been altered by large-scale human activity and illustrates the destructive nature of humankind.
Down to Earth: with Zac Efron (2020)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/oMzYiY5wcHU
A docuseries following Zac Efron (or Troy Bolton to many of us!) as he travels the globe seeking solutions to wellness and sustainability. Join him as he learns about different approaches to achieving goals, and absorbs information each country has to offer.
Our Planet (2019)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/aETNYyrqNYE
This list would not be complete without another mention or Sir David Attenborough. In Our Planet he offers a more positive perspective about how amazing our environment is whilst touching on the vital importance of safeguarding it.
Biggest Little Farm (2019)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/daB6ync3Ytg
Vegan vs mass farming? It’s not so simple. This documentary shines a light on the highs and lows of sustainable farming following a couple that buy a 200 acre farm and turn it into a biodiversity hub.
Blood in the Mobile (2010)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/wQhlLuBwOtE
Environmental, social and economic issues are intrinsically linked. Most of us have a mobile phone, but where do the resources and minerals for them come from? This film follows the supply chain of mobiles, revealing how conflict minerals from Congo can end up in your pocket.
Tomorrow (2015)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/4-_JZoiW_MQ
A team travels around the world to meet local communities adopting creative solutions to socio-environmental problems. Time to rethink agriculture, energy, economy, education and governance.
The 4th Revolution: Energy autonomy (2010)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/unaY8mgo2S0
In an alternative twist to the ‘end of the world’ narrative, this documentary envisions a world powered by 100% renewable energy. It shows how energy transition could decentralise power and distribute global wealth more equally.
The Ivory Game (2016)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/3GPEKKaSmZY
Every 15 minutes, 1 elephant disappears. This documentary exposes the dark ivory trafficking trade from the wild plains of Africa to back streets of China revealing the people in resistance. Different to other documentaries on the list, this documentary focuses on the importance of wildlife and the threat of its loss.
More than Honey (2012)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/Wh_IRrBeu-0
Bees are important. This documentary considers the rapid decline of bee colonies and examines the possible reasons for it. A difficult pill to swallow, it shows the reality of what happens when a species central to our agricultural industry and therefore survival, goes extinct.
Hopefully this list will satisfy your urge for sustainability content, there’s such a range of things to get your teeth stuck into! Some are more animal based, others are more science focused and there’s a few with the celebrity wow factor. Whatever tickles your fancy, there’s something for everyone! If in doubt on where to start, a nice Attenborough documentary looking at the amazing wildlife on Earth is always a great reminder of why we must fight for a more sustainable future.
If you have any favourites or any other recommendations that we can add to the archive please let us know! Happy Netflix and Save the Planet!
Author: Holly
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