Christiane had posted on No Impact Man a while back. When our Bourne Identity DVD arrived broken from Netflix, we thought it would be worth trying since it was available in ‘Watch Instant’ format.
At the start, I’ll admit I was feeling a bit ‘accidentally green‘ in my second hand jeans and shirt, watching with hubby on our 3rd or 4th hand couch and viewing with our used laptop. While alternating crocheting a dish cloth and breastfeeding as the little one woke up and then went back to sleep ~grin~
I loved how nonjudgemental Colin is. He doesn’t claim that he has all the answers- “this is more philosophical than scientific”- and doesn’t think that everyone should be just like him. He doesn’t condemn, but inspires to think outside the box and… reduce impact.
“Can I live on this planet doing more good than harm?” He asks. Put that way he makes it easier to think about doing baby steps to be more environmentally aware. I liked the movie, it wasn’t guilt-inducing, boring, or overwhelming, just right to motivate me to continue to try and reduce impact.
*It has some strong language in it, just to warn families.
Looking for something else to watch? Here are some other interesting documentaries, which also happen to be on Netflix’s Watch Instantly.
We watch movies on the laptop, but in general we’re Happily a TV Free Family
Unrelated but awesome: Monica from Rose of Sharon Acres wanted to give my readers a discount on her Tooth Chips- Soap For Teeth. The code HealthHomeHappy gives you a 12% one-time discount on her tooth care products, excluding sample sizes. She has liquid ‘tooth spritz’ now, which I can’t wait to try! Right now I’m using Peppermint Tooth Chips– love them! Look for a post soon (or eventually might be more accurate…) on why we choose to avoid fluoride both in our tooth paste and in our water.
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I really liked the book. I truly despise reality shows, and some of Colin's wife's complaining took that tone. But the book was instrumental in changing many of my household policies and procedures.
Weird, we just watched this show last week as well. Although I thought the movie was a good format and platform for starting a move towards green, I completely disagree with his worldview and purpose for being green. Earth is clearly his god and that was the most evident when (if you caught it) they got an abortion from their planned pregnancy because of the carbon footprint implication. Our being "green", as christians, more falls into the label as economical good stewards perserving the earth FOR God and the next GENERATION.
Wowza. They did not get an abortion because of the environmental impact. They did not get an abortion! They said they went to the doctor and there was no longer a heartbeat. In fact, Colin says they will “probably try again” directly after Michelle explains to the camera what they had to tell Isabelle. WOW. Please don’t say such incorrect and, really, mean things.
Oh my goodness- I didn't catch that at all, I thought they had a miscarriage and then were unable to conceive again.
We actually did this last week as part of the No Impact Man Challenge. Decidedly, the first few are easy – Consumption, Trash, Transportation and Food – but Water, Energy, volunteering and Eco-Sabbath are really hard for a family that is as busy as ours.
In a nutshell we:
1. don't buy that much stuff – no money – no stuff – buy high quality when we do so we aren't throwing things out senselessly – recycle, goodwill, etc.
2. transportation – we got a bike with a kiddie trailer for everything under 10 miles – that has been really fun.
3. Food – everything we have is local – lucky southern california life
4. energy – well – we work on computers from home, we don't keep the lights on, don't have a/c or heat – so that works okay – still would love togo off the grid
5. water – we are somewhat conservative already – so this day isn't that bad – it rained – have to tell the DH to stop watering sometimes
6. community – FAILED this one – went to LA to visit a friend in from Australia
7. eco-sabbath – failed this too – drove to a farm for an italian feast – was very worth it
all in all we do okay as a family – can we make improvements? yes. are we on our way to greatness? maybe!
Thank you natalie c. … I agree, as Christians we need to place God first, nothing comes close; our health, the planet, our family. Be careful on what we watch and let into our homes, there is a spirit that goes with everything.
I'm looking forward to watching it- I started reading his blog after seeing him on the Today Show, I think. He inspired me in alot of ways. There doesn't seem to be alot of "green" people that have a Christian world view, so I'm pretty aware of that before we watch or read anything of the sort.
Thanks for the warning about language though, good to know!
Natalie- I am shocked someone would have an abortion for that case, I'm going to have to research that one.
I'm so glad you enjoyed this movie, Cara. I loved Colin's message of doing what you can, staying open and being willing to try new things. It's been very much that way on my journey… some things I think might work don't… other things that I think seem a little "out there" suit me just fine and aren't an inconvenience at all. And it does seem that physical, financial and environmental health are very connected.
As an aside: I believe that Colin's wife lost her pregnancy due to natural physical complications.
Natalie C.,
I'm not sure how you got that Michele had an abortion and more specifically that it was "because of the carbon footprint implications." I just watched this movie last night. She had a miscarriage. She said there was no heartbeat on the second visit to the doctor. She seemed quietly devastated when she was telling the story. And if you listened closely, as the scene was ending you could hear Colin say they would likely try again. Please stop spreading misinformation about these people.