My last post about eco-friendly resolutions of 2013 included fairly simple ideas and while I was researching ideas for the post I came across the documentary, No Impact Man (2009). I was intrigued and did some further digging and found out that Collin Beavan, a liberal author, began a severe lifestyle change for himself, wife, daughter and dog to live impactless in the heart of New York City. The experiment began in November 2006 and ended in November 2007. I thought the idea was crazy but I was excited to see how much they could reduce their impact in the city. How can a family of three and a pet live with no toilet paper? No electricity? Only live on foods grown locally? All in the grand consumer destination, New York City.
On a whim, I decided to purchase the movie and engaged in their 365 day experiment that was documented in 1.5 hours. Once done I sat in my room thinking about how much of an impact I make in regards to energy and consuming. I live my life consuming constantly; at home, school and work there is always a light on, always accessible paper products and constantly eating foods that probably have traveled further distances than I've ever gone.
Watching No Impact Man (2009) isn't just a film on optimistically living sustainably, but it digs into the processes of changing a family's lifestyle. This documentary shows the struggles the Beavan family goes through, overcoming and figuring out ways to find more sustainable strategies to living in New York City. What was really interesting was how Michelle, Colin's wife, dealt with the experiment. She admitted to being a "consumer junkie" and that she didn't completely understand the purpose of the change. Throughout the film you see her gradual change and acceptance into the sustainable lifestyle.
I encourage you all to watch this documentary, rent it if you must, find a way to get your hands on it! I assure you it will make you rethink all of the things you do on a daily basis and will encourage you to live a more sustainable lifestyle. The conclusion of the experiment isn't just an end, but is clearly a start for reliving.
Sustainably Yours,
Tami
