Monday, May 24, 2010

No impact

Last night I finally watched No Impact Man on netflix. It was an excellent documentary. Colin Beaven decided to live a year trying to make no impact on the environment. He gave up motorized transportation, only ate local foods, gave up all cleaning chemicals. His wife was very reluctant at first. She loved coffee and TV and shopping. Eventually they turned off the power in their house, using only candles at night if needed. Their small daughter loved it. I have been reading the no impact blog for some time, so I knew the things they had done. What struck me most was his comment that days lasted forever. Also, he pointed out a false question that I see many times. Instead of spending time trying to figure out which products are most sustainable, first decide if you can do without. Doing without is usually the cheapest, most sustainable thing you can do.
I recommend this movie. Very though provoking.