Review: Big Ideas For a Small Planet

Big Ideas for a Small planet is a documentary series created by the Sundance channel. Each episode spotlights a different aspect of everyday life and focuses on it's environmental impact. Every topic is very specific - one episode is about the environmental impact of art. Who would have thought that art was even worth mentioning? It really makes you appreciate the small things. Thanks to this series, every time I listen to a CD, I think about everything that went into producing it, from the energy it took to record it to the plastic case it came in.

Most episodes introduce one or more Entrepreneur with an innovative idea for sustainable alternative options to a specific product. For example, one man created a business dedicated to crafting lamps out of 100% recycled materials, using old computer parts for the innards and something translucent for the shade, usually an old bottle. I found this fascinating that something so beautiful could come from junk.

That being said, many of these entrepreneurs use their time for self-promotion, rather than on the product itself. I felt that some were just money-hungry people trying to profit from the "green movement". The man with the lamps had a starting price of $55 for a small lamp. Really? I mean, I understand a slight mark-up from ordinary lamps, but this is just ridiculous.

Overall, I enjoyed watching this series. Some of the ideas may not be entirely practical or sensible, but at least it's a step in the right direction. I watched this on Netflix Instant, but unfortunately it seems that it will only be available until September 5th. The Sundance website has a ton of clips, webisodes, and information that should keep you entertained for a while (although it seems it has not been updated since season 2). Hulu also has some clips for you to check out.