14 Films to Keep You Eco-Minded!

Documentaries

“Change starts with education. If people are aware of their impact on the Earth, they’ll make smarter choices.” - Filmmaker Rob Stewart.

Looking to expand your knowledge without leaving your comfy couch? Here are some entertaining and educational documentaries:

1. No Impact Man
Directors: Laura Gabbert, Justin Schein

Have you ever thought what your life would be like if you were to live a no-impact lifestyle without the help of carbon offsets? No Impact Man takes you on that journey! See how life would be without the conveniences we take for granted and discover which parts of our lives can (comfortably) be changed to lower our impact. Discover more tips for a sustainable lifestyle in the TerraPass blog.

2. The Burning Season
Director: Cathy Henkel

Watch the economic mechanisms of carbon offsetting help a community establish a low-carbon lifestyle! Learn the difficulties and enormous benefits of acting against climate change with environmentally-positive projects. Plus, check out TerraPass projects, here.

3. Revolution
Director: Rob Stewart

Revolution brings you some of the most incredible wildlife spectacles ever recorded. Following film director Rob Stewart, come face to face with sharks and cuddly lemurs, visit the microscopic world of the pygmy seahorse, and join a hunt with the deadly flamboyant cuttlefish. From the coral reefs to the rainforests, Revolution reveals how our fate is tied to all creatures. Through it all, Stewart’s journey reveals an opportunity for all of us. We, as individuals worldwide, can win the battle to save the ecosystems we depend on for survival.

4. Just Eat It!
Director: Grant Baldwin

Producing enough food to feed the planet is a challenge with a huge carbon footprint attached. Did you know that 40% of food is wasted? This documentary takes you on a journey to follow our food and learn how we can reduce food waste. Can a family survive 6 month on perfectly good food people and businesses choose to discard? See for yourself.

5. The Future of Energy
Director: Brett Mazurek

Energy is the pulse of our society. It impacts everything: from our air and food, to our jobs and families. The answer to sustainability, according to experts, is a powerful trio: wind, water, and solar. With infectious enthusiasm, The Future of Energy shines a spotlight on the many everyday figures that stand at the forefront of the clean energy revolution. This documentary shows that the capacity for positive change in the world begins with the individual. Support sustainable energy with TerraPass Renewable Energy Credits.

6. Chasing Ice
Director: Jeff Orlowski

The Arctic is the place where climate change is most visible, yet changes can go unnoticed. So, a picture is worth a thousand words! This astonishing documentary reveals the shocking impact of emissions-driven climate change in the Arctic right before your eyes.

Entertainment Movies

Not into documentaries? Get inspired by these environmental adventure movies!

7. James Bond Movies: Quantum of Solace and Die Another Day
Directors: Marc Forster and Lee Tamahori (accordingly)

These James Bond thrillers contemplate the idea of conflict over resources, such as water and diamonds, some of which is present in the real world. To varying degrees these films feature environmental degradation and the conflict that surrounds it. It reminds us just how precious our planet is and how its resources support our life. Join the TerraPass community in helping keep them sustainable.

8. Erin Brockovich
Director: Steven Soderbergh

Erin Brockovich is based on the true story of how a community stood together against pollution to protect the environment. The African proverb holds true: If many little people, in many little places, do many little things, they can change the face of the Earth. Do your part with TerraPass carbon offsets.

9. The Pelican Brief
Director: Alan J. Pakula

The idea of large corporations selling out our environment for a profit can bring fear to most of us. This is the scene in the legal suspense thriller “The Pelican Brief”. It features a young law student who uncovers an environmental conspiracy following the murder of two Supreme Court Justices, putting herself and others in danger. Meanwhile, in the real world, company sustainability is becoming a way to advance business. Find out how TerraPass is making businesses environmentally friendly.

For the kids

Bringing up the next generation of planet-lovers? Spend quality time together and keep them entertained through the long evenings of the fall!

10. Hoot
Director: Wil Shriner

Inspiring and hilarious, this film shows that kids can make a difference! While the tactics that the teens use in the film to protect wildlife may be extreme, the movie’s overall message is one that is worthy of attention. The film focuses on saving endangered owls, but this can be applied to many other situations. The idea is that age does not limit you in becoming involved, taking a stand against injustice and making a community better. Find out how TerraPass projects contribute to communities across the USA.

11. The Lorax
Directors: Chris Renaud, Kyle Balda

This is a well-loved book turned into an animated film. Funny and a little romantic, it teaches kids to have faith and act to turn things around for the better. As the movie says, “unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.” How do you make a difference? Share your story on our Facebook page and, of course, with your kids!

12. Fern Gully: The Last Rainforest
Directors: Bill Kroyer

Ever wondered how tiny animals see the rainforest destruction? This animated film gives you that perspective.. The main character is shrunk to a tiny size by accident and meets small fairies who are suffering from the destruction of their habitat. Producer Wayne Young claims his passion for the environment motivated this production. The authors avoid “preaching” and still convey the message.

13. Princess Mononoke
Directors: Hayao Miyazaki

Princess Mononoke shows nature is divine, beautiful, and terrifying all at the same time. This animated film does a great job of bringing out the grey tones and showing the trade-offs in the issue of conservation. The film centers on protecting the forest versus developing a new livelihood for a town. There are no stereotypical ‘villains’: each side is shown to have their own needs and justifications. It’s a great movie to spark discussions.

14. Pocahontas
Directors: Eric Goldberg, Mike Gabriel

An oldie, but a goodie! Despite the liberties taken with the original history of Pocahontas, this film teaches lessons of love, both for environment and for one another.

What is your motivational movie? Share on Facebook or tweet us the answer @Terrapass! And for more eco-friendly tips and information, visit our website or take a look at our Pinterest boards!