Environmental Films

NEW! ENOUGH? (14 min.) - Do the choices we make matter? "Enough?" is a visual meditation on sustainability in six parts: Overconsumption, Water Quality, Biodiversity Loss, Restoration of Natural Systems, Domesticated Animals, and Needs & Wants. The film encourages viewers to reflect on how their decisions as consumers affect their own communities and the wider world.

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WINNER, BEST SOCIAL IMPACT FILM - Northwest Illinois Film Festival

 

78% of U.S. consumers say that sustainability is important.

 

What can YOU do? We don't know YOU, or your situation. Only YOU can decide what  choices you can make that will reduce overconsumption and increase sustainability.

 

1. Overconsumption​

• Do you really NEED the product you are about to purchase?

• Purchase things you need from resale or thrift shops.

• Think about how a product is made, where it is made, and what is it made from.

• Can the product be recycled, and/or how soon will it be in a landfill?

• Can the item I am replacing be repaired?

• Reuse and recycle as much as possible. Reduce the amount of food you waste.

More action ideas here: https://populationeducation.org/overconsumption-and-climate-change-the-emissions-behind-our-household-goods/

 

2. Water Quality

• Adopt water conservation practices.

• Plant native plants.

• Discontinue or limit the use of lawn chemicals.

More action ideas here: https://www.boisestate.edu/cobe/blog/2024/10/what-you-can-do-to-improve-water-quality-in-your-area/

Ideas for farmers: https://www.farmers.gov/conservation/water-quality

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3. Biodiversity Loss

• Buy sustainable and fairtrade products.

• Purchase local and organic foods.

• Compost.

• Create a biodiversity-friendly yard.

More action ideas: https://onetreeplanted.org/blogs/stories/conserving-biodiversity

 

4. Restoration of Natural Systems

• If you own land, participate in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

• Tell your legislator you support the restoration of forest, grasslands, and wetlands.

• Use renewable energy.

More action ideas: https://defenders.org/blog/2021/06/10-ways-help-restore-environment

 

5. Domesticated Animals

• Have fewer pets. Adopt from shelters.

• Consider sustainability and waste when choosing pet food, toys, etc.

• Eat less meat. Avoid fast food. Reducing beef and lamb have the biggest impact.

More action ideas: https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/food-drink/climate-action-10-steps-cut-down-meat-dairy

 

6. Need & Wants

• Focus on fulfilling needs over wants.

• Resist the urge for instant gratification.

More action ideas: https://today.usc.edu/eco-minimalist-environmentally-friendly/

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MOVED BY WATERS (28 min.) - What unites us is more important than what divides us. "Moved by Waters" is an uplifting and inspirational documentary that depicts collaborative projects involving organizations and diverse groups of students, teachers, artists, farmers, and volunteers of all ages. Setting aside political or other differences, all are working toward improving water quality in the Upper Mississippi River watershed. We all need water that is clean and safe to drink, and the people and projects in "Moved by Waters" model a way forward that benefits people and the environment.

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EMMY NOMINATION

BEST DOCUMENTARY - Alternating Currents Film Festival

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT - Oneota Film Festival

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT - IMPA Awards
 

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OVER & UNDER: WILDLIFE CROSSINGS (9 min.) - Why did the turtle cross the road? Better yet, how can a turtle cross a busy highway safely. Collisions between wildlife and automobiles are expensive, dangerous, and deadly for animals and people. "Over & Under Wildlife Crossings" explores old and new methods that allow animals to move over or under our nation's highways in search of food, shelter, and companionship. The story behind two innovative and effective crossings for endangered turtles in Iowa and Wisconsin are featured. "Over & Under" makes a compelling case for the construction of wildlife crossings while it encourages motorists to do their part by minding animal crossing signs.

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EMMY WINNER

WINNER - IMPA Educational Production Award

OFFICIAL SELECTION - Borrego Springs Film Festival

OFFICIAL SELECTION - Denali Film Festival
 

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PLACES TO BE WILD (10 min.) - If land that is difficult or impossible to farm returns to a wild state, how does that impact people and wildlife? "Places To Be Wild" profiles a successful partnership between a landowner and the Wetland Reserve Program. By combining insightful and inspiring on-camera interviews with captivating landscape and wildlife footage, the film illustrates the concept of wildlife cores and corridors, and shows how rewilding can benefit people and the wider world.

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EMMY NOMINATION

WINNER - IMPA Educational Production Award

OFFICIAL SELECTION - Downstream Environmental Film Festival

OFFICIAL SELECTION - Water Docs Film Festival

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All four films above were funded in part by a grant from Roger Ross Gipple and BeWildReWild. Visit: BeWildReWild.org