What's the impact of No Impact Man?
A new film is coming out soon called No Impact Man, featuring the well-meaning Colin Beavan attempting to live his life with as little as possible impact on the environment. But, I wonder, what impact is his film going to have?
You can check out the trailer here:
Now, the thing is, I'm sure Mr Beavan had the very best of intentions here and good for him to give this a go. But, as the blurb goes on to read on the Apple site: "no problem. That is, until his espresso-guzzling, retail-worshipping wife Michelle and their two year-old daughter are dragged into the fray." Well...yeah. Now obviously, sacrifices have to be made to minimise impact on the environment. But if we equate being ecologically responsible with giving up every bit of joy in life, I think we are not only going to fail miserably, but we are also not thinking up creative solutions to the problems we face.
Also, not everyone can give up these things cold turkey (and I mean stuff like transport, not shopping sprees at Gap), so on a collective level these solutions might be an interesting experiment, but they're going to be ineffective in the long run.
At my work, this film prompted an email discussion ranging from "More than these exemplary mortifications self inflicted by the end users I think (we) designers should work in a better way" to "Jesus saves. I spend". (To be fair, my boss was joking when he said that. I think).
I should mention that I haven't seen the film, so maybe I'm jumping to conclusions. But my point is, I think that while Colin's efforts are admirable, this film might do more harm than good by making being an environmentalist look like it has to be some kind of miserable sacrifice or fringe-dwelling alternative lifestyle, when really, it has to be essential and possible for everyone. Or maybe I just haven't done enough espresso-guzzling today to think straight.
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Comments
Perhaps you should see the film before you decide if the film will do more harm than good. Also, reading his blog might enlighten you a bit. I doubt he believes that everyone should follow his example but even if they take to heart some of his ideas, thing will move forward. People may not be able to give up transport cold turkey, but they can start thinking about it and making choices that point them in that direction. Sometimes you need a catalyst to push you forward to a better direction and No Impact Man could very well be that catalyst.
Posted by: Katie | July 21, 2009 5:35 PM
Uh, he talked about responses like yours way back when he started the project. Maybe you should at least have read his blog before reviewing the movie you didn't see?
Posted by: Nicola | July 27, 2009 7:40 AM
Uh, he talked about responses like yours way back when he started the project. Maybe you should at least have read his blog before reviewing the movie you didn't see? From that you might also see hoe non-fringe his lifestyle is. He lives in Manhattan, for one.
Posted by: Nicola | July 27, 2009 7:41 AM
Well, I'm writing a blog and giving my reaction, not doing a researched hypothesis. But fair point. Will search out his blog.
As for his 'non fringe' lifestyle - that's my whole point. He had to significantly change that for this film. What I'm saying is, being environmentally friendly shouldn't be seen as some dramatic sacrifical life change, it should be possible to incorporate in your normal life. E.g. if he can't give up transport in Manhattan then how the hell is anyone in London or Tokyo supposed to do this? But I'm going to go read his blog now and see what he says...
Posted by: Adele | July 29, 2009 12:28 PM