5 Films That Will Inspire You to Be More Conscious

There is not a week (or a day even?) that goes by without someone telling us that The True Cost is how they came to sustainable fashion. This documentary is indeed an amazing eye-opener as it sheds a much-needed light on the steep human and environmental cost of fast fashion. Through an exploration of the living conditions of low-wage workers in garment manufacturing countries, you'll learn about the direct, negative impact our thirst for newness and cheap clothes is affecting the lives of women, men and children the other side of the globe. The True Cost will change the way you look at your closet. It'll make you question where your clothes come from, who made them and at what cost...

A Plastic Ocean dives into the devastating impacts of waste (and our culture of overconsumption) on the environment, with a focus on ocean plastic pollution. This documentary explains that there is no true “away” when "throwing away" or disposing of plastic. That water bottle you finished might not be sitting on your desk anymore but it will remain on our planet for at least another 450 years! You'll walk away from this film considering getting a refillable water bottle to take everywhere with you, which we’ll keep both your wallet and the environment happy.   

Sustainable empowers audiences by reminding them of their power to affect change. Yes, it does reveal the economic and environmental instability of America’s current food system, which is harming the environment. But, it also highlights our power to reverse our negative impact by leading a sustainable food revolution. Sustainable demonstrates what farming should be today and tomorrow. You can join the revolution by buying local, organic and seasonal produce. And remember to always ask questions and consciousness starts with information.

Do you believe in living a life where less is actually more? Less stuff and more freedom? Then Minimalism is for you. Filmmakers Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus make a compelling case for simplifying our lives through the portraits of minimalists from all walks of life - families, artists, journalists, entrepreneurs, scientists and bankers - who explain how they have reclaimed their freedom by decluttering their lives. The film will make you question what you really need and might even inspire you to start your own de-cluttering project -- and if it does, consider donating your best goods and recycling the rest. 

Did we miss any major sustainability films? We're really looking forward to seeing Rotten when it's released next week and will update this list then. Do you think films are a great way to raise awareness? Share your thoughts in the comments section.