Television Review: Big Ideas for a Small Planet
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this documentary series takes a
strong environmentalist stance. It's so persuasive, in fact,
that it may result in tweens and teens encouraging parents to
ditch their SUVs or buy hemp clothing. Interviews with experts
and entrepreneurs sometimes contain lighthearted expletives.
Each episode features a "Lexus hybrid living tip," and several
other brand names appear on screen, usually in the background.
Families can talk about environmentalism. What makes someone an
environmentalist? What is the media's role in spreading
environmental messages? What point(s) is this series trying to
make? What do you think producers want the show to accomplish?
On a more personal level, what can families do to protect and
improve the environment? What lifestyle changes could you make?
What luxuries are you unwilling to give up in the name of going
green? What should you do if family members disagree about how
to pitch in?
In the documentary series BIG IDEAS FOR A SMALL PLANET, which airs as part of Sundance Channel's environmentally focused "The Green" programming block, each episode focuses on a single area of environmental interest, such as fuel, clothing, or housing. A regular cast of experts and a rotating pool of activists, entrepreneurs, and thinkers comment on and explore each featured topic. For example, the fuel episode profiles several folks involved in alternative-fuel projects -- like a struggling small-business owner from Southern California who installs second fuel tanks in diesel vehicles so they can run on vegetable oil. Another entrepreneur connects car buyers with biodiesel-ready vehicles, and a race-car driver talks about why he drives an ethanol-powered car.
The exhortations to get involved in evironmental activism that accompany the individual profiles (along with expert commentary) are optimistic, inspiring, and often funny. Commentators are attractive, well-spoken, and witty -- which, along with the show's jump-cut editing and hip, uplifting music -- creates a program that's attractive to younger viewers without feeling overly pedantic.
But Big Ideas for a Small Planet clearly has a message, and those looking for absolute objectivity won't find it here. And some lighthearted cursing and product tie-ins make it a show that parents might want to watch with their kids -- or at least check in about.
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Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
