The Environmental Superhero

Ever wonder if it's possible for a human to live without impacting the environmental at all? What measures you'd have to take, what you'd have to reduce or do differently, or how much would you save (resources and money)? If you wait until September 4th, you'll get to see a documentary called No Impact Man about a man and his family's year-long experiment to completely reduce their environmental impact. Colin Beavan, his wife Michelle, and their toddler Isabella live in Manhattan and start this project, conceived by Colin as the subject for his next book. They start with basic steps to reduce their impact such as eating in, cutting out plastic and disposable items, and composting at home but eventually move onto extreme measures like concocting their own cleaning and bathroom products, cutting off electricity, and eating food grown within 250 miles of their Manhattan apartment. The project becomes not only an experiment to see how humans can minimize their impact but also a challenge to Colin's family, particularly to his marriage. At the beginning of the experiment, Michelle is a self-proclaimed coffee/shopping/high-fructose corn syrup/reality television addict. She wanted to show Colin her support but has difficulty adapting his lifestyle and at times becomes frustrated and infuriated with the project. While Colin's enthusiasm, inventiveness, and activism make the film enjoyable, it's Michelle's journey and the couple's evolving dynamic that carry the film. By the end of the year, the family decides what to continue and what to stop, and Michelle advocates retaining several of the practices, revealing her new confidence and altered philosophy.

Colin spoke on news programs, late night shows, at universities, and of everything he's done, he tells people the most important single act a person can take is to volunteer at an environmental organization. He explains that when people resolve to make no impact, they make a huge impact, and they don't need to wait for Congress to act or any special devices to reduce their environmental footprint. They can start simply. Even by understanding humans' inextricable connection to each other and to the planet is a step forward.

Visit Colin's blog and check out the trailer.

Bottom photo: Colin and his daughter buying locally grown vegetables at the Union Square farmer's market.