Big Ideas for a Small Planet - TV-PG

Hip docuseries sells viewers on environmentalism.

TV Rating: TV-PG Network: Sundance Channel Genre: Educational
Available on: Download

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this documentary series takes a strong environmentalist stance. It's so persuasive 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 discuss 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?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Sierra Filucci

Documentary series BIG IDEAS FOR A SMALL PLANET airs as part of the 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.

These individual profiles are accompanied by expert commentary and optimistic, inspiring, and often-funny exhortations to get involved in environmental activism. 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.

Fans might also enjoy the documentary An Inconvenient Truth, the series Living With Ed, or the EcoKids Web site.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content
Violence Dire predictions about the future of the environment may be scary to younger viewers. Brief footage of floods and other natural disasters.
Language Some fairly lighthearted cursing, like "bulls--t," "badass," "hell," and "screw."
Message
	Social Behavior Encourages viewers to be proactive and more environmentally responsible.
	Commercialism Tie-in with Lexus hybrid cars. Some brands are visible in the background -- such as Coors Light, Honda, Firestone, and 7-11.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Beer visible.