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Big Ideas for a Small Planet
(Rated TV-PG, Educational, Starring Kelly LaPlante, Monica Ramone, Where to watch: Sundance Channel, Online)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Hip docuseries sells viewers on environmentalism.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 10 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Big Ideas for a Small Planet was written by Sierra Filucci
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
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- 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?
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More on Big Ideas for a Small Planet
What’s the Story?
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.
Is It Any Good?
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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Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 15 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
the channel
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