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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)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Hip docuseries sells viewers on environmentalism.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Encourages viewers to be proactive and more environmentally responsible.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Dire predictions about the future of the environment may be scary to younger viewers. Brief footage of floods and other natural disasters.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Some fairly lighthearted cursing, like "bulls--t," "badass," "hell," and "screw."

  • Consumerism:

    Tie-in with Lexus hybrid cars. Some brands are visible in the background -- such as Coors Light, Honda, Firestone, and 7-11.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Beer visible.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Big Ideas for a Small Planet

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.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    ebmipa
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    the channel

    what channel can I watch these episodes on?

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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