Eco-Trip: The Real Cost of Living
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this informative series -- which explores how the production and distribution of everyday things impacts the environment -- is relatively mild aside from occasional strong language ("ass," "s--t") and passing references to looking "sexy." Younger kids may be bored by some of the scientific information, and sensitive viewers could be upset by some of the images and/or discussions about the life-threatening impact of harmful pesticides and other chemicals on animals and humans.
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What's the story?
ECO-TRIP: THE REAL COST OF LIVING follows host David de Rothschild as he travels the world learning how everyday things like T-shirts and Atlantic salmon make their way into consumers' hands -- and how much impact their journey from origination to use has on the planet. As he works alongside farmers, fishermen, and scientists, he uncovers multiple (and sometimes competing) points of view. Interviews with experts provide additional insight into the role of consumer demands, climate change, and the depletion of the planet's natural resources. At the end of each episode, de Rothschild explores some of the ways that consumers can educate themselves about what they're buying in order to make more informed choices.
Is it any good?
This informative, nonjudgmental series offers plenty of information about how seemingly minor production and/or harvesting decisions can have a major (and sometimes devastating) impact on the planet. It also demonstrates the necessity of thinking beyond buying products that are labeled "organic" and recognizing that assembling and transporting even the most "earth-friendly" goods affects the ecosystem.
Granted, knowing that everything you buy, use, and/or eat probably has had some sort of negative impact on the environment can be incredibly frustrating. But the show uses this information to encourage viewers to ask their own questions and think a little bit more carefully about their habits. As a result, it succeeds in leaving viewers who want to make a difference feeling a little bit more empowered.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about the different ways the media can send messages about causes like environmentalism. Are messages that don't try to overwhelm or frighten viewers as effective as those that rely more on "scare tactics"? Why or why not? Do you think shows like this will encourage more people to rethink their daily habits and/or make more earth-friendly life changes? Families can also discuss how to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. It is possible to only consume products that are completely "Earth friendly"? How can we be sure that what we consume is really "green"?
TV details
- Premiere date: April 21, 2009
- Cast: David de Rothschild
- Network: Sundance Channel
- Genre: Educational
- TV rating: TV-PG
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