Parents' Guide to

Eco-Trip: The Real Cost of Living

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

Informative "green" docu raises questions for consumers.

TV Sundance Channel Educational 2009
Eco-Trip: The Real Cost of Living Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 10+

Based on 1 parent review

noahm
noahm Adult
June 17, 2009
age 10+

cried

loved it
See all 1 parent review

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?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

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

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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