If you have been following my website, you might have known that the first post I published under the ‘tips and tricks’ segment was about becoming a sustainable consumer. The reason being that ever since I can remember, I have always asked these two questions: why and how; due to this innate curiosity, I have continuously searched for answers – mainly through reading but also in the form of documentaries.

To some this may sound naive but I genuinely believe that by improving yourself, you improve the collective consciousness of the world around you. So that being said, I would like to share a list of insightful documentaries with you – to not only increase your awareness of yourself and your habits but also to satiate the question of ‘why’ and ‘how’.

I AM

Directed by Tom Shadyac, known for ‘Bruce Almighty’ and ‘Ace Ventura: Pet Detective’, ‘I AM’ is definitely the most humorous documentary among this list and thus, a great starting point. The documentary is based around two questions: what’s wrong with our world, and what can we do to make it better? Interviewing scientists, psychologists, artists, environmentalists, authors, activists, philosophers, entrepreneurs, and more, the answer(s) may just surprise you!

The documentary is available on Netflix.

Fractals: Hunting The Hidden Dimension

Did you know nature has a code? And did you know that this code extends to us, too? ‘Fractals: Hunting The Hidden Dimensions’ uses science and math to explain the connectivity between all things – literally, from nature to mankind to freaking CGI and so much more! This documentary definitely felt like the missing puzzle piece I was searching for, especially considering my curiosity and love for nature.

The documentary is available for free on YouTube.

The True Cost

Fashion has been ingrained into our brains from the moment we were born, from gender based colours of clothes to almost every magazine on the display rack analyzing who wore what – but how are fast fashion brands actually making their products? ‘The True Cost’ reveals what goes on behind-the-scenes and it ain’t pretty; hence why I have switched to mainly shopping from charity organisations or thrift stores (due to my budget).

The documentary is available on Netflix.

The Human Experiment

When did you last question a product before purchasing it – say, your shampoo? The reason I ask is because ‘The Human Experiment’ will thoroughly explain how labels can be deceiving  – not only that but how the chemicals within mundane household items and the materials used to package food items have far reaching side-effects science has not fully grasped, especially when used or consumed daily.

The documentary is available on Netflix.

Forks Over Knives, Cowspiracy, Food Inc.

There are endless quotes regarding the effects of food on the body, with the most famous (and perhaps most dated) being “let food be thy medicine” by Hippocrates – the reason I mentioned this is because Hippocrates was, and is, onto something. Have you ever felt lazy after devouring certain foods? Or perhaps just strangely uncomfortable? Well, these three documentaries will explain why that is and so much more! My favorite would be ‘Forks Over Knives’ as it’s the most unbiased whereas ‘Cowspiracy’ and ‘Food Inc.’ are definitely documentaries leaning towards one side of the argument; great (not to mention informative) nonetheless though.

These documentaries are available on Netflix.

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For those who can remain open-minded and are willing to question their beliefs, I would also recommend:

Thrive: What On Earth Will It Take?

Although lengthy, this documentary is a must-watch for anyone starting to question the reality pushed on us by the system (the media, corporations ec cetera). ‘Thrive: What On Earth Will It Take?’ focuses on following the money and by doing so, slowly dismantles your perception on certain topics – popular and fringe.

The documentary is available for free on YouTube.

“Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning.” William Arthur Ward