No Impact Man

     This week for Reviewsday, we looked at the 2009 documentary "No Impact Man." Colin Beaven and his family attempt to spend one year living in New York City while making no negative impact on the environment.
     Beaven in a non-fiction writer who vowed to turn his political beliefs into practical actions for reducing carbon emissions and pollution. First, his family gave up all carbon emitting transportation, including subways and planes, and shopping for anything new. They also gave up restaurants and packaged foods in order to reduce the amount of trash they produced. After a series of steps that included giving up toilet paper and the refrigerator, they turned off their power completely. Oftentimes during the film, Beaven expresses doubts about the project, and worries about the perception of him among other environmentalist.
     While it is true that Beaven's methods are extreme, he is making a point. By giving up just about everything, Beaven shows what practices are easy and practical, and which ones are more difficult. His family also enjoys, somewhat unexpectedly, a new connection with nature. His daughter chases lightning bugs through a community garden, and his wife enjoys a vacation to a farm upstate.
     While many people are politically active, few people make sacrifices that bring their lives in line with their beliefs. Liberals may complain about the wars fought for crude oil, but how many start taking the bus? Although we tell ourselves that we are doing our part, it is important to remember that we could always do more.