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We dig into the more fascinating and hard-hitting aspects of sustainable living - including the joy of living sustainably. It’s all about ending our culture’s love affair with “more,” which is not making us happier and is killing our planet. No half-hearted greenwashing here; we share the brutal and joyful truth! Host Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Stephanie Gardner earned her masters in environmental law & policy and is a "sustainable energy nerd."

Jun 11, 2018

Imagine you can live large – trophy house, fancy toys, caveman diet – but the costs are miniscule. Would you find that appealing? Or would you rather simplify your lifestyle and make your footprint the thing that’s miniscule? Is downsizing simply a way to supersize your consumption without maximizing your footprint? The latest episode of the GrowthBusters podcast examines these questions, as explored in the film, Downsizing.

“Downsizing may be about a small world, but it is an audacious, out-sized peach of a picture.”  Ian Freer, Empire Magazine

The film, starring Matt Damon and Kristen Wiig, is now available for rent and purchase – on Amazon, GooglePlay and YouTube. The DVD is available on Netflix. GrowthBusters director Dave Gardner is joined by new co-host Dana Hicky to discuss the film, and that means overpopulation, overshoot, overconsumption, and climate change are on the agenda.

Are we humans capable of doing the right thing and scaling back our footprint? If so, will we scale back our consumption or curb our procreation? The fact is, we’re so far into overshoot we need to do both. Is the film a pretty accurate mirror of how most of us think about “the good life?” Does Downsizing do a good job of raising these issues without preaching and putting off the audience?

Also on tap: Are you still allowing restaurants to serve your drink with a disposable plastic straw?

LINKS:

Downsizing Feature Film

Surfrider Foundation DitchTheStrawPDX Campaign

The 5 Best Reusable Straws

YouTube Video: Straw Lodged in Sea Turtle’s Nose