Author: Nicole Lutze
Some documentary films and books are so powerful they have the power to change your life. They generate discussions, aim to change consumer habits and once seen should be shared with friends.
Somewhat unsurprisingly, the team at Etiko have watched or read their fair share of eye-opening documentaries and books. In the name of entertaining education and social awareness, we’ve collated our top-ten favourites to inspire change and expose the social and environmental impact of big industries (you’re welcome).
- The True Cost (watch): If Etiko founder, Nick Savaidis, could have made a documentary, this is the movie he would have made. This gut-wrenching film focuses on those who make the clothing we wear, and the ultimate price they pay for our fixation with cheap fashion.
- Slave to Fashion (read): Written by Safia Minney, founder of ethical fashion label People Tree, Slave to Fashion raises awareness about the modern slavery endemic in the fashion industry. Refreshingly the book also explains the practices of ethical brands and designers, to prove slave-free fashion is achievable (Etiko!) and shows how consumers and business can choose to eradicate slavery.
- River Blue (watch): While The True Cost focuses on fashions human side, River Blue exposes the environmental impact. In parts of China and India, waterways are tinted by toxic dyes and destroyed by chemical runoff from textile manufacturing. The local population is subsequently impacted, as their waterways and food sources are contaminated. This film highlights the need for sustainable production techniques, adequate regulation and corporate responsibility.
- Wardrobe Crisis: How We Went From Sunday Best to Fast Fashion (read): If you’ve ever wondered how we got to fast fashion, this is the book for you. Written by fashion journalist and Vogue Sustainability Editor, Clare Press, Wardrobe Crisis explores the history and ethics of fashion and also provides an avenue for continued discussion with a regular ethical fashion podcast.
- Food Inc (watch): This Academy Award nominated documentary examines the dark side of corporate farming in the United States. It exposes the harmful farming techniques exploiting animals, destroying the environment and ultimately producing unhealthy food.
- Food Fighter (watch): Nominated for multiple awards, this is the inspiring tale of Oz Harvest founder, Ronni Kahn, and her global crusade against food waste.
- Half The Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide (read and watch): This important story about the oppression of women and girls in the developing world is a book, film and global movement. It’s a call to action about more than just doing the right thing by females; it’s about fighting poverty.
- Embrace (watch): Body shaming is a billion-dollar industry which targets women and girls, and tells them they’re not good enough as they are. This is an inspiration film to change the way we feel about our bodies and our selves.
- In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto (read): “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly Plants.” These are the first three sentences of Michael Pollan’s book, In Defense of Food, and they acutely summarise all which proceeds. This book explores the relationship between the Western diet and nutrition and aims to restore people’s faith in eating real food for health, pleasure and happiness.
- Simplicious (read): Written by the I Quit Sugar entrepreneur and self-confessed minimalist, Sarah Wilson; Simplicious is about creating healthy and delicious meals without any waste.
Author: Nicole Lutze
Nicole is a freelance writer and marketing consultant with a passion for sustainability. She loves to tell stories about people who are inspired to do things differently, and those who hope to change the world for the better. She’s also the mother of two tiny humans with big personalities, and an obsessive enthusiast of vegetable gardens.
Website: www.nicolelutze.com
Linkedin: au.linkedin.com/in/nicolelutze
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicole.lutze/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lutzee
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