The UK’s Most Popular Eco Documentaries for Eco-Inspiration Revealed

Documentaries which explore the natural world have proved extremely popular in the last few years, with everything from Blue Planet to Seaspiracy causing waves across social media and beyond.
Such documentaries have become an important part of increasing understanding and visibility, providing a way to not only catch a glimpse of the world as we wouldn’t normally see it, but also to drive awareness around important environmental issues.
Clare Baranowski, conservationist at Ocean Conservation Trust (OCT) says, “Documentaries are the most common way the public connects with the Ocean[1].”

“By using positive messages of hope alongside practical instructions on how to help, these series can create better understanding of the natural world and therefore bring about change.”
To highlight the incredible work that various documentaries have done to improve awareness, sustainable retailer, Ecovibe, has analysed audience ratings and viewing data to reveal the top ten eco documentaries that are most popular right now.

Seven Worlds One Planet (2019)
Topping the list is the Sir David Attenborough narrated BBC docuseries, which provides a close up look at incredible and unseen habitats across each continent.
How to do your bit: Research your everyday products and see if they can be disposed of in a way that won’t damage the natural environment. Look out for ‘compostable’, ‘biodegradable’ or ‘recyclable’ claims on the packaging to ensure for this.

Our Planet (2019)
Exploring the effects of climate change and human impact on animal habitats, this moving series focuses on both marine and land animals as they struggle for survival.
How to do your bit: Avoid products which include synthetic fragrances, sulphates, and ammonia to help to keep our water systems and oceans clean, along with selecting compostable or biodegradable packaging.

A Life on our Planet (2020)
A first-hand account from Sir David Attenborough, this documentary describes the true impact of humans on nature, as well as providing hope for the future.
How to do your bit: To encourage biodiversity, buy from brands and companies with eco-promises, such as re-planting trees or cutting carbon emissions.

Kiss the Ground (2020)
This optimistic documentary discusses sustainable farming technique, ‘regenerative agriculture’ which could potentially help to save our climate and replenish water supplies.
How to do your bit: Where you can, shop locally from smaller businesses and avoid mass produced products which may have been manufactured unsustainably and unethically.

Blue Planet 2 (2017)
Shining light on the incredible marine life across the deepest oceans, this documentary also highlights the devasting effects of plastic pollution.
How to do your bit: Reduce the amount of single use plastic by switching to reusable products, such as metal straws, reusable coffee cups, water bottles and make up remover pads.

Before the Flood (2016)
Emphasising the devastating effects of climate change across the world, this Leonardo di Caprio documentary film emphasises the urgency of the climate issue.
How to do your bit: Global aviation accounts for almost 2% of greenhouse gas emissions, so to reduce your carbon footprint select locally made products which have travelled less to the shop shelf.

Seaspiracy (2021)
Seaspiracy highlights the shocking effects the global fishing industry has on marine life, shooting into Netflix’s top 10 as soon as it was released[2] whilst sparking conversation around the world.
How to do your bit: Buying vegan and cruelty free products, along with those that are non-toxic, dissolvable and plastic-free, will keep oceans cleaner and protect wildlife.

Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (2014)
From deforestation, animal extinction, and global warming, this documentary explores the impact of animal agriculture to our planet.
How to do your bit: Livestock and their by-products account for 51% of all greenhouse gasses[3], so it’s important to limit the number of products we purchase that contain these ingredients, such as amino acids and glycerin. This will help to reduce the need for their production and therefore the overall impact.

Virunga (2014)
This powerful documentary focuses on conservation work of park rangers in Virunga National Park, Congo, as it was threatened with poaching, war, and oil exploration.
How to do your bit: Research your everyday products and question whether they have been sustainably sourced – do they have a Fairtrade logo? Are they organic? Also check out the brands’ websites to see what their claims are on sustainability.

Years of Living Dangerously (2014)
This 2014 documentary explores rising seas levels, water scarcity and ocean acidization, whilst also providing valuable solutions, and alternate energies to combat the climate issue.
How to do your bit: Sustainably sourced products will have contributed less to the production of fossil fuels. Look out for low carbon or sustainably made credentials on packaging, such as ‘UK Made’ or ‘Recycled’.

If you’ve been inspired by one of these documentaries and want to make an eco-friendly change to your buying behaviour, Ecovibe have guide to green credentials which can help you through the process. With just some small changes to our everyday habits, we can all make a difference!