Five eco documentaries that will change your life.

Think you can’t change the earth? Think again! In the spirit of the Oscars, we’ve gathered a list of our must-watch eco-focused documentaries that prove that our choices—no matter how small—affect the world around us. From water rights to sustainable living, these films will inform you about important and timely issues meanwhile inspiring you to change for the better.

1. GARBAGE WARRIOR

Based out of Taos, New Mexico, Michael Reynolds has been building innovative self-sustaining housing structures primarily out of recycled materials for over 40 years.  His off-grid “earth ships” include self-sustaining septic systems, solar panels and a greenhouse. Reynolds’ work inspires us to find innovative ways to recycle in our own lives.

You can: reuse glass jars as a replacement for harmful plastic food storage containers.

2. GASLAND

After Josh Fox received a letter offering him a large check to lease his land to a natural gas company, he looked into fracking (the highly toxic method used to extract natural gas), and the people whose water resources and health have been harmfully affected by this practice all across the country.

You can: become an active citizen and encourage others to do the same by educating yourself about current issues.

3. TAPPED

The bottled water industry has been cranking out millions of untested and unregulated bottles a year to an ever-guzzling consumer base at the expense of the planet and the communities where this water is sourced.

You can: easily buy a safe and stylish reusable bottle instead of buying plastic water bottles.

4. NO IMPACT MAN

The average American produces 1,600 pounds of trash a year. Colin Beavan set out to reduce his family’s carbon footprint to zero by cutting out all non-local food, automated transportation and even electricity. While this regimen isn’t for all, this film gives great inspiration for living a lower impact life.

You can: take public transportation or ride your bike to get where you need to go.

5. FOOD, INC.

Have you ever wondered how your food is produced? Food, Inc. exposes the harsh realities of the industrialized food system and its effect on us all. From childhood obesity to GMOs, this film explores everything you need to know about the food we put in our bodies every day.

You can: support organic and local food suppliers by shopping at farmers’ markets.

Guest contributor, Lani Trock, is the author of A Creation of Inspiration, a blog about gardening, art and all things food.

Images via Flickr users Fallen Rose Media and Kungliga biblioteket.

Tags: documentary, documentary films, eco docs, Eco Films, environmental documentaries, environmental films, green films, Oscars