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Joyce: In this documentary film paper waste is a big no, no. So no newspapers, magazines, TP, take out food, napkins, etc. Plus no TV, or no material consumption and the list goes on. Colin is a writer, who wants to write about how a person can make a difference, mainly by completing this very difficult experiment, blogging and writing about it. The experiment deals with trying to leave no impact on the environment, thus its title "No Impact Man."
Rico: Slight problem - he lives in Manhattan and has a wife, a toddler and a dog. They didn't really get a vote.
Also, they live in a 9th floor apartment which really becomes a "walkup". No elevators allowed.
They give up electricity, engine powered transportation and most importantly, toilet paper!
Joyce: To make it all more authentic, they give away all the conveniences that make it worth living in the modern world. Of course, he is right on target when he is advocating that the modern west makes way too many disposable things and we produce unconscionable amounts of trash. But to give up everything?
Rico: I'm amazed that the family stuck with him. Winter in New York with no heat. Summer with no fans, let alone a.c.
Joyce: They didn't stop everything at once but gradually added what I would call deprivation. At six months, no electricity, so no refrigeration, no lights, for heaven's sake. Funny thing is that wife Michelle works and writes for Business Week Magazine, based on the wonders of the corporate world and which they can't even have in their apartment.
Rico: Oh, and they eat only locally produced food - from New York City farmer's markets.
They want to have NO impact on the environment. They go to great extremes to prove a point. He admits not everyone can do this, but he wants everyone to at least think about it and do what they can.
Joyce: And they go vegetarian. In spite of this the Beavans are an attractive couple and their toddler is adorable. The fact that the couple is not always on the same page provides some very amusing situations. Never mind that she is an espresso-aholic and adores Prada. Oh, well, it all has to go.
Rico: The film goes beyond common sense, and that I suppose is funny. I found it ridiculous - in concept and execution.
Joyce: Well, in spite of the radical degree to which the Beavans go , it is interesting and certainly does make you think. They both found they learned a great deal from this and also became better parents. But it certainly is hard to imagine going without TP.
**1/2
Rico: **1/2
Film: No Impact Man
Writer, Directors: Laura Gabbert, Justin Schein
Colin Beavan, Michelle Conlin
Documentary
Running Time: 1:30
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