Watch Sustainable

Sustainable is a documentary released in 2016 that focuses on the importance of sustainable farming practices and how they are beneficial not just for the environment, but also for the farmers and their communities. The movie is directed by Matt Wechsler, known for his work on The Real Dirt on Farmer John (2005) and Right to Harm (2019). The documentary stars Marty Travis, Dan Barber, and Rick Bayless.

The film opens with Marty Travis, a farmer from southern Illinois, showcasing his family farm and the practices he follows to maintain sustainability. Travis's family has been farming for generations, and he demonstrates his techniques for cover cropping, using natural fertilizers, and crop rotation. These practices, according to Travis, not only help increase yield but also keep the soil and water healthy. His farm is a true example of how sustainable agriculture can benefit both farmers and the environment.

Dan Barber, a James Beard Award-winning chef and owner of Blue Hill restaurants in New York City, is also featured in the movie. Barber emphasizes the importance of understanding where our food comes from and the impact it has on the environment, using his farm-to-table ethos in Blue Hill. He also converses with other farmers, including Travis, to get a better understanding of how they cultivate their produce and to create a sustainable supply chain.

Throughout the documentary, the filmmakers show the contrasting views of sustainable and industrial farming. Industrial farming is depicted as a business focused on making a profit, with no regards to the welfare of their animals or the environment. The movie highlights the cruelty of industrial farming practices and how it affects the animals, damages the soil, and contaminates water sources.

The documentary also features Rick Bayless, a celebrity chef and owner of Frontera Grill and Topolobampo in Chicago. Bayless is shown visiting Oaxaca, Mexico, to understand the traditional farming practices that have been prevalent in the area for generations. He explores the many ways the crops are shared within the community and how the farmers make a living with small-scale farming.

Sustainable also draws attention to the role of government officials in sustainable farming practices. The movie highlights how the government often encourages corporates and industrial farming practices and prohibits small-scale farmers from accessing subsidies and aid. However, Travis and other farmers are seen fighting for their rights, and their efforts to create a sustainable system are commendable.

The film ultimately delivers a compelling message about the importance of sustainable farming and implementing change that benefits farmers and the environment. Sustainable showcases the challenges that farmers face while pushing for a better future, but also highlights the benefits of sustainable agriculture. The documentary is well-crafted, thought-provoking, and insightful, adding to the larger conversation of the global agriculture industry's impact on the environment and the economy.

In conclusion, Sustainable is a movie that is worth watching, especially for anyone interested in the food we consume and the impact it has on the planet. It is an informative and engaging documentary that urges viewers to think deeply about the choices we make when it comes to food and the importance of supporting sustainable farming practices. Marty Travis, Dan Barber, and Rick Bayless offer credible insights into the challenges facing sustainable farming, showing how it is possible to create a better future for us all.

Sustainable is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.