Watch Big Ideas for a Small Planet

Big Ideas for a Small Planet was a documentary television series that premiered on Sundance Channel in 2007. The show focused on the ways in which emerging environmental technologies and sustainable lifestyles were revolutionizing the way we live. Hosted by Michael McDonough, Louisa Chu, and Monica Ramone, Big Ideas for a Small Planet explored a range of innovative solutions to the pressing environmental issues of our time. Each episode highlighted a different theme, ranging from green building and renewable energy to sustainable transportation and zero-waste living.

The show's expert hosts brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, offering insights into the latest trends and advancements in sustainability. McDonough, an architect and author, was known for his work on eco-friendly buildings and urban planning. Chu, a food writer and advocate, brought a unique perspective on sustainable agriculture and local food systems. And Ramone, an environmental activist and strategist, provided a global perspective on climate change and social justice.

Throughout the course of the series, Big Ideas for a Small Planet featured a diverse range of experts, entrepreneurs, and activists who were working to create a more sustainable future. These included pioneers in green energy like Amory Lovins, founder of the Rocky Mountain Institute, as well as activists like Majora Carter, who was helping to revitalize the South Bronx through sustainable development.

The show also highlighted cutting-edge innovations in sustainability, such as the Living Building Challenge, a new standard for green building that aims to create buildings that are self-sufficient and regenerative. It also explored emerging technologies like electric cars and biofuels, which were poised to revolutionize the transportation industry.

Throughout the series, Big Ideas for a Small Planet emphasized the idea that sustainability was not just about environmentalism, but also about social justice and economic equity. In one episode, for example, the hosts explored the concept of a “green-collar economy” and the ways in which the growth of green jobs could help lift people out of poverty.

At times, Big Ideas for a Small Planet could be a bit dry and academic, with its heavy focus on technical jargon and complex environmental systems. However, the show's expert hosts and insightful interviews helped to keep things engaging and accessible. And while some of the solutions presented may have felt a bit far-fetched or idealistic, the show's overarching message was an optimistic one: that with the right innovations and ideas, we could create a more sustainable and equitable world for future generations.

All in all, Big Ideas for a Small Planet was an informative and inspiring series that helped to shed light on some of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. While it may be slightly dated in its production values by today's standards, its focus on sustainable solutions and the people behind them is still as relevant today as it was when it first aired.

Big Ideas for a Small Planet is a series that ran for 3 seasons (42 episodes) between April 17, 2007 and on Sundance Channel