Are you looking for an interesting way to explore your green/sustainable interests? Look no further than your cable television. You may be amazed at the topics covered on some specialty channels. Check out the list of shows I find interesting and useful to those with a bent toward creating a more sustainable presence on our planet.
Use these shows to:
- Find inspiration and motivation to use your career to make a positive impact on the planet
- Explore your target profession or industry to discover cutting edge innovations
- Uncover the problems your industry is committing to solve
- Gain a general understanding of various areas within the green economy
News of the Green Economy
- Focus Earth with Bob Woodruff (Planet Green): (http://planetgreen.discovery.com/tv/focus-earth/) In a newsmagazine format, the host reports on a wide variety of subjects relating to the green economy from innovations to science, and from policy to world events. A great place to understand what's happening each week.
- Discovery Project Earth (Discovery): (http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/project-earth/project-earth.html) A set of eight amazing experiments that could hold the key to combating global warming. A fascinating show if you'd like to see what it takes to solve the large scale environmental problems we face.
- Renovation Nation (Planet Green): (http://planetgreen.discovery.com/tv/renovation-nation/) The host of this show, Steve Thomas, visits home owners who are making green renovations. Each show highlights innovative building materials and strategies used to build green homes. You may spot a coming building materials trend by watching this show.
- Greenovate (Planet Green): (http://planetgreen.discovery.com/tv/greenovate/) This reality based show highlights homeowners as they make decisions to improve their carbon footprint and increase their property values. You watch the renovation from start to finish, all in one episode, of course!
- Greensburg (Planet Green): (http://planetgreen.discovery.com/tv/greenovate/) A documentary about a small Kansas town that is rebuilding after being nearly destroyed by a tornado in May of 2007. Now in its third season, you watch as the town rebuilds green.
- World's Greenest Homes (Planet Green): (http://planetgreen.discovery.com/tv/greenovate/) Design expert Emmanuel Belliveau takes you on a detailed tour of some of the greenest homes on the planet. It's fascinating to see all the different ways people choose to green their homes.
Science and Innovation
All of the shows in this category are on the Science Channel. Although every episode may not have a green focus, you'll discover innovations that are changing the way we think about our world. As you watch episodes of these shows, pay as much attention to the problems being solved as to the solutions being offered. We are in a time of innovation. There's no way to know at this point which of these innovations will become part of our daily lives. In some cases the innovations you witness may inspire other scientists to take another pass at the same problem. Why not be part of the process.
Some of these shows may have episodes that can be watched online.
- Invention Nation: (http://science.discovery.com/brink/brink.html) Using a veggie-fueled RV, a few young people tour the United States to find amazing eco-inventions. This show is always about green innovations.
- Wa$ted (Planet Green) (http://planetgreen.discovery.com/tv/wasted/) In this reality series the hosts help contestants understand how much wasted energy and garbage they create in their lifestyle. The goal is to show people how to change their habits to reduce their ecological footprint.
Wildlife Conservation
- Planet Earth (Discovery): (http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/planet-earth/planet-earth.html) If you didn't see this series when it was released a couple of years ago, treat yourself to the 11-part series that took more than five years to film and edit. An amazing look at our planet.
- Nature (PBS): (http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/) A true classic, in its 27th season, explore the wonders of the natural world.
- Empty Oceans, Empty Nets (PBS): (http://www.pbs.org/emptyoceans) Explore the changes impacting marine areas around the world and the efforts being made to create sustainable practices.
Who said there isn't any decent programming on television these days?
Ready for more? Each season new series appear. Check out the show listings for these channels to discover new opportunities to explore your favorite topics.
Green Career Expert Carol McClelland, PhD, is the author of the forthcoming book, Green Careers For Dummies and founder of Green Career Central, a membership website with useful programs, 400+ pages of effective, targeted information to help you identify your green niche, find a green job, start a business or further your education. Visit http://www.GreenCareerCentral.com to request our free report - "Six Strategies to Find Your Green Career"
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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