I will probably never be fully vegan, or even vegetarian, but I can’t deny that things need to change. Not only are our farming and food production practices unsustainable, but they can also be unethical and unhealthy. Do you know what chemicals were used to produce the plants you eat? What did the cows eat before the burger landed on your plate? At this point, I’m striving to shop local whenever I can, reduce my meat and dairy consumption, and learn more about a plant-based diet. After watching some of these, I think you will too.

1. Kiss the Ground

   It’s all about the soil! We all know that healthy soil leads to nutrient-dense food, but did you know that healthy soil and diverse crops can actually reverse the effects of climate change? This documentary delves into the science behind drawdown and explains how changing our farming practices might actually be the solution we’re looking for.

2. Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret

   I think by now a lot of us have learned that factory farming is a major contributor to our climate crisis. This documentary dives into the specifics of it and explains why it may have been overlooked by many environmental groups for so long.

3. Seaspiracy

   Ok, so now that we know why farming practices on land aren’t doing our planet any favors, let’s just focus on eating fish. That makes sense, right? Nope, turns out there are many issues with our fishing practices too. From environmental issues to ethical ones, this documentary exposes the ugly side of the fishing industry across the world. And let me just tell you, I had no idea how bad it was.

4. Just Eat It: A Food Waste Story

   So. Much. Food. Gets. Wasted. The crazy part? Most of it is just fine to eat. In this documentary, a couple decides to try living off of food waste alone, and it’s not as hard as you might think. It might make you want to avoid our food system altogether and simply make your own. Other great options are to buy from local farmers or to buy from a company like Imperfect Foods, which strives to reduce our overall food waste.

5. Eating Animals

   This documentary, presented by Natalie Portman and Jonathan Safran Foer, takes a hard look at the food industry. It explores a more ethical way of eating that may bring us to a future that is free of factory farming practices.

6. The Milk System

   I’m the first to admit that I will never be able to give up cheese, but with so many plant-based milk options it is becoming easy to reduce overall dairy consumption. This documentary digs into the dairy industry and explores the global costs and consequences of our current systems. Farmers, scientists, and industry insiders all have a chance to weigh in on the issue.

7. Down to Earth with Zac Efron

   Ok, so this is a series, but absolutely worth the watch. In the first season, Efron travels to speak to many health, farming, and sustainability experts all over the world. It’s both educational and inspiring. I know it left me questioning how we live in the US and I couldn’t help consider that there are better ways to live.

Keep in mind as you’re watching these that there isn’t anything inherently wrong with meat, fish, or dairy. There are many rural and indigenous communities that consume these things in respectful and sustainable ways. The problems lie with the system and the volume that we consume. The industries will never change their practices if we do not change our own. Have you watched any of these documentaries? Let me know what you think in the comments!