Ah the joys of cross-pollination. Cross pollination of ideas is one of the things that I am most excited about with this blog. So, it seems fitting to post this as my first entry. Specifically, I’m combining microbiology, independent musicians and social activism to see if a worthwhile idea emerges.

With a book out and a newly released movie, press about “No Impact Man” is reaching heights not seen since the ubiquity of his appearances on NPR, the Today Show, and the like during the yearlong grand experiment undertaken by Colin Beavan and his family.

But why all the hullaballoo about one family doing for a single year what a whole village does for a lifetime (or, at least, indefinitely)? It’s a crying shame to see eco-experiments performed by a novice fail on the big screen, when they could be shown as ultimately successful by those who have practiced them for 15 years or more. Imagine if there was a movie about a person who decided to build their own house. First step, pouring the foundation concrete. But they don’t know what they are doing and it doesn’t work. I guess we should forget concrete as a building material – we just saw visual proof that it doesn’t work!

It’s sad that the movie focuses on these minor details, because Colin’s message in person is cogent, textured, nuanced, and inspirational. This is said from the perspective of someone who has sat with him on multiple public discussion panels. He describes the intersection of ecological crisis, the role of personal choice in a capitalistic society, and cultural and systemic problems with a carefully crafted voice that draws new and valuable linkages among these three pillars of the problem.

Nevertheless, it’s sadder that the movie does not make the attempt to reference older and more successful attempts in the eco-living arena. The opportunity to enlighten is left untaken. Ultimately, that’s to the detriment of all – those like Dancing Rabbit who could use the publicity to make a difference, the public which misses a chance to learn, and Colin himself, who could have been a catalyst but chooses iconoclast instead.