#13 Downsize Me

Imagine you can live large – trophy house, fancy toys, caveman diet – but the costs are miniscule. Would you find that appealing? Or would you rather simplify your lifestyle and make your footprint the thing that's miniscule? Is downsizing simply a way to supersize your consumption without maximizing your footprint? The latest episode of the GrowthBusters podcast examines these questions, as explored in the film, Downsizing. "Downsizing may be about a small world, but it is an audacious, out-sized peach of a picture."  Ian Freer, Empire Magazine The film, starring Matt Damon and Kristen Wiig, is now available for rent and purchase – on Amazon, GooglePlay and YouTube. The DVD is available on Netflix. GrowthBusters director Dave Gardner is joined by new co-host Dana Hicky to discuss the film, and that means overpopulation, overshoot, overconsumption, and climate change are on the agenda. Are we humans capable of doing the right thing and scaling back our footprint? If so, will we scale back our consumption or curb our procreation? The fact is, we're so far into overshoot we need to do both. Is the film a pretty accurate mirror of how most of us think about "the good life?" Does Downsizing do a good job of raising these issues without preaching and putting off the audience? Also on tap: Are you still allowing restaurants to serve your drink with a disposable plastic straw? LINKS: Downsizing Feature Film Surfrider Foundation DitchTheStrawPDX Campaign The 5 Best Reusable Straws YouTube Video: Straw Lodged in Sea Turtle's Nose