No Impact Man

Given that it will probably be seen by very few audiences, the ultimate impact of the documentary feature "No Impact Man" isn't all that great.

Especially when you consider that those who will see the movie are probably already receptive to its pro-environment, anti-waste message. And those viewers are probably already doing their best to minimize their own impact on the Earth's ecology and on the environment.

Yet there's some food for thought to be gleaned from the film. It suggests a few small changes in our everyday lives that could make a big difference.

The movie's title refers to New York-based writer Colin Beavan, who made a pledge to have "zero impact" on the environment for one year.

That included making substantive changes in normal habits — ranging from methods of waste disposal to minimizing or reducing electrical usage to using alternative methods of transportation.

Among other things, Beavan and his wife, magazine writer Michelle Conlin, used solar power and cloth diapers and embraced a vegetarian diet.

But it's not an easy process. Conlin is shown as having a hard time not eating meat (she loves fish and hot dogs) and getting one of her fancy coffee concoctions.

It's never stated whether the filmmakers were under the same restrictions. If not, that would almost render the whole experiment moot. And at times, Beavan comes across as smug and condescending, especially when he's being interviewed by television programs.

So when a community farmer whom Beavan has been working with finally shoots down some of his bigger, more grandiose assertions, it comes as welcome relief.

Also, you really have to wonder how responsible it was for Beavan and Conlin to impose the same restrictions on their infant daughter, Isabella.

"No Impact Man" is not rated but would probably receive an R for strong sexual profanity, suggestive references and other off-color humor (relating to bodily functions), derogatory language and slurs, and some brief drug references (birth-control pills). Running time: 93 minutes.

e-mail: jeff@desnews.com