Eco-Viewing: Our Team's Favorite Nature Documentaries

Eco-Viewing: Our Team's Favorite Nature Documentaries

In celebration of Earth Month, we asked our team what their favorite nature documentaries are and what makes them their favorite. We hope that this list inspires you to watch a documentary that you haven't seen before!


My Octopus Teacher

My Octopus Teacher Documentary

Who's Favorite: Emily - Packaging Engineer

What: Winner of the Best Documentary Feature at the 93rd Academy Awards, this Netflix documentary features a filmmaker who creates an unusual friendship with an octopus living in a South African kelp forest.

Why: “It shows how sea animals, or any animal really, can be so smart and perceptive, and how important it is to make sure they have a safe environment to live in. The filming is also beautiful.”

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet

A Life on Our Planet Documentary

Who’s Favorite: Joe - Inside Sales Representative

What: Emmy-winning narrator David Attenborough recounts his life, and the evolution of Earth, and offers a vision for the future in this Netflix documentary.

Why: “I’m a fan of anything by David Attenborough and appreciate his outlook on how we can make the Earth a better place.”

Down to Earth with Zac Efron

Down to Earth with Zac Efron Documentary

Who’s Favorite: Lizzy - Digital Marketing Strategist

What: From renewable energy efforts in Iceland to beekeeping on New York City rooftops, this Netflix documentary series, starring Zac Efron and Darin Olien, explores healthy, sustainable ways to live.

Why: “It showcases sustainability in a way that is relatable and understandable to its viewers while also highlighting different locations around the world.”

Planet Earth

Planet Earth Documentary

Who’s Favorite: Aaron - Quality Assurance and Certification Specialist

What: From deserts to deep oceans, each episode of this BBC documentary series features a different habitat and was filmed over four years across 64 different countries.

Why: “I enjoy seeing other parts of the world in 4k!”

Chasing Coral

Chasing Coral Documentary

Who’s Favorite: Ashley - eCommerce Marketing Manager

What: As coral reefs around the world are vanishing at an unprecedented rate, this Netflix documentary shows a team of divers, photographers, and scientists on an ocean adventure to discover why the reefs are vanishing and to reveal the underwater mystery to the world.

Why: “It explains the importance of coral to the underwater ecosystems and shows time-lapse visuals of severe coral bleaching over the last few years. It's a big wakeup call once you learn how vital coral is to marine creatures, coastlines, and our economy.”

The National Parks: America's Best Idea

The National Parks: America's Best Idea Documentary

Who’s Favorite: Jim - Brand Manager

What: This PBS documentary shares a story of an idea as unique as the Declaration of Independence, that the most special places in the nation should be preserved for everyone.

Why: “The national parks are truly magnificent with awe-inspiring views. The history of the park’s formation, depicted in this film, gives even more meaning and appreciation for why they should be preserved for all.”

Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey

Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey Documentary

Who’s Favorite: Drew - Sr. Systems Administrator

What: This science documentary series on Fox explores the discoveries of the laws of nature, our position in the universe, and the cosmos phenomenon across space and time.

Why: “You kind of have to expand your definition of nature to…everything.”

Life After People

Life After People Documentary

Who’s Favorite: Tong - Helpdesk Technician

What: Scientists, engineers, and other experts speculate what might become of the Earth if humans suddenly disappeared in this History Channel television series.

Why: “It gives you a new perspective on what life would be like if we had more sustainable practices and the effects that humans have on the Earth.”

Alone in the Wilderness

Alone in the Wilderness Documentary

Who’s Favorite: Ryan - Packaging Lab Engineer

What: This PBS story follows Dick Proenneke as he builds his own cabin by hand with ordinary tools on the shore of Twin Lakes where he then lived for over 30 years.

Why: “You get to see the seasonal changes in Alaska, a man living off the land, nothing going to waste, and everything being repurposed.”

Our Planet

Our Planet Documentary

Who’s Favorite: Jamie - Project Manager / Business Analyst

What: Filmed in 50 countries around the world, on every continent, this ambitious Netflix documentary showcases our planet’s natural beauty and how climate change impacts all living creatures.

Why: “The docu-series explores the natural wonders, iconic species, and wildlife spectacles that still remain, and reveals the key issues that urgently threaten their existence. It is so good!”

Plastic Wars

Plastic Wars Documentary

Who’s Favorite: Rocket

What: As the plastic industry continues to expand, ocean pollution continues to grow. This Frontline documentary explores plastic packaging, the oil and gas industry, and how recycling plays a part in its expansion.

Why: As part of Rocket’s onboarding process, new employees watch this documentary and reflect on how we can help the world Package With Less.


We make sustainable packaging a priority by sourcing new sustainable products to help our customers package more efficiently with less waste. Learn more about our sustainability efforts, certifications, and more on our sustainability page.

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