The Reading Warehouse

Life on 1/10th the fossil fuels turns out to be awesome

A new feature documentary about the most inspirational scientist in America.

Complementing the book Being the Change, this feature documentary film delves into the life of Caltech/Jet Propulsion Laboratory atmospheric scientist Peter Kalmus, showing how a change in life philosophy and mind frame enabled Kalmus to cut his fossil fuel use to 1/10th of the average American. All while boosting his happiness and raising a family in a typical California suburb.

In the film, Kalmus reveals how he stopped trying to convert climate change deniers with facts and figures and instead embarked upon a mission to become the change he wanted to see in the world. Along the way, Kalmus shows how he brought together his head (the science), his hands (food growing, bicycling, and lifestyle change), and heart (meditation and community building), to find new direction in his life.

Inspirational, hopeful, and doable by anyone, the message is clear: we can all change our minds and actions and live happier, more satisfying lives while reconnecting with ourselves, our communities, and the biosphere that sustains us all. And in the process we might just spark a climate revolution that truly changes everything.

Peter Kalmus is an atmospheric scientist at Caltech / Jet Propulsion Laboratory with a Ph.D. in physics from Columbia University. He lives in suburban Altadena, California with his wife and two children on 1/10th the fossil fuels of the average American. Peter speaks purely on his own behalf, not on behalf of NASA or Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Mary Grandelis and Dave Davis, producers of El Cap Report and Allegheny Stories, have been making films together for over 20 years. They produce, write, direct, edit, and score all of their work. Recently they made the decision to align their work with their personal values and beliefs, leading them to pursue projects that serve as tools to help create a more just, equitable, and sustainable society.