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Reality Shows and the Planet: A Messy Connection

Lindsey Maschler Student Contributor, University of Vermont
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UVM chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

I’m not claiming these shows are good for the planet (spoiler alert: they usually aren’t). But the reality shows we gravitate towards reveal a lot about us—especially our relationship with the environment.

Love Island – All Vibes, Not So Eco-Conscious

You’re tuning in for the beach, the swimsuits, and those slow-motion entrances. You know the show has a hefty carbon footprint (think international flights, LED lights, and new outfits for every scene), but that doesn’t stop you from enjoying the drama. You might recycle and carry a trendy water bottle, but sustainability isn’t at the top of your mind while you’re scrolling through online shops mid-episode. You’re not against being eco-friendly—you’re just a bit distracted. Small changes can lead to a big impact—you’ve got this!

Survivor – You’d Be Fine in a Power Outage 

You love the strategy, the resilience, and a bit of dirt under your nails. Watching Survivor isn’t just entertainment for you; it’s downright inspirational. You’re the type who brings your own utensils, grows herbs on your windowsill, and often says, “I could totally live off-grid.” You don’t just think about the environment; you plan around it. Composting? Of course. Avoiding excessive packaging? Always. Do your friends think you’re intense? Maybe. But they’ll appreciate your skills when the next storm hits.

The Great British Bake Off – Quietly Sustainable

You believe in cozy afternoons, seasonal ingredients, and the magic of a well-made loaf of bread. Wasting food never sits right with you. You likely carry a tote bag everywhere and know your local farmers market vendors by name. Your environmental values shine through in the little things you do. You make climate-conscious choices feel warm and inviting—kind of lovely, really.

Keeping Up With the Kardashians – Self-Aware, But Struggling

You’re drawn to aesthetics, luxury, and a good glam moment. You can’t ignore the excess—you know that private jets and promoting fast fashion aren’t the best for the climate—but the behind-the-scenes access keeps you engaged. You’re striving to make more environmentally friendly choices, even if your taste leans toward the high-impact. You might not have it all figured out yet, but being open to change is a great start.

Selling Sunset – Sustainability Goals in Progress 

You’re attracted to shiny things, big dreams, and the drama of open houses. While you adore the style, you’re also starting to question: How energy-efficient is that glass mansion? Are those minimalist vibes masking a huge ecological footprint? You’re not fully in your sustainable era yet, but you’ve got it on your mind. Perhaps you’ll invest in solar panels someday. For now, you’re making small swaps, like trading plastic for glass, and Googling “low-impact luxury.”

Reality TV probably won’t save the planet—and binge-watching it in bed while eating from a plastic container definitely won’t help either. But we all need our escapes. The environment is a mess, and so are most of these shows. Coincidence? Probably not.

Hi! I am Lindsey. I am a sophomore at UVM double majoring in Sustainability, Ecology, and Policy, & Parks Recreation, and Tourism, with a minor in Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies. I love reading, listening to music, hiking, going to the beach, and playing with my dog.