Ep 6. Being Green

Being green is the sixth and final episode of the sixth season of Penn and Teller Bullshit, a television show that explores controversial topics in society using a combination of skepticism and magic. In this episode, the hosts take on the popular but sometimes misguided trend of environmentalism, seeking to separate the facts from the fiction surrounding the so-called "green" movement.

Throughout the episode, Penn and Teller tackle a variety of issues related to the environmental movement. They examine everything from recycling to solar power, attempting to cut through the hype and get to the truth about how much good these initiatives actually do for the planet. Along the way, they expose a number of myths and misconceptions that are commonly perpetuated by environmental activists, including the belief that hybrid cars are much more environmentally-friendly than their gasoline-powered counterparts.

One of the key points that Penn and Teller make in this episode is that many of the "green" choices that people make are actually driven more by social pressure than real environmental concerns. They argue that much of the environmental movement is driven by a sort of moral panic, with people latching onto the latest eco-friendly trends without really understanding whether they are effective or not. The hosts also argue that some of these trends, such as the push for organic foods, may actually be counterproductive, as they can often require more resources to produce than conventional crops.

Another issue that Penn and Teller explore in this episode is the impact of government regulations on environmentalism. They note that, while many people believe that strict regulations are necessary to protect the environment, in practice these regulations can often do more harm than good. For example, they point out that many environmental regulations simply drive up the cost of production and make it more difficult for businesses to operate, which can actually lead to more pollution as companies cut corners in order to stay afloat.

Ultimately, the message of Being Green is that people need to take a more nuanced approach to environmentalism. Penn and Teller argue that simply following the latest eco-friendly trends without questioning their effectiveness is not a real solution to the environmental problems we face. Instead, they advocate for a more critical approach, one that recognizes the complexity of these issues and the potential unintended consequences of certain actions.

Overall, Being Green is a thought-provoking and challenging episode of Penn and Teller Bullshit. Through their irreverent and entertaining style, the hosts offer a refreshing take on a topic that is often treated with too much reverence in the mainstream media. Whether or not you agree with their conclusions, you're sure to come away from this episode with a greater appreciation for the complexity of environmental issues and the need for more careful and critical thinking about our impact on the planet.