JB and I just got back from seeing Wall-E, and was inspired to write a post. It’s a good movie, with a really strong environmental theme, but what really inspired me was not so much the movie itself, but the amazing credits, which used animation inspired by artwork through ages to provide an epilogue for the film. It starts with cave drawings, Egyptian Hiroglyphics moves through impressionism, all the way through video game art from the 80’s.What was so inspiring to me about the credits is that it reminded me of the journey we in the human race have been through these past few thousand years - all the way from struggling to survive, hunting mammoths during the ice age, to the present day, where we have the skill and technology to build amazing worlds like the ones in Wall-E with computers. Watching the movie and the credits together reminded me that while we have these huge challenges ahead, that we’ve made it so far, through famines and disease, through wars and all manner of natural disasters. It’s in us to succeed, and we just need to put our minds to it in order to do it. Let’s get to work!
As we BBQ, enjoy fireworks, and celebrate the Fourth of July with friends and family, let’s not forget about the environment. JB gave us some great Fourth of July tips yesterday.
Here in California, we have hundreds of wildfires, some of which have burned homes and thousands of acres. The fear this Fourth of July weekend is that even more fires will be ignited by illegal fireworks. Fines in California start as high as $1,000 in certain areas simply for possession. For those of you who want to enjoy fireworks, find a public show. Many areas have large shows for the public to enjoy which are not only safe, but also environmentally friendly. Certainly, blowing up all those fireworks individually is not good for the environment, not to mention the fire danger they pose. Let’s give our firefighters and first responders a break no matter where you live.
In addition to the possibility of starting a fire, many fireworks available today are much more powerful than those in the past. Not only does this mean higher danger levels and risk of injuries, but this also means releasing more chemicals into our environment, which we certainly don’t need.
Please stick to the BBQs and public fireworks show this year. Enjoy yourself this Fourth of July, and don’t forget about all those who’ve sacrificed to give us the chance to enjoy the barbeques and fireworks we’ve come to love.
Happy Fourth of July… almost!
To me, the fourth of July is synonymous with barbeques, picnics and fireworks… oh yeah, and all that patriotism stuff too.
Here are a few green tips to consider as you enjoy your extended weekend:
- Use dishware and silverware - no paper plates & cups and plastic utensils if you can avoid it.
- Eat locally grown fruits & veggies.
- Avoid red meat - try a veggie burger. It’s not that bad, I promise!
- Compost your garbage.
- Cook with charcoal, not propane. I just learned that it’s a better alternative since it comes from wood, rather than fossil fuels.
- Friends having a party? Carpool with others and help spare the air…and your wallet!
I’m sure our readers have dozens of other tips to share - don’t be shy in sharing!
From all of us at TTMYGG, we wish you all a safe and wonderful fourth of July!
It was only a matter of time before this happened. Planet Green, the first and only (so far) 24-hour channel devoted to eco-friendliness just launched. Planet Green is part of the parent company that own the Discovery Channel, which I admit is one of my favorite channels. I never thought non-fiction television could be so compelling – and I’m not talking about “reality TV” folks.
Planet Green offers both television and online content focused around all things green. This includes not only tips and suggestions to help make your life more green, but also the latest green technology, how others are going green, and how you can detoxify your home and your lifestyle. As Planet Green says, it, along with TreeHugger.com, is helping to energize and move the green conversation into the spotlight.
There is a handy channel finder for you to located the channel it’s on in your area and with your particular subscriber. It’s even offered in HD quality if you want to be really blown away by green! They appear to have some great programming that I can’t wait to start watching.
