Now cutting words and pictures out of magazines and newspapers to make a collage or other work of art isn’t new, we all did this at some point in our school days. But what was inspiring to me about this project was that these works of art came a larger meaning… one of environmental stewardship… Cheers to teachers who expose kids to such valuable lessons!
This Environmental Protection Agency’s Earth Day 2012 video is a great way to get people thinking about the environment and befittingly ends with the mantra: “Look beneath the surface… Address the issues… Expand the conversation”.
I also learned today of the passing of Ernest “Chick” Callenbach, a film scholar and environmentalist who wrote the 1975 novel, “Ecotopia”. Ecotopia describes a utopian world in northwest USA (created by the succession of Oregon, Washington and Northern California – which includes portion of the “State of Jefferson” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jefferson_(Pacific_state)). Well before it’s time, and sort of a prophecy, Ecotopia envisioned a place where everything was recycled or reused, the few cars around were electric, power came from the sun, and all food was grown locally. This is definitely a book I will check out in the near future. RIP Mr. “Chick” and may we continue to strive for “Ecotopia”.
Dr. Tony G. Reames 