At this point, we all are at the very least familiar with the term climate change. Even those new to the eco-movement have heard and often worried over this dangerous world trend. However, another ecological weather hazard is directly related to climate change and equally threatens our earth. Those deeply involved in the environmental issues are already very aware of global dimming; on the other hand others have yet to even hear of the term let alone understand the complications from this treacherous phenomenon. Read the rest of this entry »

What better way to spend a Saturday afternoon with the family than enjoying an eco-friendly film? However, finding a good one can be more challenging than one would expect. Some films have flopped badly; whereas others have gone forth to inspire great changes throughout our world. Here is my personal top ten:

1.  An Inconvenient Truth, 2006
This is by far the most profitable and famous of all environmental films to date. Al Gore examines the frightening realities of climate change at length. This film brought the climate change debate to an intense confrontation. It is still almost always cited, either in scorn or in awe, when discussions arise. Without this film, one can only wonder where the climate change movement would be today.

2.  King Korn, 2007
King Korn is one of the best reviewed environmental films to date. It is a film about two college friends who travel to the heartland in order to plant, raise and follow to production our nation’s most subsidized produce: corn, In doing so, they discover scandalous facts about an industry that all Americans are inevitably connected to. Regardless of political leanings or environmental proclivity, this film is sure to please and inform.

3.  Avatar, 2009
James Cameron presents the blockbuster-of-blockbusters in this 3d film. The morale of the story: Don’t mess with nature; lest it mess back. Director James Cameron outdoes himself with fantastic imagery and storytelling. In this film, he purposefully calls attention to our loss of biodiversity and the effects of climate change.  This film was ground-breaking, part for its technological advances, but also for the huge budget the even bigger audience it has affected thus far.

4. The 11th Hour, 2007
This famous movie, narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, takes a holistic look at the overwhelming environmental troubles currently facing our earth. It offers sensible solutions, if only in theory, to the ecological truths it challenges.
4.  Fast Food Nation, 2006
This noteworthy film is based upon Eric Schlosser’s book, 2001, Fast Food Nation. This film explores the political, ecological, economical and social ethics in regards to our addiction to fast food and meat production in our world. Part black comedy, part drama, and packed with a lot of frightening truths, this film is guaranteed to educate and keep you in your seat.

5.  Tapped, 2009
This film explores the bottled water industry in terms of our health, our reliance on oil, pollution and climate change. This film is eye-opening as it candidly explores a habit many of us participate in.

6.  Food, Inc., 2008
Food, Inc attacks the entire agricultural industry. In this documentary Robert Kenner, along with Fast Food Nation author Eric Schlosser and The Omnivore’s Dilemma author Michael Pollan, explore where the food we purchase at the store really comes from and what the future health of generations to come may look like. Kenner highlights the relationships between business and government to show the dark underbelly of the American food industry. This film will have you questioning many of your day-to-day simple lifestyle choices.

7.  Erin Brockovich, 2000
Erin Brockovich is a true-story film that demonstrates how environmental issues can affect us directly and powerfully.  Julia Roberts plays a single mother who uncovers the industrial poisoning of a small town’s water supply. Her award winning performance drew viewers around the world and educated many about the reality of industrial pollution. This film is enlightening, moving and intense. It is a must for any top ten list.

8.  Who Killed the Electric Car?, 2006
Filmmaker Chris Payne discovers the many causes that resulted in the crucial failure of the electric car to take over the automotive industry, despite the fact that gas prices began to skyrocket. He demonstrates the progressively more important role that renewable energy holds in today’s world. Via interviews with consumer advocacy experts, automotive industry leaders and big oil heavyweights, Payne provides a thought-provoking depiction of a society whose repugnance to change and complete dependence upon dwindling resources may be entrenched in the financial concerns of a wealthy minority. It may also be leading consumers into a troubled future. This film is thought-provoking and emotive.

9.  WALL-E, 2008
This family friendly film features a small waste-collecting robot who accidentally embarks on a space expedition that will eventually decide the fate of all mankind. Despite the charm and child-friendly humor, this film explores big issues. With loveable characters and a great plot, it explores the ramifications of what our world may look like if our unsustainable habits continue unabated.

10.  Earthlings, 2005
Narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, long time Activist and Vegan, this film uses hidden cameras and never-before-seen footage to document the day-to-day practices of the largest industries in the world, all of which rely entirely on animals for profit. What makes this film different is that it does not focus solely on the vegetarian debate. Instead, it strives to demonstrate all of the ways in which we exploit animals, through companionship, experimentation, clothing, entertainment, and consumption. Furthermore, this film clearly shows how environmental issues are invariably linked to animal consumption. This film is intense and not for the faint of the heart. It will however change the way you look at our consumerism in terms of animal rights.

These movies can entertain, educate, enlighten, and empower.  Striving for a “Greener” tomorrow can mean a lot of different things and these movies are just one way to not only enjoy some family time at home but also encourage a more eco-friendly future.

Earth Day has been celebrated on April 22 since 1969. Many countries around the world celebrate Earth Day. Our world is becoming more green every year. But what does it mean to you, the individual?

There are a lot of things that we can do to celebrate Earth Day. There are changes we can make in our every day lives to green up our environment. It is great to celebrate Earth Day once a year, it is even better to continue those ideas through out the year. Earth Day should be celebrated every day.

Going green is about the little things. Plant trees, garden, recycle, use less packaging, change your light bulbs to high efficiency, these are all little things you can do.

Using natural ingredients in your cleaning routine can make a difference as well. When looking for cleaning products look for packages made from recycled containers and containers that can be recycled. Look for products with natural or organic ingredients.

Think of each day as Earth Day and keep celebrating all year long! What are you doing this year for Earth Day?