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Lesson #09:

How to 
Watch a Movie
AND
help the planet

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Dear Joy to the Planet Reader,

Are you looking for something easy to make into a good 'green' habit in your home?

I know I always am.

Well...look no further than today's issue of Joy to the Planet which features just that - a simple and enjoyable thing to do, that's also good for the planet.  It's an easy one to make into a habit!

How to Watch a Movie...and help the planet

One of my favorite ways to relax is to watch a movie at home with my husband Mike. We love it for lots of reasons, but in particular because

>> we don't have to drive far; saving gas means less pollution, which helps the planet for sure...

>> we don't have to get dressed up (our pajamas will do); less dirty laundry means less water and detergent usage, also a good thing for the planet...

>> we can turn out all the lights (and heat, for that matter) for a romantic, home-theatre like atmosphere; using less electricity gives the city's power station a wee break...and yep, you're getting the hang of it, that's good for the planet too.

Not to mention the fact that at home, we get to choose our own organic chips or popcorn, natural beer or wine and sit in our favorite comfortable spots!

Ahhh...just thinking about it makes me want to turn my computer off and go pick a movie...

Just kidding!  Before I do that, I wanted to share with you some great movie titles that you might like to consider.  Each of the movies below contains some wonderful insights about the planet, whether that be in the story line, in how the scenery of the movie showcases Mother Nature, or the theme of the movie itself is about helping the planet.

While there are lots of others, here are a few top picks of movies with environmental themes, just to get you started.  They run the whole range of interests and any one of them is sure to get you thinking and enjoying. Why not put them on a list and give them each a try?


Erin Brockovich
Based on a real life story, this movie shows how one person really can make a difference, not only to the people in a small town, but to the country and planet.  Not only that, but it is laugh-out-loud entertaining and is filled with great one-liners about shoes. <g>

'Erin Brockovich', played by Julia Roberts, takes on a mammoth legal battle with a corporation whose pollution is making the town sick.  While watching it, ask yourself a question or two:

>> Do you take your drinking water for granted? Or have you asked yourself -- where does my water come from? How does it get to me?

>> If you could help protect your water somehow, for example by making a habit of recycling more, what would it take for you to go to that extra effort?

Recycling means that fewer garbage bags go to the dump or landfill, where chemicals from the things in the dump break down over time, and sometimes leak into the water we turn around and drink.  Recycling really can help keep our water clean, so next time you go to the garbage can with your pop bottle, look around instead for the recycling bin. You'll be glad you did.

A River Runs Through It
Speaking of water, the movie 'A River Runs Through' It is about a lot of things including family and growing up, but it's the setting of the movie that really reminds me of how much joy there is to be had on this planet.  Filmed in Montana, the character played by Brad Pitt becomes passionate about fly-fishing, a sport that by its nature is slow and rhythmic, and reminds us that the really enjoyable things in life - and environmental things in life - aren't usually rip-roaring fast or based in our cities.

>> When was the last time you spent quiet time in nature, listening to the sounds of it, smelling the freshness of it and remembering why you love it?

>> What kind of hobby or sport might you be interested in, that celebrates the great outdoors and doesn't require lots of equipment that uses electricity or petroleum?  Think canoeing versus waterskiing.  Guess which hobby is better for the environment?  Three guesses, first two don't count.  <g>

The Milagro Beanfield War
Turns out that when it comes to Hollywood, Robert Redford is a pretty big fan of the planet (and who could blame him.)  In addition to 'A River Runs Through It,' he also directed the 'Milagro Beanfield War,' about a farmer who irrigates his dried-up bean field with a rich man's water supply.  The ensuing conflict is an example of what can happen when essential resources are excluded from public use and instead owned by private parties.  Oh and as an aside? This movie has a really charming cast of characters including Christopher Walken, a personal favorite around my house.

Points to ponder while watching this gem of a film?

>>  Most of us never have to think about having enough water.  But the fact that some people do think about it, every minute of every day...is something worth pondering in and of itself. 

Next time you go to water your lawn, brush your teeth or step in the shower, bear in mind just how you go about utilizing water, will you?  Is it sparingly or carelessly or somewhere in between (with room for improvement)? I think you'll find the story of the Beanfield War a good little reminder that paying a little attention to everyday things can make an important difference.


Koyaanisqatsi
Departing for a moment from mainstream Hollywood fare, I couldn't resist slipping in a alternative recommendation for the movie Koyaanisqatsi.  This is an artistic documentary of a film, and definitely the pick for when you feel up for watching something visually beautiful but without a story, dialogue or even characters.  Instead, this movie really engages your mind as it illustrates the serious impact of human beings on the planet with visuals, using time-lapse photography. 

>> As a writer, I like to remind myself that sometimes things are much better communicated through pictures.  Words get in the way sometimes.  And this movie is a great visual way of cutting to the heart of some of the environmental issues we talk about - with words - in Joy to the Planet.  My question for those of you that give this more unusual film pick a try is -- did it work?  Did the visuals get through to you, and if yes, in what way?

Although the photography is beautiful and the accompanying music enjoyable too, this movie can have a saddening affect.  What it reminds me of is the importance of relishing and treasuring our planet, every minute of the day.

Cast Away
I'm guessing a lot of you have seen this movie already, but it's worth mentioning again if only for the simple fact that it's so entertaining and thought-provoking as to be worth another viewing.  The story is elegantly simple: it traces Tom Hanks' character plays as he loses all his material possessions and learns how to live with nothing but what nature has to provide.  As you laugh along with glee when Tom dances around screaming "I have created FIRE!" consider a few curious things:

>> Are you someone who thinks their hamburger meat comes from a factory, or grows on those Styrofoam trays in the grocery store?  Or maybe you've never wondered exactly what hot dogs are made of...

It may sound amazing, but I know quite a few people who haven't given these things much thought. 

What I loved about the movie Cast Away, among other things, is the fact that it reminds us where our food comes from.  While he is on his deserted island, Tom's character has to fish, hunt, trawl, dive, or other...in order to feed himself.  Then later, he is at a banquet where piles of food is available at his fingertips, and funnily enough, it's the same crab and fish he foraged for himself...

How many others at the banquet have ever thought about what it takes to put that crab on the table, I wonder?

Yep, I wonder a lot of things.  Hehe.  Maybe too many. 

But especially if you AREN'T someone who usually thinks about these kinds of things, the above movies will be a nice fun way to start getting your brain ticking.  You're someone who wants to do something good for the planet right?  Well these movies and the questions/thought I've posed are a great way to get you in the 'green' frame of mind.

Will you accept my invitation to ponder a few of these questions as you go about your week, and maybe as you rent one of the above movies this coming weekend? I would love it if you do.

And when you do...you guessed it! I'd love to hear about it. Just write me at andrea@joytotheplanet.com and tell me your thoughts, however short or long.  Conversation about the planet is always welcome at my place!

And that's it for today.

Thanks for reading this issue of Joy to the Planet on the topic of How to Watch a Movie...and help the planet.  For those of you who particularly enjoyed this issue, and would like to make a habit of being green by watching movies at home...drop me an email if you'd like some more movie recommendations, along the lines of the above.  There's more where that came from, including some titles for kids!

Until next week, when we explore another way to enjoy life, and help the planet...

My best to you,

andrea@joytotheplanet.com
www.joytotheplanet.com

P.S. You're welcome to pass this or any other issue of Joy to the Planet along.  I don't mind at all. Thanks!