How Can We Do Our Part?

Honestly, I'm addicted to disaster films. Good ones. Though they rarely are. Okay then, and bad ones. I did a mini-binge of some of my favorite planet-conscious films, which also happen to frequently double as disaster movies. Now what does that say about our planetary outlook?

Earth Day 2024 was a day of quiet celebration, observances reserved for organizations and activists who focus on conservation and preservation.

Which seems a bit strange. We go super berserk for Christmas and Independence Day, yet, Earth Day comes and goes without so much as a blip.

What can we sell that will get companies to campaign for Earth Day? What can we debate that will get folks from varying communities and cultures to stir up an annual energetic conversation about Earth Day?

We share this planet. It is the great unifier. Its wellbeing is our wellbeing. And yet, the most we do collectively is post little Earth Day gifs while we go crazy over the Easter bunny.

Is there an Earth Day barbecue we can go to?

Well, Highfliers and Storytellers. I did nothing but watch a few Earth-awareness movies. After watching these, plus Wall-E and Downsizing (yes, I've seen it multiple times), I want to figure out how I can do my part.

Do I hug trees, stop eating all together-- I am vegan-- bike more, write a pro-planet film of my own?

I don't know what it is for me and I certainly don't know what it is for you, but can we get on a path to doing our part for Earth Day? Until we can figure out how to make everyday Earth Day, can we at least figure out how to elevate the profile of this holiday? Can we get-buckwil'-eco-friendly celebrate?

I'll be studying ways I can make small shifts in my day-to-day, reading info from The United Nations, The Sierra Club and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

I'm going to research and make a list of 50 suggested things to be done, that I do not currently do, that are within my budget and current lifestyle and then implement one. Can you join me in this exercise? Find one viable addition or subtraction to your lifestyle that can help serve the planet?

These movies are in no particular order, except, I may need to admit that I've watched "The Day After Tomorrow" about 40 times. It is one of my go-to movies for when I'm feeling bleh and I need a little pep.

Similarly, I watch "Geostorm" in the same spirit.

"Don't Look Up" is a little preachy and leans into it being a cause-film but it is also the movie that made me love Timothee Chalamet where I had not previously been a fan.

I must admit again that I've watched "Downsizing" a few times. The first time I watched, I really did not respond well to it. It seems like a high-concept dramedy with some fantasy elements and then turns out to be this total sermon on planet-care. Then in 2020, I was searching for some Jason Sudeikis and it came up. I thought, 'Jason Sudeikis was in this thing?'. So, I watched it again. Honestly, I appreciate its intent, its use of humor and its imagination in telling this and this kind of story.

The whole family needs to get in on movies with these Earth-friendly messages. "Wall-E" wraps the idea of loving the planet with falling in love, finding your true mate. This alignment is powerful beyond measure since we all long for love. As does this planet.

My last year at Sundance, I watched "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind". It was long. But, it also is a strong reminder that one person, a rejected child even, can be a solution to the planet's ails. In this way, it calls all of us to be the solution. To see ourselves as capable, as masters by way of observing, of thinking, and of trying. What an invitation.

Hey, there!

I'm Lonita Cook

I'm a creative producer, film critic, arts advocate, new traveler and super-vegan chickpea lover, a nerd when it comes to story structure and thematic messaging and it's my true joy to work with others and help them tell the stories bursting to leap into the world (without it taking years to get them out). If you are just pursuing your best + wildest dreams even at midlife and beyond, this could be a home for you. Browse this site to get to know me and sign up to connect with me daily(ish), right in your inbox. See you soon!

Remember, it is possible and you are capable.

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