For Part 1, please click here.
Once I’ve been introduced to something new, I find it does not take long for it to pop up everywhere. That’s a good thing for me. I am forgetful.
I’m glad to have been reminded of The Lorax on a number of occasions.
The Reminders
As a birthday gift one year, my husband wrote me a lovely little tune about a “forest creature”. Each time I listen to it, I get a wave of inspiration. I haven’t the wisdom of a wise Lorax, but I do have faith in finding everyday ways to conserve water and make a difference at home, at work, at the store, in life. Every step counts.
I also had an opportunity to visit Rapa Nui (a.k.a. Easter Island) off the coast of Chile. On this spot of land in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, it is believed the production of Moai (giant statues) contributed to the deforestation, soil degradation and ultimate downfall of the entire island. They literally cut down all their trees. When I looked up at the ruins, I heard the whisper of The Lorax.
For a more local connection, I discovered the original text of The Lorax mentioned the poor state of Lake Erie’s water. Interestingly, the Lake Erie reference has since been removed.
This hits close to home. We did the loop around Lake Erie, enjoying some of its wonderful beaches. Erie was once declared all but dead as a result of the build up of nutrients and algae. Thanks to extraordinary efforts of governments and communities on both sides of the border, the lake was showing signs of recovery, although unfortunately there have been recent setbacks. We thought we had fixed things. But change is possible once again. A story can be rewritten.
Most recently, it was an insightful blog from the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario that reminded me of lessons from The Lorax, in particular those related to climate change and energy. Trees, land, water, air, energy, climate — these issues are connected, and we are all connected through them.
You might be interested to know a Hollywood version of The Lorax is due to come out in 2012. I look forward to another reminder. Until then, catch a classic video of the story.
The Path Ahead
With The Lorax on our mind, together with other magical stories shared during Canada Water Week and beyond, may we continue to reconnect with water, take steps to shift our footprint, and work together to rewrite history.
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
— Dr. Seuss, The Lorax
