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I really wanted to write about this first episode a week ago, before it
first aired on The Sundance Channel, but it was just impossible to get
to.
Still, you can view it online at
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="http://www.sundancechannel.com/films/500317026">http://www.sundancechannel.com/films/500317026</a>
- the episode is
entitled "Decorate." (Next Television Showing: Sun day, <strong>April
13</strong>, 3:00PM on the Sundance Channel)<br>
<br>
Decorate follows the base format of the "Big Ideas For A Small Planet"
series, using three examples of people following the principles it
teaches. First, we see an interior designer who utilizes low-VOC
paints, post-consumer re-manufactured tiles, recycled wood, appliances,
furniture, and even knick-knacks to remodel three vacation "cottages"
for a couple wanting to do a green re-do before opening for business.
The results are a stunning showcase of what is possible using these
methods.<br>
<br>
Next, we turn to a world of natural cork - literally, if these
designers had their way. From soft, comfortable lounge chairs to large
salad bowls, the depths of this wonderfully renewable and recyclable
material are explored and will amaze you.<br>
<br>
Finally, one designer turns to nature for inspiration, with exotic
results that are organic, graceful, durable, and recyclable. <br>
<br>
In "Water," the Sundance Channel brings home the issues with water that
are starting to loom larger and larger in this world. From severe
droughts in California and the lower Mississippi Basin states to
epochal drought in Australia and China's remote provinces, clean, fresh
water is fast becoming one of the most precious resources on the
planet. The situation is only made harder as human populations climb
ever-higher.<br>
<br>
Water takes a look at solutions, from an ingenious <i>mobile</i>
desalination plant that can turn sea water into fresh where ever in the
world it is needed, (Remember Katrina?) to rainwater systems that could
potentially catch billions of gallons of fresh water that are now just
running off our roof tops. Additionally, there is a young entrepreneur
who is cleaning up the water we do have, in our streams and rivers
across the USA. The film airs this Tuesday evening on the Sundance
Channel at 9pm Eastern & Pacific, and also can be seen online at <a
href="http://www.sundancechannel.com/films/500317044">http://www.sundancechannel.com/films/500317044</a>
.<br>
<br>
What really felt good to me about these short documentaries (30 minutes
each) was the upbeat, can-do attitude you get right away, and are left
with. There <i>are</i> solutions to these problems, and we <i>can</i>
tackle them together. It can also be financially and emotionally
rewarding and soul-satisfying to do so. That is the message of these
early Green-Age films, and definitely, watch these films! <br>
<br>
Watch this space for further reviews of films in this series.<br>
<br>
Dan Stafford<br>
Publisher - The Great Lakes Zephyr - Wind Energy & Hydrogen Journal<br>
<a moz-do-not-send="true" href="http://www.whizzyrds.com/Windblog.html">http://www.whizzyrds.com/Windblog.html</a><br>
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