Films Change Lives: Less Plastic and More Veggies
This week volunteer Ronnie Paul shares how attending the Wild & Scenic Film Festival nine times has changed her life. After each festival she shifts her lifestyle to become more environmentally responsible. How has the festival changed your life? Share on our Facebook wall.
This January, we celebrate the tenth year of the Wild & Scenic Film Festival. In all this time, my husband, Jeff, and I have only missed one.
One of those years, we made plans to go to Mexico instead. Our last night of a wonderful two week vacation, we stood on a Caribbean beach at sunset watching an array of tropical colors sink into the ocean. The romance level was high, and as we gazed into each other’s eyes we said, “This was fabulous, but let’s not be away during the film festival again.” We haven’t missed one since.
For me, the films are thoughtful, provocative reminders of beauty, creativity, and conflict. At the end of each festival, I’m inspired to change a habit that might help support a better world.
The film Bag It influenced Ronnie and many others to quit using plastic bags.
The first time I saw “Bag It,” two years ago, I vowed never to bring a plastic bag into the house again. Does one person’s effort make a difference? You bet it does. I’ve been asked in supermarket veggie sections and bulk food aisles where I’ve gotten my cheesecloth bags. I’ve said, “No” to plastic bags at clothing stores and been asked, “Why?” This may seem like a small dent in a large problem, but as someone who probably won’t chain myself to a tree in protest, I feel that at least I’m doing a little something.
Last year after watching a few food movies, I decided to grow more vegetables. We’ve always enjoyed a summer garden, but this year we expanded the season’s bounty into winter and spring. Yes, it takes more time and my nails are dirtier, but eating freshly picked veggies not only increases my lip-smacking frequency, but also translates into my choosing higher quality food when I shop. Don’t have room for a garden? Our community hosts an abundance of CSA farms and health food stores just waiting to vegetize you.
Yes, there’s still one more thing. I’m always beyond proud to live in the community that hosts this amazing weekend. The number and quality of films shown, the food served, the organization: this is one high class film festival. And, what other community could drum up the more than 600 volunteers it takes to make the weekend feel relaxed and effortless?
Maybe you too, will feel inspired to make changes after this year’s festival. Everything we do counts, every action has a consequence. I hope this year’s films help point you in an even better direction.
– Ronnie Paul
