This past weekend I went to see the new Dr Seuss movie, The Lorax. I have been excited to see it since I heard it was coming out, as I love the book, but I left the theater with mixed feelings – the movie did not follow the book as closely as I had hoped, but the colors and characters were fun, and it leaves you with something to consider.

Despite mixed reviews about the movie from critics, I think that the general message conveyed is a great reminder of how we should treat the earth, and to not take its beauty, or the resources it provides, for granted. I believe that it is important for children to start thinking about how they can help the environment at an early age, and this movie showcases the importance of respecting the earth by keeping it clean, using only the resources we need, and replacing what we use when possible. The fun, bright colors, catchy songs, and cute characters don’t hurt either.

One thing this movie reminded me of, are the encouraging programs around Colorado that provide people with trees to plant in suburban and urban areas, and areas that have been hurt by beetle kill or wildfires.

The Mile High Million is an initiative that was started in 2006 by Mayor John Hickenlooper, aimed to encourage people to become life-long stewards to our natural environment through planting and caring for trees. The goal is to plant one million new trees in the Denver metro area by 2025.  250,000 trees have been planted so far. Learn more about the Mile High Million here.

Denver Digs Trees is a program that helps residents cultivate a greener, healthier environment by providing people with affordable tress to plant on both public and private property. Currently (spring 2012) Denver Digs Trees is providing free and low cost trees to all Denver residents through their Spring Street Tree program, and through Mile High Million. For more information and to apply.

The Seedling Tree Program, funded by Colorado State University through the Colorado State Forest Service, provides trees at a low cost to farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners. Their goal is to encourage landowners to plant new forests to help protect homes, crops and livestock, and to protect against soil erosion. Visit CSU’s website for more information, and to find out if you qualify.

The movie leaves the audience with one last quote from the book…

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, 
nothing is going to get better. It’s not.

… a “subtle” reminder.

— Rachel Blackburn