Before and after the films, everyone’s invited to indulge
in our vegetarian organic refreshments
Wednesday,
March 4 at 7:30 pm
The
11th
Hour
Drought. Famine.
Severe flooding. Record rainfall.
Hurricanes. Acid rain. The highest average
temperatures in recorded history.
Catastrophe is reported on the nightly news
as isolated incidents. But are these
incidents isolated, or pieces of a larger
global puzzle that could unlock humanity's
future? In the history of the planet,
humanity's time on earth has been short but
powerful. The human drive to ensure its own
survival and quality of life has
revolutionized industry, science, nutrition,
and medicine. But it has also affected the
delicate balance that makes life on Earth
possible. Shaped by oceans and rainforests
that generate oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide,
govern climate, weather and temperature, the
Earth is under siege. The alchemy of
natural greenhouse gases that enables life
has been inundated with chemicals from tail
pipes and smoke stacks. For every truckload
of product produced, many more truckloads of
waste are created. The oceans have been
flooded with mercury, heavy metals, and
toxic chemicals. The forests are
disappearing, deserts are widening, the
arctic sea ice is melting, the permafrost
has begun to crack. The Earth has grown
warmer. Not since a meteor hit the planet
55 million years ago have so many forms of
life gone.
Narrated by
Leonardo DiCaprio, this captivating
documentary explores the perilous state of
our planet, and the means by which we can
change our course. Contributing to this
crucial film are noted politicians,
scientists, and other ambassadors for the
importance of a universal ecological
consciousness.
Americans are surely too materialistic to fit into the Earth's balanced ecology. Are we willfully trashing the planetary ecology in order to serve the egos, fancies, and vanities of American dreamers? And what, or who could be driving this powerful, seductive force? This eye-opening film examines our social injustice, the impact of peak oil and resource depletion, and our deep need to feel connected to each other through what we consume. It also examines the frenzied pace of fast-lane materialism that is beginning to burn us out. We Americans are just now beginning to yearn for a simpler life, but is it too late? Have we set in motion a runaway train that threatens to undermine the ecological, social, and spiritual cornerstones that make the pursuit of happiness possible in the first place?
This
new documentary is
a provocative
investigation of
one of the
fastest growing
industries in
North America:
the garbage
business. The
film examines a
fundamental
element of
modern American
culture… the
disposal of what
our society
defines as
“waste.” It is
an issue
influenced by
every American,
most of whom
never consider
the consequences
or, it seems,
the implications
to our
biosphere. At
times humorous,
but deeply
poignant,
Trashed
examines the
American waste
stream fast
approaching a
half billion
tons annually.
The film takes
us on a road
trip through the
afterlife of
your garbage.
It dives into a
trash can and
comes up in some
surprising
places.
From the garbage
truck to the
landfill, from
the streets to
the ocean, it
explores
America's
complicated
relationship
with its waste
through the lens
of the people
whose lives
revolve around
it. The
film analyzes
the causes and
effects of the
seemingly
innocuous act of
“taking out the
garbage” while
showcasing the
individuals,
activists,
corporate and
advocacy groups
working to
affect change
and reform the
current model.
What are the
effects all this
waste will have
on already
strained natural
resources?
Why is so much
of it produced?
While every
American creates
almost 5 pounds
of it every day,
who is affected
most?
And who wants
America to make
more?
Wednesday,
March 25 at 7:30 pm
Sustainable
Table:
What's on your Plate?
Here's a
documentary
that takes
an
unadulterated
look into
American
food.
Over nine
months time,
the producer
and director
of the film,
Mischa
Hedges,
traveled the
west coast
to learn
more about
our food
system.
He found
that the
standard
methods of
producing
food do not
take
environmental
or human
health costs
into
consideration.
He also
explored the
many
alternatives
to our
current
agricultural
system,
known as
agribusiness.
There are
many
questions
about the
sustainability
of our
agribusiness
practices.
This film
tries to
find some of
the answers
to problems
that we face
today and
will face
tomorrow.
What’s on
your plate?
Where did it
come from?
What effects
does it have
on the
environment
and your
body?
What can you
do to help
make a
difference?
