Author: James Edward Mills

Environmental Journalism, Film Review, Mountain Film / 03.03.2011

Several documentaries in recent years have made American consumers rethink the many products they purchase and…well… consume. Outrage over the seemingly irreparable harm imposed upon the planet and our personal health is compelling many to make proactive choices to rid their lives of plastic single-use disposable containers. The film Bag It directed by Suzan Beraza may very well prompt eco-minded consumers to make those changes permanent.
Environmental Protection, Music, The Give Review / 02.03.2011

Outdoor clothing manufacturer Patagonia announced Tuesday a new initiative to promote environmental causes through the sale of popular music. Backed by bands Pearl Jam, The Bad Plus and Toad the West Sprocket along with performers Jack Johnson and Brett Dennen, the company aims to let customers support conservation efforts for every $.99 download from iTunes through the Patagonia Music Collective
Environmental Protection, Manic Media Monday, Mountain Film, Photography, Skiing / 28.02.2011

Protests over collective bargaining continue into their third week here in Wisconsin.  Despite a turnout of almost 80,000 who reject the Budget Repair Bill, Governor Walker is holding firm in his assertion that the State’s deficit of $137 million can only be resolved by stripping unions of their right to negotiate for benefits such as better working conditions and health care. Although this blog is dedicated to telling stories about the sustainable active lifestyle it’s important that we recognize the value that hard working public employees bring to the protection of our wild and scenic places. In this country men and women on the payroll of state and federal governments perform the service of conservation. In it less for the money than their love of the natural environment these unionized workers typically settle for low wages, fewer vacation days and medical benefits in order to do the vital work of protecting our green spaces.
Breaking News, Film Festival, Mountain Film / 25.02.2011

  Movie producers have until Monday February 28th to make their submissions to the 2011 Mountain Film Festival in Telluride. With last minute editing through the weekend adventure culture pics can still make the deadline for consideration. Cash prizes amounting to $10,000 are at stake as well as a tremendous opportunity to showcase filmmaking that not only celebrates the art of adventure but the highest aspirations of the human spirit.
Banff, Environmental Protection, Film Festival, Film Review, Sustainable Living / 24.02.2011

A father wants what’s best for his children. In his film Mi Chacra (My Land), director Jason Burlage explores a year in the life of a Peruvian farmer as he struggles to make a better life for his son. Taking top honors at the Banff Mountain Film Festival this documentary feature depicts the world of laborers who divide their time between planting crops and carrying loads for tourists on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Assignment Earth, Sustainable Living / 23.02.2011

Molly Jones Gray is working hard to make sure that her toddler Paxton has a safe and healthy home. This Seattle mother and her husband Zack are keenly aware of what’s in the food, toys and cleaning products in their home. “You can’t tell a baby what is a food, what’s not a food, what’s a toy, what’s not a toy,” Gray said. “Because everything is a food and everything is a toy to them.” A wide variety of harmful toxins can be easily ingested throughout an average American home. The Grays first learned of environmental health risks when there was a problem in their attempts to become pregnant. Repeated miscarriages caused them seek out information on how commercial products and chemical substances in their home might impact their reproductive health. Taking part in a study conducted by the Washington Toxics Coalition (WTC), the Grays discovered that their home was filled with compounds that could adversely affect their unborn children.