LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION! …Climate Action, that is!
The climate emergency seems like such a big problem, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and wonder “What can I do?” And here’s something creative and meaningful you can do, on your own or with a group of friends or neighbors.
Across Maine and around the world, hundreds of people of all ages are asking that question, then rolling up their sleeves, and putting climate solutions to work. We can see the fruits of their labor in every community. Dozens of neighbors and businesses installing rooftop solar. Hybrid and even electric cars filling our roadways. People of all ages and their children planting vegetable gardens in lawns and schoolyards. No more single-use plastic bags as Maine communities engage in comprehensive reuse, recycle and compost programs. And more…
What climate solutions are already happening in your community? Where are there opportunities to do more? Down to Earth Storytelling created a short film, “Maine Roadtrip to the Future”, that provides a glimpse of climate solutions happening from York to Jackman, Maine. We used photos and filmed interviews with some Maine unique solutionaries.
Now we are eager for you and others to put your smart phones, cameras, and tablets to work to document the climate solutions you discover in your communities. Then use your finished film or display to educate your family, neighbors, schoolmates, town officials and legislators about local climate solutions. You can also use your film to advocate for new solutions opportunities. Seeing neighbors engaged in actions inspires others to act and helps to build a climate movement locally and beyond.
So Solutions Sleuths, get out your technology and make a film. Down to Earth Storytelling has produced this toolkit to get you started.
Film-Making Toolkit Contents
Solutions Bingo/Scavenger Hunt — a game board you/your students can use to find solutions in your community. Could be a great alternative to the alphabet or license plate games on a family roadtrip!
Solutions/New Solutions Worksheets to track all the info you need to make your film.
Tips and Resources for creating and showing your film
Down to Earth Storytelling Films — spark ideas for your film
Climate Solutions Tabloid — more story Ideas
Have you heard about the Pine Tree Amendment?
The Pine Tree Amendment (PTA) adds language to the Bill of Rights in the Maine Constitution that will protect the rights of all people in the state, including present and future generations, to a clean and healthy environment and to the preservation of the natural, cultural and healthful qualities of the environment. The PTA serves as a check on government authority and makes clear the government’s duty to protect the state’s natural resources.
Through grassroots organizing (with Down to Earth Storytelling as the coalition’s lead partner) we are working to build a growing coalition of organizations, indigenous leaders, youth leaders, civic leaders, legislators, and dedicated residents to take action and ensure this right for all people in Maine.