The Parallels Of Redwoods And People
Now is never too late to make a change
Redwood trees are the tallest species of trees on Earth. But like every other tree, they also start with a single little seed — three millimeters big to be exact.
I wrote a lengthy film review on The Lorax (2012) when I was fourteen. It was one of my favorite films at that time that I just felt the need to write down all my emotions for it. I admired the film’s take on the harmful effects of logging, deforestation, and modernization. The original book by Dr. Seuss was initially banned in the early ’90s because it was believed to portray logging in a poor light and would turn the children against the industry. So, I thought that the existence and accessibility of its film adaptation was a massive leap to humanity. Films like The Lorax that discuss important and sensitive topics in society play an important role in media, as they help children have a better sense of the world and become better adults of the future. It introduces them to grown-up concepts and encourages them to form unprejudiced judgments.
I decided to watch The Lorax again last night, and it made me realize that it discusses so much more than just the importance of environmental preservation. Maybe I already knew that back then, but I was oblivious to the fact that deforestation is only the tip of the iceberg in the story. The film is a major critique of capitalism. It draws a clear picture of the path where the consumer-producer relationship is possibly headed to in the future.
The worst things on Earth do not always start with bad intentions. Humans sometimes tend to focus on their personal interests so much that they fail to see the bigger picture. In the story, the Once-ler cuts down one tree to make his impossibly versatile garment — the Thneed. The Lorax shows up and repeatedly demands him to leave their paradise at once because his exploitative business plan will come back in a thousand folds. The Thneed business eventually booms, and the Once-ler continues to violate nature for the sake of the economy. He denies the repercussions of the industry he builds — until the last tree is cut and the Thneed business goes down with it.
Looking at the world right now, the Once-Ler is the perfect representation of huge corporations around the world. They are the biggest, if not only, contributors to climate change, the harmful chemicals in the ozone layer, and the waste disposal in the bodies of water. It was even worse before the internet of things because the unethical practices of businesses are swept easily under the rug. A lot of people used to be unaware of the contributing factors and harmful effects of pollution outside textbook definitions. Right now, everything is just a click away. People have become aware and informed, which allowed them to make better decisions. In 2001, shortly before the boom of the internet, corporate lawyer-turned-environmental crusader Rob Billot pursued a class action suit representing around 70,000 people living near a chemical plant. The plant allegedly contaminated the drinking water with PFOA, a toxic chemical used in the production of Teflon. Recent studies relating to the said chemical show that long-term exposure to it leads to several illnesses, including cancer. Over a decade later, Billot won a $671 million settlement on behalf of more than 3,500 plaintiffs. Furthermore, it was found that DuPont allegedly knew about the contamination for decades, but allowed it to happen anyway.
“If you look at all the advertising, all the crap that our economy churns out, most of it is thneeds, it’s not stuff we actually need. It’s stuff we’re made to think we need.” — Peter Barnes
The victims of corporations are no different than us. We are on the same side of the field as them. If their lives and healths can be compromised for the sake of the economy, then ours can too. I guess, for some people the trees and the people start to look smaller as the stakes get higher. Maybe once a person is far way up, they cease to bother what goes on below. It is a toxic corporate mindset and practice that we, as the consumers, should not tolerate. We are lucky to live at a time where we have a wide array of choices and substitutes. Let us use this privilege into good use by learning where our money goes. Peter Barnes said, “If you look at all the advertising, all the crap that our economy churns out, most of it is thneeds, it’s not stuff we actually need. It’s stuff we’re made to think we need.”
As the generation that will define the next, I think the Gen Z is doing a good job at being very mindful of the products that they buy. They built a whole trend out of sustainability, and I think that it is a great way to advocate a zero-waste lifestyle. This new generation of consumers are more than willing to take the extra step to make the world a better place to live in. They have reusable water bottles, reusable straws, use natural products, and learn how to recycle. They are not passive consumers. The Gen Z gives importance to sustainability, and champion veganism. Research shows that they are the largest generation of consumers, so they have the power to force— if not encourage — retailers and brands to switch to sustainable alternatives in order to keep up with their pace. Apparel is a particularly wasteful industry; they deplete non-renewable resources, emit greenhouse gasses, and suck up massive amounts of water and energy. But since sustainability is becoming more and more embedded in purchase decision, retailers such as Gap and H&M have invested in sustainable practices. Eco-friendly clothing brands are also slowly emerging in the market. We care for our health, the environment, and our future. Therefore, we should act according to what we believe. It is good to know that the Gen Z is already on the way to change, but we will never truly secure the future unless everyone takes part.
Corporate greed and capitalism is the real devil in the picture — not the people who use plastic straws or shampoos in sachets, as they are only victims like us. It is wrong to demonize them for contributing to pollution. Instead, suggest better alternatives that is within their budget.
Films set in a dystopian society tend to age like fine wine. They become more and more relevant as the years pass. The Lorax was released eight years ago, yet it still mirrors the state of society today and tomorrow. It reminds its viewers that if they do not do something, things are only going to get worse.
It is easy to undermine the capabilities of a redwood’s three-millimeter seed. Yet, it is enough to create the tallest sight in the forest — similar to our initiatives that can eventually move mountains. A seed is a start, and a start is already something. The redwood trees — just like our future — are currently endangered due to logging, pollution, and habitat losses. However, it is not too late. Even Thneedville’s tree-less world was able to redeem itself in the end. All it takes is a seed. Hence, be the change you want to see. It doesn’t matter how big, small or in whatever form your contribution is. As Dr. Seuss said himself, “It is not about what it is, it is about what it can become.”
