TFF Supports Successful Statewide Film Tour Educating North Carolinians
The week of July 16 through the 22nd, a wonderful documentary film was on tour across North Carolina from Wilmington to Hendersonville. The 1,000 plus folks who ventured out to see the documentary film called “Kilowatt Ours”, got the added treat of talking with exhibitors and vendors from organizations whose work revolve around the same issues as presented in the film. The Forest Foundation along with several other organizations from around the state participated in the tour, sponsored by the North Carolina Conservation Network, an umbrella organization of 120 non-profits which focus on addressing environmental issues, such as energy efficiency and water and air quality.
“Kilowatt Ours” is a film which offers information about the critical issues of where and how our electrical energy is produced in order that each of us can enjoy the luxuries of reading, using computers and ovens, and having heat and air conditioning. The film talks about controversial aspects of energy, which has allowed us so many freedoms for so many years, is actually harming us. For example, the process of mining the coal, which has provided the energy for heat, electricity, and the operation of many manufacturing businesses in this country, irrevocably destroys the land as it is mined. Tailings and slag lakes fill in streams, and when they burst, they cause disastrous toxic flooding. Finally, burning the coal emits mercury and particulates into the air that we breathe, causing asthma and mental impairment in children.
These are just a few of the problems which Jeff Barrie, the filmmaker, helps the viewer come to understand, are imminent and need our attention if we are to secure a future for the Earth and ourselves. Jeff also is very inspiring with his presentation of several ways that, we, the citizens of the planet can make changes that positively and sustainably effect the problems that he illustrates and that can turn the current devastating conditions around to allow us to have a brighter future.
Among the organizations which tabled at the film’s showings, were: NC Wildlife Federation; Southern Energy Management, which sells solar power equipment for homes and commercial buildings; NC Warn, which keeps local residents abreast of matters regarding Sharon Harris nuclear power plant situated in our own backyard. TFF’s table offered information about biodiesel and its own project, compact fluorescent lights which we sold, and information about fair trade, including various crafts, which TFF also sold.
Members of NC Conservation Network and who helped support the tour were: American Lung Association, Carolinas Clean Air Coalition, Environmental Defense, NC Council of Churches, NC Solar Center, NC Sustainable Energy Association, NC Warn, and Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. Local venues hosting the tour included: UNC Wilmington(Wilmington), Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum(Fort Bragg), NC Museum of Natural Sciences(Raleigh), SE Center for Contemporary Art(Winston-Salem), Myers Park Baptist Church(Charlotte), and Blue Ridge Community College(Hendersonville).
By encouraging those who attended to purchase the DVD and to share the information they gathered, Jeff hopes to empower us to take control and be responsible for our energy needs. The wonderful aspect of the tour, was that attendees were able to see the importance of and the bridge between being conscientious with our consumptive decisions, from our energy use, to products, to how we manage and treat the Earth. To learn more about the film and to purchase a copy go to “www.kilowattours.org” or contact The Forest Foundation (919-957-1505).