EarthEcho International is partnering with American University and the DC Environmental Film Festival to create the first annual Environmental Student Short Film Festival, which showcases short films and media presentations created by university, high school and middle school students. We’ve just posted our Call for Submissions — please tell everyone you know! 

The film festival is in March 2006 and entries are due by February 15th. 

It happened a few days ago while I was in a business meeting and someone turned to me, upon learning of my profession, and said "wow, that’s great. I must admit that I am far from an environmentalist myself but …"  Now, let me clarify, he wasn’t talking about his professional career — he was referring to his own personal life. Please excuse me, but "far from an environmentalist?!" What is that supposed to mean? Now, I know people come out with some outrageous statements; but, I must admit that I am always astounded when they come out with that one.

How can one not be an environmentalist? (Note: this was meant to be a rhetorical question, not a painfully naïve one.) An environmentalist is simply someone who cares for (and hopefully works in whatever way they can to minimize his or her negative impact on) the environment. If this guy isn’t an environmentalist, does that mean he doesn’t care about the environment? Aw, shucks! Maybe he’s right — clean air, clean water, healthy food … who needs ‘em … obviously, not this guy.

While his statement was ridiculous, it reminded me of how far many of us are from realizing just how tied to the environment we all are.

So, seeing as it’s the holidays and giving is better than receiving, give a gift that keeps on giving. Give something that leaves the world a better place. After all, you are living in it!

Need help? Check out our green gift giving tips. And, as for that special someone who "isn’t an environmentalist," help them realize why they are.