This is Pilot. He knows everything about the environment.

Captain Planet

Photo Credit: Digital Art

When I was a kid growing up, I was lucky enough to get Cartoon Network on TV.  One show I remember particularly enjoying at the time was Captain Planet. For those of you that are unfamiliar with the name, it was a cartoon featuring a super hero bearing the title of the show, who led an ethnically diverse group of teenagers – the “Planeteers” – in the fight against environmental destruction. It was one of the few cartoons that, for a kid of 5 years old, was more than just flashing colours and loud sounds.

What I really took away from the show was the message. Captain Planet’s villains were literally pollution and environmental damage personified, such as Dr. Blight, Captain Pollution, and Sly Sludge.  Along with the Planeteers, who used their own unique powers of the elements to fight, the Captain was able to overcome his enemies with the use of teamwork, common sense, and heart.

While the concept of the show may seem preachy to an adult, as a kid it was my first exposure to the importance and urgency of saving our planet. A lot of wasteful behaviour stems from old habits people have learned and are having trouble unlearning.  It’s pretty easy to see, then, why it’s so crucial to teach people at an early age the importance of being environmentally conscious and the habits that go along with that.

Today, a group called the “Planeteer Movement” exists, taking advantage of the many eco-literate viewers Captain Planet created in the 1990’s and uniting them. The group is an online community working towards a sustainable future – check them out at http://captainplanet.me/about .

It’s great to see that a children’s cartoon – over a decade ago – was able to inspire and educate so many children of the time, who are now grown up and putting what they learned to use.  Here’s to the hope that more programming, with similar intents as Captain Planet, can soon reach the eyes and ears of today’s cartoon-watching kids!

-Phil

Party Essential: Balloons?

Photo Credit: Stuart Miles

Whenever you go to plan your party you go to the party store, pick out your plates, you décor and just as you get ready to cash out you see the balloons. Beautiful arrangements in pleasing colours are enough to catch anyone’s eye. The novelty of latex balloons and helium are one people can never seem to pass up and are main addition to many holidays, parties, and celebrations. Unfortunately latex balloons aren’t all the fun they are cracked up to be.

Working part time at a party store for the past five years I have grown to love and eventually become wary of the latex balloons my store sells. Some quick statistic is that on any given Friday to Sunday, my store will blow up at least 1000 latex balloons a day, if not more. When you get into graduation season it’s way more. Over 1000 daily for two to three months. Even thinking about adding that up would be insane.

Balloons and attached ribbons let loose outside, pose a risk to wildlife. Ribbons can be caught on a leg or even accidentally swallowed. Although balloons are 100% compostable; in the 6 months it takes for it decompose an unknowing animal can easily ingest it and choke on it.

Not only do latex balloons pose a choking hazard to animals in the wild, it’s a choking hazard in your own home. I’m often taken aback when people tell me how their pets love to play with the balloons or let their babies put their mouths on the balloons. If a balloon explodes anywhere near a child or animals mouth the odds of a piece of latex being thrown into their throat is extremely likely.

Another risk that many people forget is allergies. Many people are allergic to latex which, is why they are banned in hospitals.

Still can’t resist the lure of balloons? Consider buying mylars, the foil balloons. Although more expensive they are refillable, less prone to popping, and can last weeks. Refrain from releasing any balloons outside and make sure balloons and ribbon are disposed of properly.

-Heather