Sunday Regina’s citizens celebrated
the 42nd annual Earth Day. The event is set aside to consider the
environment and look back on our achievements of creating a healthier planet.
But Saskatchewan environmentalists can’t help
but criticize the lack of work being done in our province.
Local filmmaker, Nora Gardner,
premiered her first piece, “Ecology, Community and Wisdom”, at the Regina Environmental
Film Festival Sunday. In the 15 minute short, Gardner
takes the viewer on a journey through Saskatchewan
to introduce us to people who are working towards environmental change. But
finding these green pioneers, proved to be a challenge.
“I think that we’ve been a little
bit behind in taking pro-environmental behaviours and actions,” said Gardner.
Her view lines up with David
Suzuki’s recent report that dubbed Saskatchewan
bottom of the barrel in terms of environmental action. The Saskatchewan Eco
Network Director, Rick Morrell, says public interest in green initiatives has
dropped off.
“Don’t get me wrong, some groups
have support and they’re working really hard,” said Morrell. “But, we’re not
covering all the issues and there’s not enough of us to get it done.”
It’s part of the reason activists
are devoting their time to children’s activities. They’re trying to instill
environmental morals at a young age. But they say we’re in a worsening
situation and can’t wait for these kids to grow up to start making changes.
“The change has to start
everywhere,” said Morrell. “It has to individuals and it has to be government.
Leadership comes from where leadership is and I don’t think it’s going to be
government right now.”
“I think it has to come from the
people,” said Gardner.
“Then hopefully, government will pay attention.”
That’s the reason she set out to
highlight the people in the province who are trailblazing the local
environmental movement. She hopes they can inspire others to make even small
changes in their daily lives.
For a copy of Gardner’s film, “Ecology, Community and
Wisdom”, you can email her directly at ngardner1@accesscomm.ca
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