The Gas Guzzler & The Meat Guzzler

GAS GUZZLING
As gasoline prices near $4 per gallon, most people are finding it difficult to keep up with the mounting costs associated with car ownership. For people who live in the city, public transportation is an option and walking or biking is also a viable means to get where we are going. But what about those living in the suburbs or more rural communities? A car is most definitely a necessity.

For anyone who is troubled (or outraged) about the current trend in oil prices (which will likely only continue to increase), I have a recommendation. Although it won't immediately solve the oil gouging crisis, it will serve to educate people and will hopefully bring about some change, as more and more people refuse to tolerate this situation. You need to see the film "Who Killed the Electric Car?". I watched this documentary back in 2006 when it was playing in independent movie theaters. This excellent film is available on DVD; you can rent in via Netflix or Blockbuster and you can also purchase it for only $10 from Amazon.com. Forget what you think you know and approach this film with an open mind. You will likely be shocked at what you see.

Electric cars are quieter, cleaner and cheaper to run than gas-powered cars. As to why they haven't been fully adopted yet - watch “Who Killed the Electric Car?” for the whole story.

Here, in a nutshell, are a few key benefits of electric cars:

1. Electricity is cheaper than gas, and can come from renewable resources such as solar and wind power.

2. Electric cars pollute less than gas-powered cars (especially when renewable energy sources are used to generate the electricity).

3. Electric cars are much more reliable and require less maintenance than gas-powered cars. You don't even need to get your quarterly oil change!

4. By using domestically-generated electricity rather than relying on foreign oil, we can achieve energy independence and will no longer need to engage in costly wars in the Middle East to secure an energy supply.

5. Electric cars can utilize the existing electric grid rather than require the development of a new, expensive energy infrastructure (as would be the case with hydrogen).

For more information on electric cars, including answers to those skeptical questions, please see Plug In America's Frequently Asked Questions

For the film's official website, CLICK HERE.

MEAT GUZZLING
Back in January, Mark Bittman wrote an excellent piece for the New York Times. The name of the article was "Rethinking the Meat Guzzler". This popular piece quickly made the rounds. If you are concerned about global climate change, food safety, healthy eating or sustainability, I encourage you to read this fascinating article. Here is a glimpse:

"A sea change in the consumption of a resource that Americans take for granted may be in store — something cheap, plentiful, widely enjoyed and a part of daily life. And it isn’t oil.

It’s meat.

The two commodities share a great deal: Like oil, meat is subsidized by the federal government. Like oil, meat is subject to accelerating demand as nations become wealthier, and this, in turn, sends prices higher. Finally — like oil — meat is something people are encouraged to consume less of, as the toll exacted by industrial production increases, and becomes increasingly visible."

To continue reading this excellent and thought-provoking article, please CLICK HERE.

The 11th Hour + Other Films

The new documentary "The 11th Hour" debuted in Cambridge last week. Today it begins showing at the Embassy Theater in Waltham, as it continues to play at the AMC Loews Theater in Harvard Square. This important movie is consistently receiving an average of 4 out of 5 stars. Here is a synopsis:

"'The 11th Hour' is the last moment when change is possible. The film explores how we've arrived at this moment -- how we live, how we impact the earth's ecosystems, and what we can do to change our course. Featuring ongoing dialogues of experts from all over the world, including former Soviet Prime Minister Mikhail Gorbachev, renowned scientist Stephen Hawking, former head of the CIA R. James Woolsey and sustainable design experts William McDonough and Bruce Mau in addition to over 50 leading scientists, thinkers and leaders who discuss the most important issues that face our planet and people."

This film was produced and narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, who has been involved with environmental issues for many years. I urge you to see the movie and bring a friend or two or three! For specific movie times and locations, go to Movie Fone at http://movies.aol.com/




SICKO

Have you not seen "Sicko" yet? This Michael Moore documentary was released in June, yet is still playing in some theaters. In the Boston area, you can still see it in Arlington and West Newton. The DVD will be released in November and you can add it to your Netflix or Blockbuster Online queue now! For theater showtimes, go to http://movies.aol.com/movie/sicko/26778/main I strongly urge you to see the film and join a discussion about it. Whether you agree or disagree with Moore's tactics or arguments, it cannot be denied that this is a thought-provoking subject matter that is extremely important and plays a great role in our quality-of-life index as Americans.

INSPIRATIONAL MOVIES

Looking for some inspirational movie viewing for your DVD player? Some great recently released DVDs, available now on Netflix, that I can recommend, include:

• Peaceful Warrior
• The Ultimate Gift
• The Secret

Some thought-provoking documentaries I've enjoyed, that are available on DVD:

• What the #$*! Do We Know!? (What the Bleep Do We Know)
• The Future of Food
• Who Killed the Electric Car
• The Corporation
• Go Further

And finally, although "Amazing Grace" is not released on DVD yet, you can still add it to your online rental queue. This inspiring movie was truly a joy to watch. The synopsis:

"Based on a true story, this historical drama starring Ioan Gruffudd tells the story of William Wilberforce, an 18th-century English politician who fought for the abolition of slavery. Despite staunch opposition, Wilberforce waged an aggressive campaign using boycotts, petitions and slogans."

Any feedback you have regarding these films would be appreciated!