the play "what's up"
TRANSCRIPT
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What's Up?
Playfully Protecting Mother Earth and Her Children
By Stan S. Katz
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CONTENTS
Introduction 3
Cast of Characters 4
Scenes in Act I and Act II 5
Play begins 6
End of Performance 50
Dedication 51
ADDENDUM
Suggestions for Teachers/Classroom Activities 52
Recommended Reading List 57
Environmental Organizations 60
Documentary Films 61
Epilogue and Current Events 62-70
Copyrighted 2014, Offered royalty free for school performances with the printing of
additional copies allowed...All other literary and derivative rights are retained by Author.
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INTRODUCTION
"What's Up?" is fanciful play, yet offers new perspectives and solutions to some
of our environmental challenges. This one hour performance blends
humor, satire, music, and dance, as a cast of assorted spirits of the earth, illustrious
humans from the past, and an angel, reveal how our lifestyles impact the natural world . . .
The play can be performed on a stage, or in a classroom with students reading their lines
from their seats. To simplify a stage productions, certain scenes can be described,
eliminating the need for costumes or scenery.
There are always differing opinions. The goal of this play is to encourage further
exploration, research, and discussion of the important issues of today.
An addendum for Teachers is included, with suggestions for related classroom
projects, a directory of environmental organizations, a recommended reading list, and
suggested documentary films.
Your comments, suggestions, and reviews are welcome. Please send them to:
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CAST OF CHARACTERS (in order of appearance)
EDWARD, a company executive
DEMETER, an angel
LUMBERJACKS, several workers holding imaginary chainsaws
DRIVERS, a group of motorists stuck in a traffic jam
VISITORS TO A PARK, pretend to be bicycling, throwing a Frisbee or
taking stroll
FIRST SHOPPER FOR SHOES
SECOND SHOPPER FOR SHOES
YOUNG CHILD AND PARENT, a child is being taught a task by parent
JOHAN HAMILTON, a car passenger
ALICIA HAMILTON, (JOHAN'S sister) and a fellow car passenger
ROBERT, EDWARD's friend
SPIRIT OF THE EARTH'S SURFACE,
THE SPIRIT OF POPULATION
ADAM, the first man in the Garden of Eden
EVE, the first woman in the Garden of Eden
CAIN, a son of Adam and Eve
ABEL, a son of Adam and Eve
Descendants of ADAM and EVE, a representative group of future generations
THE SPIRIT OF THE RAIN FOREST,
FARMERS OF THE RAIN FOREST,
THE SPIRIT OF THE UNDERWATER CREATURES,
GROUP OF FISH
AQUIFER, THE SPIRIT OF UNDERGROUND WATER,
THE SPIRIT OF THE DESERT,
GOLFER,
TWO SWIMMING POOL CHARACTERS,
COUPLE PLAYING AT THE BEACH,
THE SPIRIT OF ORGANIC FARMERS,
THE GHOST OF PRESIDENT THEODORE ROOSEVELT
THE GHOST OF PRESIDENT THOMAS JEFFERSON
THE GHOST OF RACHEL CARSON pioneer in the environmental movement
THE GHOST OF JOHN MUIR Father of the National Parks system
THE GHOST OF HIPPOCRATUS the ancient Greek, Father of
Western Medicine
THE GHOST OF DR. SIGMUND FREUD Father of Modern Psychotherapy.
REUSE IT AGAIN SAM, a spirit of recycling
EVER CHANGING, REARRANGING RITA, another spirit of recycling
BIOLOGY TEACHER
CLASSROOM FILLED WITH STUDENTS
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HOWARD, Edward’s supervisor in the road
construction company
CENTRAL AMERICAN LUMBERJACKS, several workers on a construction project
GERALDO, supervisor of the Central America
construction project.
ACT ONE
Scene One- a Forest is being cleared of trees. Several lumberjacks try to
convince a young woman perched high up on a tree limb to climb down.
Scene Two- a City street, where a Group of Drivers pretend to be in a traffic jam.
Scene Three- a Park setting. Assorted people are enjoying various activities
such as bicycling, having a baseball catch or strolling about.
Scene Four- a Retail Store. Two shoppers are trying on shoes.
Scene Five- a fast talking Salesman is marketing a new product.
Scene Six- a child is being shown how to do a task by their parent.
Act Two
Scene One-Return to first scene location, with Demeter seated up in her Tree with Edward
standing Below.
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"WHAT'S UP?''
Act 1- (The Setting is a forest. A young lady, DEMETER, dressed in overalls and a flannel
shirt sits up on a tree limb. Several lumberjacks yell and give hand signals for her to climb
down. With a smile, she refuses. The lumberjacks wish to cut down the tree she’s in. One of
the LUMBERJACKS brings back the company executive, EDWARD, who is a well
dressed, slightly overweight young man.)
Lumberjack
That girl must be nuts! We can't get her out of that tree!
EDWARD (with confidence)
I’ll deal with this...You and the crew can take an early lunch break,
(The LUMBERJACKS clear out)
EDWARD (playfully shouts to the woman)
What's Up? What the heck are you doing in that tree?
DEMETER
Having a marvelous time in nature. You get a better prospective from up here.
EDWARD (forces a smile)
It's a Beautiful day that’s for sure, but you’re messing up my men’s schedule. They’ve a
job to do.
DEMETER (looks confused)
How can the saving of lovely trees be a problem?
EDWARD
They're standing in the way of development.
DEMETER
Do you have something against trees?
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EDWARD
Of course not!
DEMETER
Then why have so many been cleared away around here? (Scans their surroundings)
EDWARD
Sacrifices must be made for progress!
DEMETER
Ancient man made Human sacrifices to their gods.
Is mankind's remaking of the natural world your new religion?
EDWARD (shakes his head in amusement)
You sound kind of nutty, but clever. When we finish this project we'll have another
highway that thousands of people will be able to travel on faster than ever.
DEMETER
Why is it so important people can get around faster?
EDWARD
To fit in as much as is humanly possible into their lives!
DEMETER
Aren't there enough roads already?
EDWARD
No. Just look around, that’s the problem.
(Scene two: Spotlight on a GROUP OF DRIVERS pretending to be in cars tied up
in a traffic jam. Everyone is ill tempered, clenching their steering wheels and
honking horns. Consider obtaining real traffic sounds as background, recording the
honking of car horns.)
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EDWARD (with emphasis)
YOU SEE…There just aren’t enough roads to carry all the traffic!
DEMETER
You might also say there are just too many cars! By the way, when's the last time you took
a walk or rode a bike?
EDWARD
What's that have to do with anything?
(DEMETER smirks as she focuses on EDWARD’S paunchy stomach)
EDWARD (with a bit anger)
Okay-It's been a long time-I have a hectic, I mean productive schedule.
DEMETER
If more folks got out of their cars and got a bit of fresh air and exercise, it might do good
for their dispositions (the honking sounds of traffic kick in again.) When's the last time you
visited a neighborhood park?
Spotlight on a COUPLE STROLLING with a YOUNG CHILD BICYCLING
alongside perhaps. Other children are playing tag and running around. Hear birds and
other sounds of nature.
EDWARD
A pretty picture, but people also want to go far away to exotic places.
DEMETER
Is your specialty building roads?
EDWARD (nods)
I also built that outlet mall down the road (Pointing) and I'm proud of it.
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DEMETER
Do you remember what was there before-Hundreds of acres of rich farmland; guess it
doesn't make sense to grow food around here anymore. Better to import it from hundreds
of miles away.
EDWARD
Perhaps so, but think of all the fun adventures people can have at that shopping center!
DEMETER
Yes, but people can over do it.
(SCENE FOUR-Spotlight on a Woman shopper bragging to her friend as she tries
on shoes. A stack of shoe boxes are nearby.)
FIRST SHOPPER
I have close to a hundred pair at home, but these are gorgeous. (She squeezes her foot into
it.) A little tight. But it matches that new cream, chiffon dress I bought. Even if I use it only
once or twice, it will be well worth it.
SECOND SHOPPER (nods approvingly)
And it's on a sale!
(Cut to EDWARD and DEMETER)
EDWARD
So you don't enjoy shopping? Not to mention our economic system measures success on
increasing production and consumption.
DEMETER
Folks could spend half the time and expense by buying things that are more practical,
rather than purely based on the slick ads you see on TV.
(Spotlight a fast talking SALESMAN Holding up a Gadget.)
SALESMAN
The Greatest invention ever made! It pits, slices and dices olives-Your Life Won't be
Complete till one's in your kitchen. Low payments of just $1.99 for six months. Don't miss
out!
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(Cut to EDWARD and DEMETER)
DEMETER
So many gadgets and toys are so flimsy. Buy them today, tomorrow they're broken!
Just Planned Obsolescence-How many landfills are being packed with this junk? Not to
mention the miss-use of resources and the waste products from their manufacture.
EDWARD
You've got a point, shopping can become an obsession. But what difference can one
individual make anyhow? (Throws his arms upward)
By the way, you never mentioned your name?
DEMETER
Why Edward, you can call me Demi. That's short for Demeter.
EDWARD (surprised)
How'd you know my name?
DEMETER
A good guess, or perhaps you mentioned it?
EDWARD (confused)
Are you from around these parts Demi? And How the Heck did you manage to get over
that fence surrounding our work site? (Points at an imaginary fence) and then climb up
this tree?
DEMETER
Oh...You think I climbed up…No, I came down.
EDWARD
What! Down from where?
DEMETER (stares upwards)
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EDWARD
I haven’t noticed any planes, helicopters, or parachutes overhead.
DEMETER
That's right . . .
EDWARD
Next you'll be telling me you’re a heavenly creature?
(He gives an ASIDE) She is cute, wouldn’t you say?
If you're an Angel, I'm Monkey's Uncle!
(The stage darkens. When the lights return a CARD has materialized in
EDWARD's right hand and in his left hand is a FRAMED PHOTOGRAPH)
EDWARD (dumbfounded)
(Looks up at DEMETER still seated in the tree)
How’d you do that? (He holds up the two items) What's this, a magic trick?
DEMETER
In your right hand is my calling card.
EDWARD
(He examines an ornate CALLING CARD and reads it aloud)
DEMETER- Director of the Celestial Council for the Protection of Mother Earth
(EDWARD turns his back as he examines the FRAMED PHOTOGRAPH so the
Audience can see that the PHOTOGRAPH is of a CHIMPANZEE)
And What's this about?
DEMETER
That must be your Nephew. I can see the family resemblance! (She laughs)
EDWARD
Cute trick. How'd you do it? Hypnosis?
DEMETER
Have you ever been hypnotized?
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EDWARD
Not until now probably. (Annoyed) If you're really who you claim to be, Why are you here?
DEMETER
Look around you Edward, nature is being trampled across the globe. We in the heavens
are hoping to do a bit of redirection while there’s still time.
EDWARD
Why don’t you just snap your fingers and fix things for us?
DEMETER
Do you know the most powerful human desire?
EDWARD
Money! Just joking. Self worth I'd guess?
DEMETER (nods)
And that comes from a sense of Freedom to make decisions that affect one’s own life. What
would it be like to have ideas forced down your throat, even if it was for your own good?
(Spotlight on a CHILD being taught a simple task, piling blocks in a certain pattern
based on color or shape. The CHILD resists, rather than be controlled by their
PARENT. The CHILD throws a tantrum, slapping the blocks off the table if they
can't do it their own way)
(Cut to: EDWARD and DEMETER)
EDWARD
So you see us mortals as children?
DEMETER
Actually, children tend to be less in a rut; more open to new answers.
Was there a period in your life, Edward, when you visualized new approaches to solve the
problems around you?
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EDWARD (thinks a moment)
Once, years back, I came up with an interesting concept.
DEMETER
I'd like to hear about it . . .
EDWARD (shrugs)
Never did much with it. It's goal was to cut car and gasoline usage by two thirds.
DEMETER
Really! I knew inside that conservative suit and tie, was an innovator. Would you like me to
magically materialize your inspiration?
EDWARD
Sounds like fun. (As an Aside he adds) Even though this is probably only a dream. (He
pinches himself to test if he's sleeping or awake.) Ouch.
(Scene Seven. We're using San Diego, California, as the location, but you can change
the location to fit your own home town.)
DEMETER
(DEMETER waves her arms and the Stage darkens. When the lights return,
EDWARD is driving an imaginary car. Seated adjacent to him is ROBERT, a friend
visiting from another country. Which country, is your choice. EDWARD pulls the
car over to the curb to pick up a man and a woman waiting at the side of the road. They
hold up photo IDs, which EDWARD scans through the window. A Dashboard Screen
which might be a laptop computer speaks.)
CAR GENERATED COMPUTER VOICE
Your passengers are Johan and Alicia Hamilton. They texted ahead, wishing to be driven
to downtown San Diego. This only adds one mile to your current route. Wishing you all a
pleasant journey.
EDWARD
Welcome aboard! Make yourselves comfortable. (Johan and Alicia enter the car and sit in
the back two seats.) My name is Edward, and this is my friend Robert, visiting me from
Ireland. I'm showing him around this fair city.
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(JOHAN and ALICIA smile and acknowledge ROBERT)
So Johan, you and your wife, Alicia, are going Downtown?
JOHAN
That is the destination, but Alicia is my sister. (EDWARD and ALICIA flash each other a
smile) We're visiting Balboa Park. (You can chose another destination if you wish.)
EDWARD
Your ride request mentioned the Museum of Art. It's only a few minutes out of my way.
For a 40 mile trip, that's not too bad.
JOHAN
Thanks for the ride, Edward . . . (And off they drive)
ROBERT (points to the Dashboard screen)
I've never seen a system like this in Europe?
EDWARD
California's highways were getting more and more gridlocked, with cars wastefully
burning gasoline as they sat stalled in traffic.
ROBERT
That's becoming a common problem in many areas of the world.
EDWARD
Story goes, a fellow and his girlfriend were on their first date, but found themselves in a
major traffic jam. He was familiar with cell phone technology, and she was a sociologist.
With time on their hands, they created a game out of brainstorming solutions. They
observed most cars only contained one passenger. So, the answer might be linked to cars
being more efficiently used.
ROBERT
Why hadn't it been considered before?
EDWARD
Drivers don't want to pick up strangers, due to media scares about psychos, when in fact,
most people are very nice.
15
ALICIA
So, (points at the dashboard computer screen) they developed a recognition system; the
driver knows who the passengers are in advance, and can check to see if they a clean rap
sheet as police movies phrase it.
EDWARD
And you see that? (he points) It's an emergency button; when pressed, it locates the car by
satellite, and sends police or ambulance. There's also a digital camera and voice recorder
that captures what's happening in the car if those records are ever needed. So far, there's
been no criminal complaints. Instead, during this past year it aided a couple of older
passengers who had had heart attacks and needed medical care...The computer remembers
pickup time and location. And when the passenger leaves their card is scanned again. All
this makes passenger and driver feel safe, even though they've never met before.
JOHAN
It's no more difficult than putting your credit card into a gas station pump or making a
phone call.
ALICIA
Participants register to be part of the system. And by using cell phones and the internet,
folks can arrange pickups right from their homes, or they meet at public pick-up locations..
ROBERT
It's rather well thought out-But why does the driver get involved? Don't most people say,
why should they chauffer and pay the transportation costs for strangers?
EDWARD
Actually, passengers pay the driver 5 cents per mile directly from their credit card account.
That's about one sixth the true expense of driving your own car, based on maintenance,
repairs, insurance, and fuel. Owning a car is quite expensive. And to sweeten the deal, the
State chips in another couple of cents per mile in tax credits to the driver.
ALICIA
The government appreciates the major savings in not needing to expand current roads or
build new ones. And, with fewer cars there's less wear and tear on the highways.
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JOHAN
And though Mass Transit is a wonderful thing, this system assists in handling the demand.
And guess what, the installation of this car pooling system is offered free to the public.
Soon it will be standard in all new cars.
ROBERT
That's great! But we're not talking about a lot of money for the driver, are we?
EDWARD
It adds up. Actually, some folks donate it to charitable causes. But this solution goes beyond
money. With roads less crowded, folks are arriving at their destinations on time, and might
even make new friends along the way. And regular car pooling can arise when people
match up with others with similar work schedules.
JOHAN (smiles)
All this results in less air pollution and Green House Gases being emitted, which almost
everyone knows has been causing Global Warming, wreaking damaging havoc with our
weather. Lots of people are signing on and feeling good about helping the environment.
EDWARD
And did I mention, several engagements and marriages have resulted!
ALICIA
Sounds romantic. Personally, I don't like driving that much, and prefer being a passenger,
so I can relax and see the landscape pass by.
ROBERT
So in effect, you've created a massive fleet of taxi cabs out of average citizens.
EDWARD
Yes, and this has raised awareness of other related issues. Urban planners are now
attempting to make cities pedestrian and bicycle friendly, with schools and shopping more
accessible, requiring less driving time.
(EDWARD pretends to pull over to the side of the road. JOHAN and ALICIA hand
EDWARD their I.D. Cards, which EDWARD scans on the dash board computer to
signal the end of their journey.)
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JOHAN
Thanks for the ride, Edward, (then looking at ROBERT) Hope you enjoy your visit to the
States.
ALICIA
Pleasure meeting you both.
(JOHAN and ALICIA exit car and walk away.)
EDWARD
(Shows a bit of sadness as he watches ALICIA leave)
ROBERT
(Looks at EDWARD, who is still focusing on ALICIA)
Wasn't she nice? Maybe you'll give her another ride some day
EDWARD
It's a big city, but you never know?
(Stage darkens, end of ACT ONE)
ACT TWO
(We find ourselves back at the development site with DEMETER up in the tree and
EDWARD below.)
DEMETER
That was one imaginative idea you had there, Edward!
EDWARD
Just a fantasy...
DEMETER
You've heard of the play, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, by Charles Dickens?
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EDWARD
Yes, why do you ask?
DEMETER
You're going on a Magical Journey, and like Ebenezer Scrooge, you'll meet Spirits who will
show you the Earth's past, present, and potential future. But instead of emotionally
frightening you, they'll attempt to engage your intellect.
(Spotlight the SPIRIT OF THE EARTH'S SURFACE, a rugged mountain man,
who walks onstage holding a hiking staff. Use posters or drawings of mountains as
background. One poster is of a mountain range flattened for development, the other
is a beautiful untouched mountain scene. Might include Native American music,
deep/soulful/connective to the ancestral roots: flutes, drums, rattles with seeds
inside, as character enters.)
SPIRIT OF THE EARTH'S SURFACE (in a deep voice)
I'm the Spirit of the Earth's Surface. (with pride he points at the Mountain poster or
drawing.) See my majestic mountains! They're millions of years old, created by the massive
forces of nature, ice ages, earthquakes, volcanoes, and the major shifting of the Earth's
surface.
(Now with sadness, he points at the developed mountain top poster.)
Everyone loses when the grandeur of my mountain tops are destroyed. Developed and
flattened ridge-lines lose their pristine wonder and mystery. I accept your mining of my
precious stones and metals, and the development of my foothills and sides. And you're
invited to hike to my precipices to clear your minds and escape into nature-But must you
show such disrespect by defacing my crown!
(We hear thunder. The lighting turns on and off as if it were lightening.)
And as if that isn't bad enough, for your ever-growing energy needs, you're drilling
through the earth's crust below the oceans around the world, for oil. Treating these limited
energy resources that took eons to create, as if you'd found a bank account filled with
money that you neither saved nor created, yet spend as quickly as you can, sucking out
millions upon millions of gallons. (Spotlight on another CHARACTER, throwing monopoly
money into the air with abandon to illustrate the message.) Do you even know if these deep
sea oil and gas drilling explorations might be destabilizing the earth's crust, leading to
earthquakes? (he laughs) You treat it like game of chance, even building nuclear power
plants over the most active earthquake fault lines. Is this sanity? (points at EDWARD) And
Now you're gathering energy from the earth's molten core, using geo-thermal heat to
power your homes and factories. At first it sounds like an exciting alternative energy
technology; what might have a minor effect with thousands of individuals, becomes
significant when tens of millions or billions of people harness this energy source. You might
well be turning Mother Earth into a cold Planet, like our satellite, the moon, which can't
support life.
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EDWARD (shutters)
What can be done?
SPIRIT OF THE EARTH'S SURFACE
There is hope!
(Music begins; ''Let the Sunshine, Let the Sunshine in...'' Drumming, dancing,
Woodstock revisited, as actors enter the stage. Characters say their parts as they
cross the stage displaying posters with words, drawings, or photos from magazines
pasted on. Spirit of the Earth's Surface exits.)
CHARACTER HOLDS A PICTURE OF ''THE SUN''
One of the most significant ways to obtain energy is from our amazing sun with its
unlimited supply, utilizing Solar panel collectors in our vast deserts and on the rooftops of
homes and businesses.
CHARACTER HOLDS A SIGN ''PETROLEUM''
We must decrease dependency on Fossil Fuels because of their negative impacts on our
environment, including climate change, while encouraging new non-polluting technologies.
CHARACTER HOLDS A SIGN ''BE PRACTICAL!''
We need to be less wasteful, turning off unneeded lighting, using space heaters versus
heating the entire house where possible, combining several errands on car trips. These are
just a few ideas which will save energy and money!
CHARACTER HOLDS ''PICTURE OF A WIND TURBINE''
(says following words as if it's a song...)
One of the answers my friend, is blowing in the wind, the answer is blowing in the wind!
(pause) We need to build more energy producing wind turbines (character spins on their
exit from the stage).
CHARACTER HOLDING A POSTER WITH PICTURES OF APPLIANCES AND
HOMES PASTED ON IT.
We need to improve the energy efficiency of our future homes and appliances, while at the
same time retro-fitting our current homes to be more efficient.
(The music stops)
DEMETER (turns to EDWARD)
How'd you enjoy the musical performance?
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EDWARD (smiles)
Sounded like the Woodstock Festival my folks attended long ago.
DEMETER (smiles)
It's time we had a new festival, celebrating Mother Earth...
So Edward, when you were young, do you remember looking up to someone who actively
protected nature?
EDWARD
I once read a biography about President Theodore Roosevelt. He embodied the pioneer
spirit of America. And during his administration from 1901 to 1909, 125 million acres were
added to the National Forests, and the number of National Parks doubled. They included
Yellowstone, The Grand Tetons, and the Alaskan Wilderness, to name just a few. Sixteen
National Monuments were also created and fifty-one wildlife sanctuaries.
DEMETER
Quite impressive! Well guess what, you're about to meet his ghost. (She snaps her fingers:
ROOSEVELT appears in hunting/fishing outfit, safari hat, glasses, boots, riding crop.
DEMETER exits stage)
EDWARD (in shock)
President Roosevelt!
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
You can call me Teddy, all my friends do. Thanks for your admiration, Edward.
It's been a long time since I walked the earth. It's wonderful to see the Park System that
was created during my life is still going strong. You have no idea how tough a fight it was
to convince Congress to protect those wondrous mountain regions and precious old growth
forests. At that time our country appeared to have endless open spaces with unlimited
resources. But I knew if we didn't protect those most beautiful spots, they wouldn't be
there for future generations. I endured intense pressure from big business interests who
wanted no restrictions. I was inspired by the Scottish naturalist, John Muir, and here
comes his ghost. (Spotlight the entrance of JOHN MUIR.)
JOHN MUIR
I've been called the Father of the National Park system, but it wouldn't have been possible
without the support of my friend, Teddy, (smiles at his Teddy), who accompanied me to
Yosemite. I informed him about the State's mismanagement, the greed and rampant
exploitation, convincing him that the best way to protect Yosemite was through federal
control.
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THEODORE ROOSEVELT (pats JOHN MUIR on the shoulder)
Camping out in the back country, John showed me the untouched Yosemite. We discussed
protecting its natural treasures until late into the night and slept in the brisk open air of
Glacier Point, where we were dusted by a fresh snowfall in the morning. So invigorating!
(takes in a deep breath as he spreads arms and stretches)
JOHN MUIR
Ecstasy and spiritual communion lies within nature! The great Redwoods reaching to the
skies are like majestic cathedrals. It is in God's wildness that lies the hope of the world. I'm
proud my legacy lives on as co-founder of the Sierra Club, which continues to protect these
treasures.
EDWARD
Our Nation owes you both a great debt.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT (his voice rising)
Thank you Edward. But legacies need to be protected! Today certain individuals want to
whittle down the size of many beautiful parks and nature areas. Open them up to
development. (raises a fist) This must not happen! Where are your nature lovers today,
who need to protect and even expand these parks, or they'll be lost!
EDWARD
Many people are just too busy to notice the miracles and wonders of nature. I was one of
those people, but my eyes are opening.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
That's the spirit! (shakes EDWARD'S hand firmly)
Been a pleasure meeting you, but it's time to go.
(THEODORE holds up his riding stick.)
Just Remember To Put Up A Good fight! (Both ROOSEVELT and MUIR exit)
DEMETER reappears
So how'd you enjoy meeting your childhood hero and his naturalist friend?
22
EDWARD (takes a deep breath)
I can see how Roosevelt pushed through his environmental agenda. He's tough and
persuasive! Prior to his Presidency, as Police Commissioner he cleaned up New York City,
and also led his Rough Rider Brigade to win the Spanish American War in Cuba!
DEMETER
He was definitely the right person for the issues of that time! Edward, do you know how
many people live on our planet today?
EDWARD
I'd estimate around 7 billion.
DEMETER
How many would you guess were around 100 years ago, at the start of the 20th century,
during Teddy Roosevelt's time?
EDWARD (shrugs and raises his palms)
Probably much less?
DEMETER
There were approximately one billion . . .
That's seven times as many in only five generations.
EDWARD
That is amazing!
DEMETER
Based on that growth rate, what might the population be in five more generations?
EDWARD
Let's see...Seven times seven is forty-nine billion.
DEMETER
Our next SPIRIT will explain what that could mean...
23
(Spotlight on THE SPIRIT OF POPULATION, who carries a sign with the word
Population written many times: smallest on the bottom and getting larger and larger
as it goes to the top of the sign. At the top of the sign, the word Population can't
even fit on the sign, and it just says Pop.. Costume might be designed with a few dots
on the lower legs, with more and more dots as you move up the costume, or create
your own symbolic costume.)
THE SPIRIT OF POPULATION (speaks to EDWARD)
You've heard the numbers, but to better understand what's happening, look over there:
It's a new game called To The Max !? Adam and Eve will be our first players.
(Spotlight on ADAM and EVE, dressed in appropriate period costumes. They stand
on a green astro turf carpet which has been labeled "THE GARDEN OF EDEN,
MOTHER EARTH," decorated in a lush tropical fashion).
ADAM (speaks to EVE)
Quite a paradise we have here.
EVE
It certainly is lovely, but a bit lonely. (Gives an ASIDE to the audience) So we started a
family.
ADAM and EVE
We'd like to introduce our children.
(Spotlight on characters CAIN and ABEL. CAIN stops hitting ABEL for a moment
to bow to the audience.)
Now we'd like to introduce our children's children and their children's children...
(More and more people come onto the green CARPET area.)
THE SPIRIT OF POPULATION
Let’s move ahead thousands of years.
(More CHARACTERS step onto the CARPET representing Mother Earth. They
wear native costumes and carry signs. India 1.2 billion, China 1.2 billion, Indonesia
600 million, the U.S. 320 million, and so on. Other CHARACTERS carry signs with
collages of many faces pasted on, creating the effect of a mob like crowd.
CHARACTERS awkwardly push and shove to find a spot to stand. Ideally might
need 15 to 30 characters to achieve the appropriate effect. A few CHARACTERS
carry signs which say: ''War, Disease, Famine, Natural Causes, and Accidents. They
push a certain number of folks off of the CARPET, but Mother Earth is getting
packed.)
24
(The lights fade out. When lights return, we see only DEMETER and EDWARD.
DEMETER has an Indian Feather in her hair.)
EDWARD (sighs)
Doesn't look like a pleasant or stable future. But some say with a fairer distribution of
resources and less wastefulness, there wouldn't be a problem.
DEMETER
Until your wealthier nations see a long term realistic solution to over-population, they're
not going to tighten their belts, making the sacrifices needed to solve the problems of the
poorer nations.
EWARD
Yes, I remember a sociology class where we were asked which charity poster would get
folks to donate more? One with hundreds of needy faces, or just a single child reaching out
for help. I was surprised to find out folks were more prone to help if the problem appeared
manageable, than if it's out of control.
DEMETER
Many Native American Indian cultures see humans are part of nature, and not above it,
Judging the worthiness of their actions by how they will affect those living five generations
in the future.
EDWARD
So what can be done?
DEMETER
This is an interconnected world, sharing water, earth, and air. The actions of nations far
apart impact one another . . . Population is one very touchy subject, with many diverse
viewpoints. My motto is, more love in the world, but smaller-sized families, with every child
precious and treasured. It isn't productive to blame anyone for the past, we need to focus
on the future. Medical technology now gives couples control over the number of children
they have. One of the greatest gifts you can offer to an already struggling third world, is
assisting them in slowing their rapid population growth.
EDWARD
But didn't God say be fruitful and multiply, and become abundant upon the Earth?
25
DEMETER
Yes. That was thousands of years ago and Humanity listened. Now it's time to deal with the
present situation.
EDWARD
It seems a daunting challenge.
DEMETER
Your right, but without solving this priority, with all the other problems that arise from it,
any solutions will only be temporary patches.
For example, (She points to the next Character entering, THE SPIRIT OF THE RAIN
FOREST, who carries a misting bottle to spray on its leafy costume to keep it moist. The
soundtrack of rain, birds, insects, and trickling water might serve as the background.)
THE SPIRIT OF THE RAIN FOREST (speaks to audience)
I am the Spirit of the Rain Forest, supplying much of the oxygen you breathe. I'm also the
safe haven for a vast biodiversity of plant and animal life. But sadly, my world shrinks
every year as forests are cleared for farmland.
(Spotlight on Forest scene; RAIN FOREST FARMERS cut down pretend trees
in the Amazon Jungle. These fallen trees are dragged away. Seeds are then
symbolically planted. Crops rise up (possibly cardboard shapes in the form of corn
or wheat grow, which are then harvested.)
THE SPIRIT OF THE RAIN FOREST
Now look ahead three years...
(Spotlight on THE RAIN FOREST FARMERS waiting hopefully, but barely any
new crop growth occurs.)
The topsoil of the South American Rain Forest isn't deep, and it is soon depleted of its
nutrients. These Farmers must now move to a new location, where they clear more forest,
playing out the same cycle all over again. (The RAIN FOREST FARMERS sadly exit.)
EDWARD
(Speaks to SPIRIT OF THE RAIN FOREST and DEMETER)
It appears they have no choice but to cut down forests for farming, or die of hunger.
DEMETER
Actually, that's not so. The soil of the Rain Forest is not good for farmland, however, it is
perfect for other wonderful products.
26
(DEMETER points to THE FARMERS OF THE RAIN FOREST whose actions are
now being described by THE SPIRIT OF THE RAIN FOREST)
THE SPIRIT OF THE RAIN FOREST
These farmers are scraping trees to retrieve valuable natural rubber, to sell. They're also
planting tropical fruit and nut trees, and harvesting crops of medicinal and herbal plants.
(Possibly decorate trees with photos or drawings of these crops, and label herbs and
medicinal drugs derived from their leaves.)
These Rain Forest crops can sustain these people.
EDWARD (speaks to DEMETER)
So why don't we see more of this solution?
DEMETER
Clear cutting and burning down forests is seen as the immediate solution, like conquering a
wilderness. Whereas living with nature is seen as old-fashioned.
Now for our next visitor.
(DEMETER snaps her fingers and the stage darkens. The RAIN FOREST
FARMERS and THE SPIRIT OF THE RAIN FOREST exit. DEMETER and
EDWARD remain.)
(Spotlight on THE SPIRIT OF THE UNDERWATER CREATURES, a giant
fishlike creature. Behind this spirit is a long clear plastic material as might be used
by painters to cover their work area. It is held at both ends and is waving as if it
were a flowing river...Small cardboard fish attached to sticks flow with the river
towards a poster of the ocean. The Actors who hold these fish, dress in black so as
not to be seen. Consider using music with a water theme, such as a segment of the
Beatles' song, Yellow Submarine.)
''So we sailed on to the sun, Till we found the sea green, And we lived beneath the waves,
In our yellow submarine.'' (music stops)
THE SPIRIT OF THE UNDERWATER CREATURES (speaks to EDWARD)
Earthman, I am the Spirit of the creatures from the oceans and seas. You know my
brothers and sisters mainly as a fun challenge to hook on a fishing line, or sautéed with
butter. We understand, you've got to eat, and it's the luck of the draw which one of them
you catch. Unfortunately, less and less of us are getting past your ocean nets.
(As he speaks the plastic material representing the river is split into narrower
strands, with fewer fish traveling down the river.)
27
Water is life, and by damming your rivers, redirecting them, or drawing so much water as
they pass through regions of your country, there's little water reaching the ocean for fish to
breed. Those same rivers bring nutrients to the ocean picked up along the way, and now
they can't get there either. (He spreads his fin shaped arms imploringly) I hope you
humans will correct this problem for both of our sakes. (pats his forehead and neck with a
damp cloth) I have to move on, don't want to get dried out. But before I swim off, let me
introduce my friend, AQUIFER.
(The above SPIRIT exits and AQUIFER enters, wearing Marine Blue colored
costume with a earth colored hat.)
AQUIFER
I am Aquifer, the ground water beneath the earth's surface, millions of gallons gathered
during the time of dinosaurs. I supply much of the water used to irrigate your crops, which
in the past was replenished by new rains. But a problem has arisen.
(Points at a soda fountain type glass that is four feet high. A young couple drink
from it using straws, as if they were on a date at an old time diner. They have labels
on their clothing, such as Agriculture and Lawns. More people arrive with the labels
Industry and Golf Courses. Then others with labels Drinking Water and Swimming
Pools. All pretend to be sucking on straws from the giant glass. Occasionally a
CHARACTER labeled RAIN, with thunderbolts attached to their costume, dumps a
bucket of water into the glass. In spite of this, the level in the glass keeps descending.
No real water need be used, only props.)
(Cut to EDWARD and DEMETER)
EDWARD
So we need to more wisely use our water supply.
DEMETER (nods)
(Points to a group of Characters who cross the stage,
carrying signs. Spotlight Characters as they speak.)
SPIRIT OF THE DESERT
(Dressed as a giant cactus or holds a poster of a desert scene)
Don't change your desert home surroundings into a lush forest. Keep landscaping natural
and native to your climate. Avoid grassy lawns, you'll save tons of water and expense.
28
GOLFER
(Carries a golf club and/or wears golf attire)
Accept that some areas of the world just aren't suited to conventional golf courses due to
water limitations. Enjoy the other unique features that those areas offer, such as hiking and
camping in the desert.
SWIMMING POOL CHARACTERS
(Two characters in swim suits, toss a beach ball back and forth as the cross the stage
and say their lines.)
Consider building more community pools so there's less need to own a pool of one's own.
It's a great place to meet neighbors, make friends, and for kids to gather and play together.
THE SPIRIT OF ORGANIC FARMERS
(carries a basket of fruits or vegetables. Speaks to EDWARD and the Audience
with a country drawl)
Hello, I'm THE SPIRIT OF ORGANIC FARMERS, a growing movement around the
world, whose mission is to bring healthy food to your table! To conserve resources, we
plant crops whose water needs match the supply of that area. We capture rain run-off and
efficiently use drip irrigation, instead of wasteful over-spraying. As for protecting the
quality of water, we avoid chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and instead plant crops which
naturally enrich the soil . . . And for you home gardeners, by composting garden cuttings
and vegetable leftovers you can create healthy soil amendments for your vegetables and
flowers...Talking about good food, I'm throwing a dinner party for some of my friends, and
You're both invited (looking towards DEMETER and EDWARD).
(The Stage darkens. When the lights return, we see a dining table with the following
Characters seated around it: THE GHOST OF RACHEL CARSON, EDWARD,
DEMETER, THE SPIRIT OF ORGANIC FARMERS, THE GHOST OF
PRESIDENT THOMAS JEFFERSON with white wig, THE GHOST OF
HIPPOCRATUS (dressed in toga) THE GHOST OF DR. SIGMUND FREUD
(They are all happily eating, drinking, and socializing)
EDWARD (speaks to SPIRIT OF ORGANIC FARMERS)
Thanks for inviting us to this wonderful gathering. (takes a sip of his drink) This carrot
juice is delicious, and I love this humus spread on toasted whole grain bread.
DEMETER
Yumm...And this bean and mixed vegetable salad hits the spot! (she munches away)
29
THE SPIRIT OF ORGANIC FARMERS (turns to EDWARD)
We need to remember the farming and nutritional lessons from the past. Let me introduce
one of my friends, Rachel (turns to RACHEL CARSON).
RACHEL CARSON
Hello Edward, I'm the ghost of Rachel Carson. I was a marine biologist and author, whose
writings advanced the global environmental movement in the 1950s. I emphasized in my
book, (displays book) Silent Spring, that uncontrolled and unexamined pesticide use was
harming, even killing, animals and birds, but also humans. The book's title warned of a
time when no bird songs could be heard, (she wipes a tear from her eye) because they had
vanished due to pesticides. At first my book was met with ridicule and then fierce denial
from chemical companies, but eventually, solid evidence led to a nationwide ban on DDT
and other dangerous pesticides, and inspired the creation of the Environmental Protection
Agency, EPA.
THE SPIRIT OF ORGANIC FARMERS
But new problems have arisen. Here's a story that sounds like a fable, but it's true, called
the Beetle and the Honeybee.
(While the below tale is told, we see BEETLES gobble up the leaves of crops, while
HONEYBEES pollinate the flowers of these crops, happily eating the nectar. The
BEETLES and HONEYBEES can be depicted as puppets, characters in costume, or
pictures attached to sticks. AFTER pesticides are sprayed onto the crops, the
BEETLES find them distasteful and leave, or die with dark comedic drama, while
the HONEYBEES become sick and disoriented, forgetting where their hives are and
die.)
Massive farm operations have seen it more efficient to plant single crops, which regrettably
encourages more insect pests. Instead of spraying these crops with dangerous chemicals as
they had in the past, they came up with what they thought was a wonderful new solution
called systemic pesticides, incorporated into the plant's genetic makeup. Mischievous pests
found these crops distasteful and left them alone (BEETLES pretend to spit out the plant
leaves)...But there was a surprise collateral damage, the Honeybees, whose job it was
pollinating these crops while feeding on nectar, (HONEYBEES act sick and confused in
their movements) began mysteriously disappearing across the nation. Beekeepers and
farmers at first didn't know what caused the problem. Now they understand that systemic
pesticides incorporated into the plant's nectar. If we lose our wonderful friends the bees,
whose going to pollinate our fruit and vegetable crops as well as our flowers and trees? In
spite of this major problem, industry has shown resistance to eliminating these genetically
modified crops . . . The moral of the story: Poisons don't distinguish between pests and
helpful creatures. And who knows what the eating of plants with pesticides built into their
genetics, is doing to humans?
30
RACHEL CARSON
Whereas, organic farming produces healthier foods, and by using variety and alternating
crops you get less pests in the first place. Certain crops actually encourage the presence of
beneficial insects that eat pests. That's a natural way to control them.
EDWARD
Then shouldn't we be moving towards more organic farming?
THE SPIRIT OF ORGANIC FARMERS (shakes his head in confusion)
You'd think so, but instead corporate agriculture is creating strange new plants and
animals, (CHARACTER holds up poster with a picture of a fish and peanut, or a pig and a
carrot, for instance) combining genetic materials from diverse species to create G.M.O.s,
Genetically Modified Organisms, which would never naturally occur. In the past plant and
animal hybrids were created by using similar species, but now Corporate agriculture is
playing god, haphazardly mixing and matching, tampering with the natural genetics of
species which evolved over millions of years, and hoping for the best. Those with allergies
don't even know what's in the food they're eating, because the labeling of GMOs is not
currently required. The human digestive system has never seen such bizarre creations,
which give benefits to the company, such as a tomato that looks delicious on the outside and
doesn't spoil as fast on the grocery shelf, but tends to be less flavorful and less healthy to
eat. And what's worse, these plant, animal, and fish genetic variations can compete with,
and irreversibly contaminate the genetics of the natural species. It's like Jurassic Park;
releasing a dangerous unpredictable Genie from a bottle, which you can't put back it in.
RACHEL CARSON
The pollen of these plants can drift to Organic farms, contaminating natural plant
varieties. Some companies have even had the nerve to create Terminator Seeds (holds up
poster of a frightening Monster Like Seed) which give only one season's harvest. The seeds
from these plants are sterile and lifeless, so farmers aren't able to gather them for the next
planting season, as has been done since time and memorial. They must instead buy them on
a yearly basis from the manufacturer. Business interests are rapidly patenting all plant
seeds and even human genetic material, so all life in its diversity can be owned and
controlled by them.
THE SPIRIT OF ORGANIC FARMERS
Many countries in Europe don't allow these Doctor Frankenstein plant and animal
creations, declaring themselves GMO FREE ZONES.
31
DEMETER
EDWARD, did you know the founders of America had strong opinions about farming?
(Turns to THE GHOST OF PRESIDENT JEFFERSON.)
Let me introduce you to President Thomas Jefferson.
THOMAS JEFFERSON
I'm a ghost now, Edward, but in my day, George Washington and I, believed our nation's
strength of character was linked to farming. We hoped a significant portion of our
citizenship would always remain actively involved. One of the benefits of promoting
smaller farms today, would be that it could be part of a jobs creation program, while
turning out healthier food. The Tree of Democracy and Mother Earth's trees must both be
vigilantly watched over and protected!
EDWARD
But can Organic farming produce enough food for everyone?
RACHEL CARSON
Current large industrial farming requires a great deal of petro-chemical fertilizers to
artificially support high crop yields, putting further pressure to drill for oil and all the
negative impacts that has. If instead, world food demand stabilized, and folks modified
their diets to have a little less meat, this would reduce the large amount of land going to
feed livestock, allowing this land to instead grow a greater quantity of grain. Then supply
and demand would balance out, with hunger eliminated globally.
THE SPIRIT OF ORGANIC FARMERS
That's a wonderful humanistic goal, Rachel.
RACHEL CARSON
Talking about improving diets, has anyone seen that fine documentary called ''King
Corn,'' produced by recent graduates from Stanford University? It gives a new prospective
when shopping at the grocery, revealing that much of our American farmlands go to corn
crops yielding high fructose syrup, whose nutritionally empty calories find their way into
many foods and beverages. (CHARACTERS hold up pictures of foods containing HIGH
FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP) This sweetener is very unhealthy, contributing to the
prevalence of obesity and diabetes throughout society.
32
THOMAS JEFFERSON
And can you imagine, this unwholesome crop is strongly subsidized by the Federal
government? Doesn't make sense! Today's politicians offer the noble concept of medical
care for everyone, but how can they accomplish this costly undertaking, if they don't
educate and encourage citizens to eat a healthier diet, avoiding refined processed foods,
and replacing them with natural whole foods . . . (raises a hand up for emphasis) There
should be a national policy to improve what's offered in your grocery stores and
restaurants. (his companions nod in approval, and applaud)
THE SPIRIT OF ORGANIC FARMERS
My friend here, (turns to THE GHOST OF HIPPOCRATES, wearing Toga perhaps?) the
Greek physician Hippocrates, spoke of this over two thousand years ago.
HIPPOCRATUS
I'm known as the Father of Western Medicine. You've probably heard of my Hippocratic
Oath, that health professions swear to, promising to give the most ethical care to their
patients. In my day, it was believed diseases were a punishment inflicted by the gods. I
argued against such superstitions, saying instead, illness was often the result of diet and life
style, and strongly advocated that you Let Healthy Food Be Your Best Medicine!
I've been reading your recent medicals journals; I see so much attention given to the
treatment of disease, and not enough towards prevention.
And though it's not exactly clear how feeling good about your life helps your heart, studies
reveal that happy people produce fewer stress-related hormones, resulting in stronger
immune systems and living longer.
RACHEL
Yes, life should be a celebration. I for one love this home-made apple pie, made with
minimal sugar.
THOMAS JEFFERSON
And this barbecued hormone-free, free-range chicken is delicious; brings back memories of
my farm in Virginia during the 1700s. By the way, Hippocrates, I truly appreciate how
your Oath requires health professionals to give ethical care, and above all else to do no
harm. Considering how rapidly the world is changing, perhaps the time has come for
scientists to also pledge to an ethical code, encouraging honesty, and integrity, ensuring the
minimization of adverse effects their work might have on people, animals, and the rest of
the nature!
33
RACHEL CARSON
A great idea if they agree to cooperate. What do you think about this matter, Dr. Freud?
DR. SIGMUND FREUD
As a psychologist from the past, I'm amazed to see how many people today are detaching
from the natural world. Constantly plugged into their devices: iPhones, iPads,
Blackberries, Blueberries (smiles), lap tops, cell phones, texts and twitters, which gives me
the jitters (shakes his head in bemusement).
(Spotlight a FAMILY strolling, both parents are reading text phone messages as one
pushes a baby carriage. Their baby (a doll) also watches a show on a mobile device.
Their dog wears headphones, listening to iPod music.)
Look at them, ignoring each other and the world around them, their hormone levels rising
joyously when receiving another voice or text message or when bombarded by clever
advertising.
DEMETER
Sounds like the surreal world of the movie, The Matrix, has arrived!
EDWARD (shakes his head in the negative)
But on a positive note, the internet has given us access to enormous stores of valuable
information, delivered at amazing speed, a tool to meet people's needs. But it is strange,
why millions of people are playing computer games, such as FarmVille, pretending to grow
crops.
DR. SIGMUND FREUD
Those playful fantasies are alright (shrugs). But mental well-being is enhanced by getting
closer to real nature and people, perhaps by joining a community garden group?
THE SPIRIT OF ORGANIC FARMERS
Good idea, Doc...(looks to Edward) I'd like to introduce you to another friend, who was
known a philosopher, artist, engineer, inventor and political activist, and an expert on
wildlife. His unique approach to living closer with nature was simplicity.
HENRY DAVID THOREAU
Hello, Edward, I'm the ghost of Henry David Thoreau. During the first half of the 1800's I
lived in a cabin deep in the woods; not as a recluse, but instead to develop a deep-rooted
individualism, which I could not achieve burdened by the constant demands of the modern
34
world. (Speaks with passion) I lived deliberately, with only the most essential necessities,
sucking out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan-like, as to eliminate all
that was not life, and reduce it to its lowest terms, and, if it proved to be mean, why then to
get the whole and genuine meanness of it, and publish its meanness to the world; or if it
were sublime, to know it by experience, and be able to give a true account of it.
RACHEL CARSON
Powerful and poetic words, but to improve things don't you need to work with through
political system. What do you think Judge?
SUPREME COURT JUDGE OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES
Hello Edward, I'm the ghost of Oliver Wendell Holmes. I was once a Supreme Court
Judge. At that time, a major goal of government was to prevent the creation of business
monopolies, fearing they'd gain too much power and wouldn't be answerable to the public.
Most companies today have worthy goals, but some place corporate profits over people's
well being! I was surprised when a later Supreme Court granted all the rights and
protections guaranteed to humans, be given to Corporations as well. In so doing,
Corporations became much more protected and less answerable for their actions, while
being able to leverage their vast resources to win legal battles when confronting
individuals. It just isn't an even playing field!
HENRY DAVID THOREAU
Edward, are you aware of any current example of corporate bullying of the public interest?
EDWARD (nods affirmatively)
Yes, the citizens of California put forth a proposition requiring the labeling of GMO
ingredients in their foods. Not too controversial you'd think, however, certain multi-
national corporations spent forty-five million dollars in a misinformation campaign,
deceiving Californians into voting against their own right to make an informed choice
when shopping for groceries. These corporate interests falsely claimed there would be
major increases in food costs and more government oversight, whereas, in Europe, where
such labeling is required, there have been no such impacts.
SUPREME COURT JUDGE OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES
The defeat of that proposition was an abuse of power and a corruption of our Democratic
system, subverting the will of the people.
35
HENRY DAVID THOREAU
There should be limits on how much corporations can spend going against popular public
referendums and on political contributions. Often corporate goals are directed towards
short term profits versus long term sustainability.
SUPREME COURT JUDGE OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES
(Looks towards DR. FREUD.) Dr. Freud, what do you think is the root of this behavior?
DR. SIGMUND FREUD (looks at notations in his writing pad)
Corporations can get so large that they behave as non-living entities, disconnecting them
from the humanistic priorities of protecting Mother Earth and her children.
RACHEL CARSON
Can psychological therapy work when the patient is a huge business enterprise?
DR. SIGMUND FREUD
We must try to avoid the us, versus them, confrontational approach, which often leads to
defensiveness. And instead, engage the executives of corporations and the board of
directors in a personal way, convincing them to take a leadership role in shaping their
companies' values towards healing the planet . . . It may well take a spiritual awakening to
accomplish this goal. (Looks to SPIRITUAL VISITOR, who wears a turban and looks like
a guru).
SPIRITUAL VISITOR (with a Swami like voice)
In antiquity, we prayed to nature. Over time, worship redirected towards emperors and
kings, as well as saints and prophets. This perhaps, had the unintended effect of placing
humanity above Mother Earth. Moving us away from natural cycles of life and our
interdependence.
36
THE SPIRIT OF ORGANIC FARMERS
Dear friends, you all offer interesting insights worthy of further discussion, however, this
gathering is coming to a close; I have my spring harvest to attend to. (Looks at audience)
Please remember to support your local growers by shopping at farmers' markets.
(Turns to Edward) You've now met the spirits of the Earth and the some of the great minds
of the Past. But to understand where future education is going, you'll be guided by two
playful, magical characters, who if it wasn't for their efforts, a great deal of farmland
would already have been turned into landfills. (Stage darkens, stage is cleared and All
CHARACTERS exit, except for DEMETER and EDWARD.)
Possible intermission
NEW SCENE
(Lights return. Spotlight on REUSE IT AGAIN SAM and EVER CHANGING,
REARRANGING RITA, who are covered with recyclables. Have fun using
household throw-away items and fashioning them into a decorative wardrobe.
They might look a bit like the Tin Man and Tin Woman from the Wizard of Oz.
DEMETER and EDWARD listen as SAM and RITA speak to the audience.)
SAM
Hello, I'm Reuse It Again Sam, but you can call me Sam, for short.
RITA
My name is Ever Changing, Rearranging Rita, or just, Rita.
SAM
Folks, this is a rare excursion for us. We don't get away much from the day-in, day-out
routine at the Recycling plant, being made into one thing or another, and then back again.
(makes a circular motion with his hand)
RITA (smiles at Sam)
Yes, it's about time you took me out on the town!
SAM (looks to the audience)
How do you like our outfits? (Struts around the stage showing off his apparel) The latest
fashion from the dump. And they're recyclable or biodegradable. This jacket is filled with
shredded plastic from water bottles for insulation; keeps me warm and comfy.
37
RITA
See these stylish sandals? (shows them off)
Their soles were once the treads of car tires. (points out other items) This writing pad I use
for my diary, is from recycled materials, as is this Frisbee. (tosses it to SAM)
SAM
Good throw Rita. (throws Frisbee back)
What confuses us, is how many items aren't recyclable, having Only One Short Life, and
then thrown away; like Styrofoam cups and plates, which take like forever to break down
and recycle into nature. Why is that?
(RITA and SAM look towards EDWARD and DEMETER for an answer. They hold
up their arms as if to say they don't know the reason either.)
RITA
Our Friends in Japan tell us they recycle 90%, compared to us currently recycling only
10%.
SAM
I'd guess it's because we're a much bigger country with more resources, which, we assume
will never run out.
RITA
But there are limits, even for us.
You'd think private companies and our government would encourage all items possible be
recyclable. That way, very little packaging on the store shelf should end up filling our
limited supply of landfills.
SAM
And, if other countries selling us items that aren't recyclable, were advised to redesign their
packaging to meet our requirements, there would be a positive influence beyond our own
nation's borders.
RITA
Now you’re thinking Big, Sammy Boy!
It's easy to overlook the true cost of things, by forgetting what happens to them when
they're used up or worn out. (Samples of the below described items can be presented)
38
This includes everything from the carpeting under our feet, to the asphalt shingles on our
rooftops. If at purchase, business and individual consumers paid their true cost, based on
what their future impact on the environment was when they're disposed of, this would get
them to choose better options in the first place!
SAM
Rita darling, you sound like an economist! How'd you get so sophisticated?
RITA
Been listening to conversations when folks turn their recyclables into cash at the Center.
SAM
Talking about getting an education, how about us seeing what kids are learning today,
regarding the environment?
RITA (playfully)
Sounds like fun, as long as there's no exams! Because if I failed, they'd make me take them
over and over and over again, sort of recycling me?
SAM
You're so silly!
RITA (giggles, then looks towards DEMETER and EDWARD.)
And you two are invited to come along.
(Stage darkens)
(When lights return, a GROUP OF STUDENTS are seated in a Classroom. You can
personalize by labeling with the name of your school or organization. SAM and
RITA take seats at the back of the class. EDWARD and DEMETER stand in the
corner and watch.)
(The following is written on the Blackboard:
SUBJECT: BIOLOGY, the Study of Life.
TODAY'S TOPIC: ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
39
TEACHER
Students, today we're going to cover an aspect of biology many of us would rather not
think about, pollution. Why do you think it is included in our curricula?
FIRST STUDENT (calls out using a wise guy or gal voice)
That's easy, it's because it isn't going be covered in Music or P.E. class.
TEACHER (smiles, instead of showing anger)
An insightful comment!
FIRST STUDENT (baffled, on hearing the compliment)
TEACHER
You're right, if we don't study this relevant subject here, it will most likely be ignored.
Let's brainstorm some of the affects pollution has on our lives. Feel free to call out answers.
VARIOUS STUDENTS
(TEACHER writes down student responses on the blackboard.)
It's linked to cancer.
Bad air quality can cause breathing problems.
Pollutants build up in animals, like tuna containing mercury, and then we eat them.
FIRST STUDENT
(has a bored expression while throwing paper airplanes out a window)
TEACHER (speaks to STUDENT with paper airplanes)
Your aircraft design is impressive, Charles Lindbergh Junior, but how about being so kind
as to pay attention?
FIRST STUDENT
I don't see why we have to know all this dumb, depressing stuff. What difference can we
make anyway?
40
TEACHER
You continue to amaze me with your perceptive remarks. During this discussion we will
answer that question. Your classmates have just listed some effects of pollution. Now, who
agrees with the saying, What you don't know can't hurt you?
(None of the STUDENTS raise their hand)
So you're saying pollution is something you might need to know about?
(Many STUDENTS nod their heads)
SECOND STUDENT (shouts out without raising hand)
We know it's important, but don't see how our knowing the details makes a difference?
TEACHER (looks around)
Is that how others in this class feel? (Many students raise their hands)
What additional reasons are there for people not being more involved?
STUDENTS (shout out answers)
People are too busy; it takes time to actively support an issue.
Folks often don't understand connection between the problem and its cause, or are afraid
to stand out. Others might think them strange.
And they could lose their jobs in local industries if they speak out.
TEACHER (looks around the classroom)
Those are certainly some of the main obstacles. BUT perhaps the answer requires everyone
sign on to do what they can to make a difference, even if it doesn't seem like much
individually...You've probably heard the saying, (speaks with passion) Knowledge is power!
Our goal in this class is to develop critical thinking skills to recognize healthy biological
systems, and, to pin-point the causes of problems, with the aim of finding solutions...And to
give it greater personal relevance, let's hear what some of you want as careers? Please raise
your hands.
THIRD STUDENT
I’m pretty handy. I see myself working for the city's maintenance crew.
TEACHER
Well suppose you became involved with the city's water purification system. Wouldn't you
want to know what minerals are naturally present, and what's not supposed to be in clean
water?
41
THIRD STUDENT
Of course, I'd research where the pollutants came from.
TEACHER (smiles)
Exactly...Who else has chosen a future career?
FOURTH STUDENT
I’d like to design cars, (he frowns) but aren't cars doing a lot of the polluting? So I'd be
part of the problem.
TEACHER
Does anyone have suggestions for this future auto engineer? You can call out your answers.
FIFTH STUDENT (speaks to his fellow student)
Design cars that get better mileage.
SIXTHTH STUDENT
And aim towards lower emissions than the current models.
SEVENTH STUDENT
Don't electric cars pollute much less? When they get cheap enough compared to the
gasoline kind, everyone will switch. (turns towards future car designer) Maybe you should
improve the styling and efficiency of electric cars? Then you'd be part of the solution.
TEACHER
Thank you all for sharing your fine ideas...Okay, let's hear one more career goal.
EIGHTH STUDENT (raises hand)
I'm going to become a cosmetologist and make the world a more beautiful place.
NINTH STUDENT (shouts out)
Make sure to start with yourself!
EIGHTH STUDENT (punches NINTH STUDENT in the arm)
You jerk!
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TEACHER (jokingly calms things down)
Please stop acting like teenagers. (smiles)
Alright now, (things have settled down) why might a cosmetologist need to understand
biology? I'll give you a clue: Have any of you been to a beauty salon recently?
(A COUPLE OF FEMALE STUDENTS raise their hands)
TEACHER
What was it like?
TENTH STUDENT
Lots of ladies getting their hair styled, colored, or receiving other beauty treatments.
TEACHER
How did it smell?
TENTH STUDENT (pinches nose)
It kinda stunk!
TEACHER
What do you think caused that?
TENTH STUDENT
Probably the chemicals they use for hair and nail treatments?
TEACHER (looks at future Cosmetologist)
So if you work in that environment, you'll be regularly exposed to certain chemicals.
EIGHTH STUDENT (future cosmetologist)
I never thought of that...
TEACHER
How might you improve your work space?
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EIGHTH STUDENT
I'd install better ventilation AND try to find more natural, safer materials to use.
TEACHER
That certainly makes sense. (smiles) So far, we've discussed a sampling of the many careers
available to you, and how a knowledge of biology can prove essential. During our next class
meetings we'll broaden our vision to the greater community.
Your assignment for next week is twofold. Number one, you're to present several ways to
reduce your environmental footprint, in other words, your impact. For instance, when
brushing your teeth, consider using only a very small dab of toothpaste, the minimum that
does the job, because, after a brief minute or two of brushing, you send its chemical
components down the drain...What might be the benefit of that approach?
FIRST STUDENT
If done by millions of people, it adds up to a significant reduction in the purification needed
to clean and treat our water supply.
TEACHER (nods approvingly)
You'll make a fine city engineer...Any other suggestions on reducing our environmental
footprint? Consider such principles as the efficient use of resources, making things last
longer, and finding better alternatives. All these things by the way can also save you money.
NINTH STUDENT (calls out)
I've two ideas. We can extend the useful life of unwanted or outgrown clothing by donating
them. And by reusing stainless steel water bottles we can avoid buying hundreds of plastic
ones.
TEACHER
Good thinking! It will be fun when we share more ideas at class next week. Now for Part
two of the assignment: Students, did you know there were health warnings against smoking
going back to the early 1900s? (Students look surprised). Why did it take until 1985 before
there was mandatory labeling on cigarette packaging, describing their dangerous effects?
Today, smoking has decreased somewhat in the U.S., but regrettably, increased throughout
much of Asia, India and South America . . .
And just like the hazard of smoking, major environmental problems can be ignored for
decades...We're going to analyze two environmental health disasters linked to schools. One
at a place called Love Canal in Niagara Falls, in upstate New York, where a school and a
working class community were built over a toxic dump. The other was on the West Coast,
in the posh community of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. There, an oil well was built adjacent
to a high school campus. Has any of you heard of these events?
44
(Students shake their heads in the negative)
TEACHER
Your to research the history of the Love Canal toxic waste dump, and also what took place
at Beverly Hills High School, caused by fumes from the nearby oil refinery and drilling
operation. Be prepared to discuss similarities and differences between these two events, and
share your opinions why it took so long for their negative impacts to become public issues.
(Looks around the class, speaks with passion)
Albert Einstein stated, We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used
when we created them...As young people, it's easy to assume those in positions of authority
are effectively overseeing the public good, however, technology with its positive and
negative effects can move so fast it is hard to keep up. I promise you, you'll be amazed at
what happened at these two sites, and hopefully be inspired to get more involved in
understanding and shaping the future world around you. Class dismissed.
(STUDENTS exit classroom. DEMETER AND EDWARD remain.
Spotlight SAM and RITA)
SAM
I don't know about you, Rita, but I learned a heck of a lot!
RITA
It's great seeing young minds focused on important issues.
SAM
Yes, answers are often expected from big government or large industries, but Gandhi was
right when he said, When the people lead, the leaders will follow.
RITA
You inspire me, Sam! Ever thought of running for political office?
SAM
Someday, but right now, I'm busy at the recycling facility.
Rita darling, since we're out on the town, how about dinner? There's a Green Restaurant
nearby. (gives an aside to the audience) That's a designation for restaurants that use as
many recycled items in their operation as possible and recycle all their bottles and cans.
They also avoid non-recyclable plastics and Styrofoam.
(turns to Rita) And the food's really good I hear!
45
(SAM gallantly takes RITA'S hand and they stroll off stage.)
(Cut to DEMETER and EDWARD)
DEMETER (speaks to EDWARD)
It's been a pleasure spending time with you, Edward, but I'll be leaving now. The future's
now in humanity's hands. So will you be part of the solution?
EDWARD (a loud voice)
What, you're going! I'm just an average person, do you truly believe I can make any real
difference? We need your help in solving these important issues! Why did you even show
up? (With remorse) Sorry for sounding angry. (he sighs) It's been nice getting to know you,
hope we meet again.
DEMETER (shakes her head in the negative)
Once I'm gone, you'll have only the vaguest memory of your journey, almost like a dream.
It's better that way. (snaps her fingers, the Stage darkens, she disappears)
(Spotlight on HOWARD. He is EDWARD'S boss)
HOWARD
Hi Ed, What's Up? Looks like you got rid of that trouble-maker in the tree. We also dealt
with some tree hugging protesters out front. What's wrong with these people? Don't they
understand progress?
EDWARD (bites his nails)
Howard, you've been a fine boss these past few years, but I've decided to quit. I'm ready
for something new. I have a computer degree I've never used, and plan to take some
telecommunication technology courses.
HOWARD
Are you sure about this?
(EDWARD nods affirmatively)
HOWARD
Well, I wish you all the best.
46
(EDWARD and HOWARD shake hands. EDWARD appears slightly lost and
confused as he exits the front gate of the construction site. There, he sees the protest group
leaving. A young lady, ALICIA, the same woman EDWARD had given a car pool ride to
earlier in the play and had shown interest in, is holding a Poster that says, "Save the
Trees!")
ALICIA (looks at EDWARD)
You and your company have won. That court order forces us to leave. Now you can cut
down all the trees you want!
EDWARD
I hate seeing trees cut down just as much as you do, even when there appears to be no
choice. Matter of fact, I just quit my job (he sadly shrugs).
But life moves on, (he extends his hand) I'm Edward, my friends call me Ed.
ALICIA
Pleasure to meet you Ed. My name's Alicia. (they shake hands)
EDWARD
I don't know where, but you look familiar?
ALICIA
That's funny, so do you...
EDWARD (shrugs and smiles)
Need a ride?
ALICIA (hesitates, then smiles)
Thanks, I'll let my friends know. (She waves and shouts to her friends in the distance) I've
gotten a ride back home, I'll talk to you later.
(EDWARD and ALICIA pretend to enter a car. They are soon in rush hour traffic
with lots of noise and honking.)
EDWARD
One nice thing about this traffic jam, we get extra time to get to know each other. Alicia,
you haven't mentioned what you do when you’re not saving forests?
47
ALICIA
I'm a psychologist for private companies. I specialize in the creation of more productive
and friendlier work environments for their employees.
EDWARD
Interesting...
ALICIA
It's challenging and rewarding. So what are your new career goals?
EDWARD (sighs)
Probably something to do with computers and telecommunications. But I don't know
exactly what?
ALICIA
Fascinating, that's a significant part of our economy. (she looks around) This traffic is sure
moving slowly. Hope we get home before we're ready to retire. (they laugh)
Really, this is ridiculous, look, most vehicles have only a driver with no passengers, all
struggling to go the same direction. You'd think there'd be a more efficient way to use these
vehicles?
EDWARD (looks baffled)
That's strange? I once had some ideas for solving that problem.
ALICIA (grasps her chin in thought)
It would be a fun mental exercise to hear your ideas, and together brainstorm possible
solutions? How about we exit the highway for dinner, while rush hour traffic thins out?
EDWARD
It would be my pleasure. (pretends to exit at the next intersection. He courteously opens car
door for ALICIA. They stroll off.)
(Stage darkens)
48
(Final Scene- DEMETER is once again up in tree, but now in the Central American
country of Costa Rica. She might wear something colorful from Latin America. You
can chose another country if you wish, utilizing a few words of their language.
LUMBERJACKS signal with their hands and shout in Spanish for DEMETER to
come down. She smiles, but refuses. English Translation Signs are shown to the
audience.)
CENTRAL AMERICAN LUMBERJACKS
(one shouts, others use hand signals)
Bajen Por favor! (English Translation: Please, Come down!)
(DEMETER refuses. The WORKERS' SUPERVISER, GERALDO, arrives.)
GERALDO (shouts to DEMETER)
Qué pasa? Por que estas tan arriba en ese árbol?
(English Translation: What's Up? Why are you up in that tree?)
DEMETER
Para tener una vista mejor de los bosques hermosos de Costa Rica.
(English Translation: To get a better view of Costa Rica's beautiful forests.)
GERALDO
Si es muy hermoso pero necesitas bajarte. Ese árbol en donde estas sentada lo van a cortar
como parte de un proyecto de construcción de carretera.
(English Translation: Yes, they are beautiful, but you need to come down. That tree
you're sitting in is going to be cut down as part of a construction project.)
DEMETER
Tienes algo contra arboles, Geraldo? Son muchos los que han cortado por acá.
(English Translation: Do you have something against trees, Geraldo? So many have
already been cut down!)
GERALDO (confused)
Cómo pudiste subirte allí arriba? Y como sabes mi nombre?
(English Translation: How did you manage to climb up there? And how do you
know my name?)
Curtain Closes
49
Curtain reopens
THE ENTIRE CAST comes on stage in costume, some holding posters.
DEMETER, EDWARD, and ALICIA are front center. After applause, ALICIA
encourages the Audience to sing along with the CAST.
ALICIA
Here's a song most of you know. Let's sing a stanza of it together.
This land is my land, this land is your land,
From California, to the New York Islands,
From the Gulf Stream Waters, to the Redwood Forests,
This land was meant for You and Me!
(Pause)
50
ALICIA
Now We'll sing you a new version of that song.
(The ENTIRE CAST sings)
Mother Earth is my planet, Mother Earth is your planet,
From the depths of the oceans, Up into the atmosphere,
From Artic North Pole, to Antarctic South Pole,
This wondrous place, was meant for you and me,
All of the continents, and the islands,
Covered with mountains, deserts and forests,
And in the skies, the clouds pass by,
And there, the birds do fly,
And on the land, the animals roam,
and there are fish, beneath the ocean's foam,
With all these creatures, we must co-exist,
This World, was meant for all of us!
And the people, we are all brothers,
and sisters, to one another,
From many countries, and many cultures,
As human beings, we share hopes and dreams...
This Earth, was meant for all of us!
The trees and plants, they shelter and feed,
They also clean, the air we breathe,
Mother Earth must survive, If We Are To S t a y A l i v e,
We must protect this beautiful place,
For future generations to embrace!
The End and a New Beginning . . .
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Dedication
The Chemical Engineer, Thomas W. Zosel, spent 31 years overseeing much of the
manufacturing of 3 M Company. His obituary was striking, describing him as a
manufacturing pioneer. His approach was to consider from the very inception of new
consumer product design, how to best achieve its manufacture with the least amount of
unwanted byproducts. Due to his efforts, millions of tons of waste material which might
have been dumped into our environment, were never created in the first place. This play is
dedicated to his memory, as well as the many teachers and scientists engaged in protecting
our environment.
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SUGGESTIONS FOR TEACHERS
CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
The below topics are offered for discussion and/or debate, with students researching and
taking opposing sides on issues.
1-Global Warming, its causes and prevention.
2-Discuss the potential benefits versus the dangers of Bio-engineering of our crops.
Does it negatively influence the animals and insects that eat or pollinate these new
variations. Are we moving too fast? Are allergies increasing as a result of unusual gene
combinations, for instance fish gene segments being inserted into corn genes, and the corn
consumer is allergic to fish and doesn't know what they're eating. Shouldn't genetically
modified crops be labeled so as to better track of their safety over time?
3-Discuss the importance of protecting the rainforests of South America, based on all the
unknown as of yet, medical cures and other uses that plants from that area might possess.
4-Discuss the implications and irony of society allowing the pollution of one natural
resource, underground water, to obtain other resources, such as oil and gas. Fracking uses
toxic liquids to produce natural gas, polluting underground drinking water.
5-Students research and discuss alternatives to fossil fuels. Wind power, solar energy, wave
energy, fuel cells and conservation.
6-Students read newspapers and magazines, and then summarize for the class current
events related to the protection of nature.
7-Desalination plants can cost hundreds of millions of dollars and disrupt the ocean
ecosystems where they are built. Discuss alternatives, such as decreased water
consumption. Have students present the latest methods.
53
8-Using the book, Diet for a Small Planet, as a reference, have a class discussion describing
the benefits of changing aspects of our diet, and in so doing have a global impact on the
environment. Use recipes from the book and serve a meal to illustrate the idea.
9-Discuss the topic of Permaculture. Permaculture aims to create self-sustaining systems,
meeting the needs of humanity while working with, rather than against nature. It includes
organic farming, agro-forestry, sustainable development, and applied ecology.
10-Have class research the Fluoride controversy. Should this chemical be added to the
general water supply as a public health measure, or instead be given as a daily supplement
to children from birth to age 8, to make their teeth more resistant to decay. Fluoride is
classified as a very toxic substance with no benefit for anyone other than those youngsters.
In adults it can accumulate over the years, weakening seniors' bones and possibly causing
other health issues. The fluoride used in fluoridation is an industrial waste product.
Shouldn't the general public vote on whether they want fluoridation of their water
systems? Could the public health service instead offer the free distribution of fluoride
supplements to young children, instead of the fluoridation of the general water supply?
11-Should there be controls on how foods and other consumer items are marketed? For
instance, certain cigarette manufacturers incorporated additional nicotine in their tobacco
leaves, which got smokers hooked faster. Or, by incorporating salt into certain coca cola
beverages (its flavor masked by the sugar), it actually increased thirst, rather than
diminishing it, leading to drinking more. Is the public being manipulated through the use
of technology to consume excess quantities of such products?
12-Have Students list ways they could save energy and other resources. Encourage them to
come up with novel ideas.
13-As a community outreach project, students research which items in their home are
recyclable and which are not. They visit a local recycling plant and ask why certain items
are not recyclable, and if that is going to change in the future?
14-Have class discuss whether the time is right for there to be a Hippocratic like oath for
scientists, promising they'll place a priority on protecting the public while doing research.
Below is a modern version of the Hippocratic Oath, which is currently taken
by those in the health professions.
'''I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, the following covenant:
54
I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and
gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.
I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures required, avoiding those twin traps of
overtreatment and therapeutic nihilism.
I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth,
sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon's knife or the chemist's drug.
I will not be ashamed to say "I know not", nor will I fail to call in my colleagues when the
skills of another are needed for a patient's recovery.
I will respect the privacy of my patients. Most especially must I tread with care matters of
life and death. If it is given to me to save a life, all thanks. But it may also be within my
power to take a life; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and
awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play at God.
I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, a cancerous growth, but a sick human
being, whose illness may affect the person's family and economic stability. My
responsibility includes these related problems, if I am to care adequately for the sick.
I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.
I will remember that I remain a member of society with special obligations to all my fellow
human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as the infirm.
If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered
with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my
calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help.'''
15- Encourage students to create a possible Oath that scientists would swear to.
16-Have students create ACRONYMs for a new environmental movement, such as
AWARE or CONCERN, using component words such as: worldwide, citizens, scientists,
health network, for instance.
Below is an example based on A M E R I C A:
A MULTI ETHIC RACIALLY INTERGRATED COMMUNITY ALLIANCE
*******************
STUDENT CREATIVE WRITING SUGGESTIONS
Consider the below topics or come up with others. Students will craft their own play scenes,
characters, and dialogue, presenting serious concepts in an audience engaging fashion.
They might present their skits to the class.
55
1- Students create a courtroom scene, putting on trial individuals who have damaged
Mother Nature. Have the spirit of a past famous Lawyer or Judge explain how holding
those responsible for damaging the environment would lead to the better treatment of
nature. The following quote was given in the year 2000 by Chairperson Diane Stern and
Executive Director Vawter "Buck" Parker of the organization called Earth Justice, the
legal branch of the Sierra Club.
''Our commitment is to expanding the use of law, the most powerful force we have for
preserving our environment and our planet. The power of the lawsuit for offenses against
the environment is a powerful tool to combat government oversights and corporate
wrongs."
2-Aesop, a Greek slave and storyteller, wrote educational fables over two thousand years
ago. Have students create modern day versions or variations of his tales that depict
environmental principles for today. Below are several possibilities:
- Sea animals and birds give their side of the Valdez Oil Spill Accident, explaining how off
shore oil drilling damages ocean wildlife. They express how a drunk ship's Captain messed
up, and you just can't trust humans with 100s of thousands of gallons of oil.
- Having animal characters discuss how hard it is to get away from people, with their noisy,
smoke producing cars, planes, lawn mowers, making it hard to hear the surrounding
sounds of birds and crickets. Link this idea to keeping roads out of certain public
parks/wilderness areas, so they remain relatively untouched by humans.
-Cover the topic of Outlawing driftnets, which capture creatures other than the intended
fish, such as cetaceans (sea mammals, e.g. whales and porpoises), as well as turtles.
Cetaceans and turtles are some of the oldest creatures on the planet. Have these creatures
give their unique history and life stories.
3-Impress the importance of Protecting Old Growth Forests, by having the spirits of the
forest describe all the interesting people and events they've seen over the past 100s or 1000s
of years. Spirits ask why don't humans respect their elders more?
4-Review the impacts that Military conflict has on the environment, a serious topic.
Perhaps present fire-breathing dragon characters damaging nature, and then present
peaceful coexistence solutions to avoid hurting people or nature.
5-Depict early Native Americans, and how they lived in close harmony to the land with
minimal impact on nature. Contrast their homes such as tepees, or mud and wood
structures and our own. Compare our clothes and their animal hides, compare the
advantages of horses versus of cars. Have a fun, creative debate between a spokesperson
for modern Americans versus Native Americans from the past.
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8-Have the spirit of an important animal activist, such as Jane Goodall, describe her efforts
when she was alive in trying to protect jungles in Africa and chimpanzees.
9-Create and describe a futuristic store where all items are made from recycled materials.
What might products look like or what services might they provide?
10-Write an essay on the topic of changing norms when it comes to lifestyles . . . Forty years
ago, the average home was twelve-hundred square feet, versus now being between two and
three thousand. Consider the higher costs of maintenance, painting, roofing, heating,
cooling, repairs, and with large lawns requiring fertilizing and watering.
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RECOMMENDED BOOK LIST
Teachers might have Students select from this list and present a book report to the
class...This selection offers creative approaches for protecting and appreciating nature,
including the philosophies of American Futurists from the 1800s, Native American
Wisdom, as well as modern day activists and visionaries.
1-State of the World, A Worldwatch Institute Report on the Progress Toward a
Sustainable Society, by Lester R. Brown and his team of researchers.
2-Ecotopia, by Ernest Callenbach, a modern day Utopian novel set in California.
3-Black Elk Speaks, being the life story of a Holy Man of the Oglala Sioux, by Johan G.
Neihardt.
4-Diet for a Small Planet, by Francis Moore Lappe, a cookbook geared towards promoting
more vegetarianism, describing the global benefits of changing the American Diet.
5-Imagine What America Could Be In The 21ST Century: Visions of a Better Future from
Leading American Thinkers, Edited by Marianne Williamson. One of these Futurists, John
Robbins, presents the clever idea of taxing only the polluters and those who produce
unhealthy foods, and not taxing the general public at all.
6-Looking Backward, by Edward Bellamy (1850-1898), an early Utopian novel.
7-Walden, by Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862), describes the lifestyle and philosophy of
one of our earliest environmental thinkers: Getting back to basics and more simplicity in
one's life.
8-Population Bomb, by Paul R. Ehrlich. As the name implies, it discusses the implications
of uncontrolled population growth.
9-Ishmael, by Daniel Quinn. A talking ape attempts to teach humankind the error of its
ways . . . '''A must read for anyone seriously interested in both intellectual and practical
arguments about the future an ecology,''' according to the editor of San Diego Earth Times
Magazine, Carolyn Chase.
10-Silent Spring,- by Rachel Carson (who is one of the characters in the play). Her book
describes the impacts of pesticides on nature.
58
11-Books by Johan Muir, founder of Sierra Club (1838-1914). Just as presented in the play,
he was an early activist who helped create our National Park System. His literary works
inspired others to better appreciate and protect the natural world.
12-The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss, gives an ecological message in a lighthearted surreal world.
13-Mid-Course Correction, by Ray Anderson, discusses the requirements of a sustainable
world.
14-Books by Wendell Berry, who was a naturalist.
15-God's Last Offer: Negotiating for a Sustainable Future, by Ed Ayres, which
identifies four dangerous mega phenomena that are altering life on earth and which may
destroy life as we know it: carbon gas emissions, the rate of biological extinction,
unsustainable consumption, & exploding human population, and how public indifference is
perpetuated.
16-Ecological Intelligence, by Daniel Goleman: discusses the importance of us knowing the
hidden impacts of what we buy and use, which will improve the world.
17-Believing Cassandra, by Alan AtKisson. An optimist's view of the world, offering ideas,
techniques and practices of sustainable living. An inspiration for those trying to make a
difference.
18-Sand County Almanac, by Aldo Leopold, written 1949. A classic statement of the joys
and beauty of Nature. Poetic style.
19- Achieving Eco-nomic Security on Spaceship Earth: Using Free-Market-Forces to Save
Our Life Support System, by Jim Bell. This book's emphasis is that if the items we
consumed were really priced to reflect their impact on our environment, in terms of
manufacture and later disposal, this would result in those safer consumer goods being
cheaper in cost, versus those options that have toxic byproducts from manufacture, or
don't recycle back into nature.
59
RECOMMENDED MAGAZINES AND WEB SITES
The below publications give successful, positive approaches to many of the social and
environmental challenges of today. They emphasis optimism and activism, while fully
aware of the seriousness of the issues involved.
UTNE Magazine- A guide for balanced living.
Yes! A Journal of Positive Futures Magazine- www.Yesmagazine.org
Hope Magazine- www.Hopemag.com
Sierra Magazine- www.sierraclub.org
San Diego EarthTimes- a fine website for local, national, and global environmental issues,
www.SDEarthTimes.com
TED TALKS- offers fascinating video presentations on significant issues, often given by
experts in various fields. One such presentation was by Johan Rockstrom, who
optimistically discussed how we should let the preservation of the environment guide our
development.
60
SEVERAL ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED IN PROTECTING NATURE
1-Sierra Club- since 1892, the Sierra Club has been protecting communities, wild places,
and the planet itself. It is one of the largest and most influential grassroots environmental
organizations in the United States. You can visit www.sierraclub.org
2-Earth Justice- the legal arm of the Sierra Club. [email protected]
3-Nature Conservancy- www.Nature.org
The Nature Conservancy is a U.S. charitable environmental organization. Since its
beginning in 1951, this organization has worked with communities and businesses in more
than 30 countries, including all 50 states of the United States, to purchase and protect more
than 134 million acres around the world from development, including Rainforests and
other special areas. It has over one million members world-wide.
4-Zero Population Growth (ZPG)- a non-profit environmental organization working to
educate people about the impact of overly rapid population growth. It has a Web radio
presence at www.Zero24-7.org.
5-Negative Population Growth (NPG), is a national organization founded in 1972 to
educate the American public and political leaders about the detrimental effects of
overpopulation on our environment, resources, and quality of life. www.NPG.org
6-National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is a non-profit organization which works
politically on a broad range of issues to safeguard the Earth; its people, its plants and
animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. [email protected]
7-Green Restaurant Association- this organization is dedicated to educating restaurant
owners to be more environmentally friendly in the way they run their businesses.
Restaurant owners can visit their website for a twelve step program to become more green
in their business operation. Consumers can locate the Green Restaurants in their area.
Consider educating your local restaurants to convert to Green, by suggesting they visit this
web site: [email protected] 617.737.4422
8-The Cornucopia Institute-engages in educational activities supporting the ecological
principles and economic wisdom underlying sustainable and organic agriculture. Through
research and investigations on agricultural issues, The Cornucopia Institute provides
information to consumers, family farmers, and the media.
P.O. Box 126, Cornucopia, Wisconsin 54827
[email protected] 608.625.2000
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Relevant Documentary Films
Genetic Roulette; the gamble of our lives. A powerful film, produced by Jeffrey Smith.
Describes some of the risks inherent in genetically modified foods.
King Corn, a Peabody Award winning documentary describes how certain government
subsidized corn crops are grown specifically to create high fructose corn syrup, a high caloric
but low nutritional value sweetener, which ends up in many of our foods, including sodas, and
is linked to health risks including obesity and diabetes. The film also shows how industrialized
farming has all but eliminated the family farm, along with its positive traditions and natural
connections to the earth.
Forks over Knives, presents ways of reversing and preventing disease through improving our
diet.
Home, is a powerful film produced by GoodPlanet.org a non-profit environmental
organization.
I AM, a playful, inspirational film by Director Tom Shadyac, who speaks with intellectual
and spiritual leaders about what's wrong with our world and how we can improve both it
and the way we live in it.
Dirt! an insightful and timely film that tells the story of the glorious and unappreciated
material beneath our feet. Inspired by William Bryant Logan’s acclaimed book Dirt: The
Ecstatic Skin of the Earth, Dirt! The Movie takes a humorous and substantial look into the
history and current state of the living organic matter that we come from and will later
return to. A Sundance Film Festival Award nominee.
The International Environmental Film Festival (FICMA) was founded in Barcelona, Spain,
in 1993 and has been held every year since without exception.
The FICMA up-holds and defends the idea that “the environment is a human right”, a
common good that has a great relevance and importance for our life and that of the planet.
Ecology, culture, economics, migrations, wars, the widespread felling of forests and social
issues, amongst many others, are the essence of why this festival was created and continues
to thrive until the present day. Visit their website to locate other environmentally oriented
film festivals around the World.
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Epilogue
While writing this play, I came across an impressive article related to technology and its effects
on humanity and nature. It was written by Sarah Ruth van Gelder, editor of Yes Magazine.
Her words are presented below:
"I come from a Quaker background and grew up somewhat skeptical about bold promises for
new technologies. On the other hand, I've been using computers, video, and radio production
equipment since I was a teenager. In my view there is no particular technological path that is
inevitable, and some paths are downright scary, and that we have both the right and the
responsibility to make thoughtful choices about the role of technology in our future.
This is very different view than the one held by many in our parents' generations who believed
technology could solve every problem, from the drudgery of housework to the pain of hunger.
This faith in the all-powerful future of technology, and in our own omnipotence as inventors of
these technologies was interrupted when we began to bump into limits. We found we could
''tame the mighty Mississippi," channeling it through concrete and earthen levies, and draining
adjacent lands for agriculture. Then we learned that we had undermined the watershed's natural
capacity to absorb high water, prevent catastrophic flooding, and recharge aquifers, conserve
soil, and provide habitat for wildlife...But the really dramatic wake-up call was the realization
that for the first time in human history, we could actually destroy all the life on the planet with
nuclear weapons. More recently came the realization that the petroleum that is fueling our
society is disrupting our planet's life-support capacities. Clearly our technical prowess has
outpaced our wisdom
Misgivings are growing among people from across the political spectrum about our society's
wholesale plunge into the manipulation of nature, our bodies, our communities, and even our
minds. Many now chose to eat organic foods, to limit their children's time in front of the TV,
video games, and computers. People from India to France to Brazil to San Diego are seeking to
halt the rapid spread of genetically engineered agriculture.
Despite the stereotyping of these people as ''neo-Luddites," those who question the mad rush into
technological utopia are neither ignorant nor backward. They are simply people who are
questioning some of the technological ''wonders'' of the past and want to go forward with a more
nuanced view. They recognize that anything that goes into the environment will one day wind up
in our own bodies or those of our children. They want to reflect on whether a new technology
will make life more joyous, work more creative, our families and communities more alive, and
our surroundings more beautiful.
These technological skeptics are suggesting we learn from the millions of years of accumulated
wisdom manifested by nature and the thousands of years of accumulated wisdom represented in
indigenous cultures. But they are also prepared to celebrate the best of what today's technological
prowess has to offer, whether that is a new bicycle, a high-speed Internet connection, a
clothesline, or a fuel cell.
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As our understanding of technology matures, we realize we have both the right and the
obligation as citizens to make informed choices about the research, development, and
dissemination of technologies. Democracy encourages access to the best scientific research, and
is the best way to make these complex and critically important choices...versus the old school
"the bottom line" (the drive for profits). If we are to leave a sustainable planet for our children,
we must bring a far broader range of understanding and concern to making decisions about
technology...''
********************
The below pamphlet was printed and distributed by a health food oriented organization. It
has many interesting facts related to GMOs, (genetically modified organisms).
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The below Reuters News Service article presents the view of the United Nations panel on Biodiversity spokesperson, Zakri Abdul Hamid, on the negative impacts of GMOs, which destroy nature's species diversity, jeopardizing our World's future food supply.
***************
Decline in biodiversity of farmed plants, animals gathering pace: By Environment Correspondent Alister Doyle
OSLO | Monday May 27, 2013 8:27am EDT
May 27 (Reuters) - A decline in the diversity of farmed plants and livestock breeds is gathering
pace, threatening future food supplies for the world's growing population, the head of a new
United Nations panel on biodiversity said on Monday.
Preserving neglected animal breeds and plants was necessary as they could have genes resistant
to future diseases or to shifts in the climate to warmer temperatures, more droughts or
downpours, Zakri Abdul Hamid said.
"The loss of biodiversity is happening faster and everywhere, even among farm animals," Zakri
told a conference of 450 experts in Trondheim, central Norway, in his first speech as founding
chair of the U.N. biodiversity panel.
Many traditional breeds of cows, sheep or goats have fallen out of favour, often because they
yield less meat or milk than new breeds. Globalisation also means that people's food preferences
narrow down to fewer plants.
Zakri said there were 30,000 edible plants but that just 30 crops accounted for 95 percent of the
energy in human food that is dominated by rice, wheat, maize, millet and sorghum.
He said it was "more important than ever to have a large genetic pool to enable organisms to
withstand and adapt to new conditions." That would help to ensure food for a global population
set to reach 9 billion by 2050 from 7 billion now.
Zakri noted that the U.N.'s Food and Agriculture Organization estimated last year that 22 percent
of the world's livestock breeds were at risk of extinction. That means there are fewer than 1,000
animals in each breed.
The extinctions of some domesticated animals and plants was happening in tandem with
accelerating losses of wild species caused by factors such as deforestation, expansion of cities,
pollution and climate change, he said.
Irene Hoffmann, chief of the Food and Agriculture Organization's animal genetic resources
branch, told Reuters that eight percent of livestock breeds had already become extinct.
Many nations had started breeding programmes for rare livestock, from llamas to pigs. Some
were freezing embryos or even stem cells that might be used in cloning, she said.
In 2010, governments set goals including halting extinction of known threatened species by 2020
and expanding the area set aside in parks or protected areas for wildlife to 17 percent of the
Earth's land surface from about 13 percent now. (Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky)
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AUTHOR'S FINAL COMMENTS
Our society's goal is to create the responsible global citizens of the 21st century, who make choices guided by respect for oneself and others. As a past health professional and
science teacher, I believe we should embrace sustainability, using technology to create new jobs
directed towards a safer environment, such as those linked to hybrid and totally electric cars,
retrofitting and enhancing public infrastructure, and providing subsidies for greening and
solarizing of homes. Below are some issues I believe need to be faced:
Is the academic spirit of inquiry is being stifled?
You'd think universities teaching farming practices would question the assault by GMO crops
against organic farming and native seeds. The problem is, higher education is often funded by
huge GMO companies, who exert their influence to pressure or punish professors, nutritionists
and doctors who challenge them. These companies fund biogenetic research, and any criticism is
dealt with by those professors being admonished or fired. This commercialization of our learning
institutes is gagging scientific research . . . PBS interviewed a biologist/author who stated
corporate agriculture has the following approach: If a species or part of nature can't be monetized
and patented, it isn't seen as being important. This biologist/author stated that science students in
high schools and colleges are losing their ability to recognize many species of life, due to a
decreased observation of actual nature, and instead spending more time on laboratory
experiments modifying current life forms so they can be patented...This corporate approach
shows little respect for the sacredness of nature, leading to less protection of the natural world.
Shouldn't government regulations state that donations to schools not have any such strings
attached? The above mentioned biologist/author said youth should have constitutional right to
have more access to the natural world.
Could limiting political contributions to government officials better protect our
democratic system and thus better meet the needs of the populace? An example of how money corrupts our representative system came in 2013, when forty-five
million dollars was spent by huge corporations to prevent California's citizens from being
informed whether the foods they purchased had GMO ingredients. The requirement that foods be
labeled was called Proposition 37. These corporations bought up the media and used a
misinformation campaign, deceiving 55% of the public into voting against their own right to be
informed when shopping. Claims were made that there would be a major increase in food costs
and more government bureaucracy, when in reality, GMO labeling already exists through much
of Europe, China and Japan, without those impacts. The defeat of Proposition 37 was an injustice
against Californians. Every state in the union should respond by bringing this issue forward and
working on a national basis to counter this repression of information.
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Can we do a better job of monitoring and making available to the general public
information on water and air quality and the prevalence of health issues in various
locations, similar to the role of the Federal Center for Disease Control? This information would be analyzed, searching for the possible health impacts of living in
different regions of the country, looking for commonalities, such as going to the same school,
growing up in the same town, working at the same type job. It might even survey such things as
whether individuals take supplements/vitamins to see their health effectiveness.
Yes, there will be challenges to gathering data. People move around a lot, so how do you connect
their health to any specific item, when so many things might influence us? However, by utilizing
the ease of internet interconnectivity, we can pool and collect health data, looking for trends,
empowering individuals to be feel part of improving the health system.
Are our health institutions taking enough of a Preventive Approach? It is said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, yet many of our medical
institutions are geared towards treating diseases and symptoms, while ignoring their causation.
America's desire to offer health care for all is a noble goal! To achieve this without bankrupting
the economy or decreasing quality of care due to excessive demand on the health delivery
system, is the challenge...I, as a retired Dentist, learned firsthand the major positive impact that
could be attained through a healthy diet and improved preventative oral hygiene. As a child, I
constantly had new dental decay at almost every check-up. At that time, I drank lots of soda and
enjoyed hard candies, and hadn't been properly educated in preventive oral hygiene techniques.
Once I largely eliminated those sugary foods and improved dental home care, I reduced my
future dental needs by over 90% over the past three decades. Similarly, by improving our diets,
limiting the use of tobacco and alcohol, and incorporating healthy exercise routines and stress
management into our lives, we could reduce our medical needs dramatically. With that as a goal,
our society could easily offer medical and dental health care insurance to all...On a related
theme, I plan to create a website linked to effective dental prevention techniques and related
dietary suggestions.
*****Just as this play was being completed, the below news article appeared in the San
Diego Union Tribune. It described some inspiring individuals who saw a major health issue
and devoted ten years to remedying it.****
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