“The Lorax” is a much-loved children’s tale by Dr. Seuss. It is also considered something of an environmental primer, with its lesson about taking individual action in the face of environmental destruction.
In the story, the forest home of the Lorax is threatened by a bustling entrepreneur named the Once-ler. The Once-ler sets up a manufacturing business to turn the forest’s fluffy Truffula Trees into knitted garments called “Thneeds.” As his business rapidly expands it becomes more and more destructive, until the last Truffula Tree is felled. The region is left abandoned, in ruins.
On the book’s final pages, the Once-ler reveals that he has one remaining Truffula Tree seed, which he deposits into the hands of a small boy. Plant this seed, the book seems to say, and save the planet.
In my environmental politics course, we wondered, is planting a tree the height of our political creativity? Or are there other actions that should also be taken by those concerned with fostering ecological wellbeing? Here, in true Dr. Seuss fashion, is what my class came up with:
Quoth the Lorax:
If you care about my forest home,
Here are a few things you should know.
I’ll instruct you here on taking action
Let’s help this movement gain some traction.
Believe it or not, the earth could end
If we do not take action to be its friend.
So listen carefully and take this to heart
And our fear of the future soon will part.
If you don't want to give the Earth a slap
Then start to drink water out of the tap.
Ditch your car and ride a bike,
You'll get exercise and ozone problems won't spike.
Buy local, not from Safeway
The freshness you're sure to like better anyway.
In your energy switch to solar;
You'll save money and the bears of polar.
It's time to stop focusing on the local
So get out, speak up; it's time to be vocal!
Try to run for office, if you don't get elected
don't worry about it, nothing was affected.
but there's still pollution
so let's find a solution....
an anti-capitalist revolution!
Good thing we don't listen to Garrett Hardin
Let's plant a community garden;
growing lettuce, tomatoes, and raising awareness
while creating a world with inter-generational fairness
If the sun can power a flower,
It can help you too,
Put solar panels on your house,
Use the sun to power your mouse.
Running water costs a lot,
But I really need it for the tea pot,
So when I clean in the shower
In the depths of my tower,
I never dare leave the water running
For no matter what I will look stunning.
Invest in green,
Keep it clean
Get off the floors
And go outdoors!
Give up some stuff;
It might be tough,
But you don't need all of that fluff!
Do things together
With your neighbors Bob and Heather
Strengthen the nation:
Decrease the population.
Maybe the answer lies in grand sacrifice
Giving up everything would surely suffice
Meat costs a lot,
And leftovers rot,
Want to be an environmental king?
Then just don’t eat a thing!
Buildings are wasteful,
But the forest is tasteful,
Think of the energy you’ll save,
If you move to a cave!
Planes and cars put out nasty emissions,
So it’s better if you just make no transitions.
Your environmental footprint will shrink,
If you just stay where you are, and sit, and think.
They scream and they cry, they eat and they drink,
These kids are pushing the world to the brink!
Out of control is the world’s population,
To save the world, avoid procreation.
Don’t let these lines get you down,
The best thing you can do is spread the word around.
Just think of our planet when you make your choices,
We can do great things if we combine our voices.
Can I save planet Earth? I think I can!
We just need collective actions by woman and man
I think I'll plant an apple tree,
and then I'll eat my fruit for free.
Now that you know how to save the planet,
Share this with everyone you know, including your friend Janet.
(And your other friends too.)
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