Do we need some more environmental super heroes? I was chatting with a friend a while back about this. Apart from Captain Planet and the Planeteers protecting Gaia from climatic disasters, most superheroes seem only concerned with crime fighting. Spiderman is a crime fighter, so is Batman. Superman has potential but he is predominately interested in social issues, although it is worth noting he is a strict vegetarian.
Taking the super out of super-heroes, we do have some inspiring heroes today that are campaigning and delivering interesting projects on the environmental edge of the sustainability agenda. One quirky chap goes by the name of No Impact Man (Colin Beavan), who made a documentary last year of the same name. When I saw this documentary I was not in the mood for another environmental film but as it went on I actually ended up finding it funny and inspiring. It follows Colin Beavan and his family as they try to completely eliminate their personal impacts on the environment.
As a natural progression, No Impact Man is opening up the doors of his personal project and asking others to take on a No Impact Challenge for a week. With a interest in life experiments and making resolutions, it seems fitting to sign up for the first week of 2011. Another good reason to do it this week is to join Yes! Magazine staff and readers who are also taking up the challenge.
From glancing over the No Impact Project guide, part of me thinks the challenge may not result in many changes to my normal week. Partly because I’m already a keen greenie and it seems aimed at those new to low-impact living. But let’s see how it goes, after all, I’m aware there is more I can do.
If you are doing the No Impact Project, do get in touch (email sam at brighterfutureuk dot net). It’s great to hear what other people are doing and we also would love contributions to this blog from all friends of Brighter Future.
Adios for now, Sam
