Q: Why did you decide to make a film about the environment?
A: I care deeply about the environment and for many years have wanted to do something connected to the environmental movement. I want to make a positive impact, beyond what I am doing in my own home. I realize that people are not purposefully acting in harmful ways – they simply didn’t know there is another way.

Q: What is your goal with this film?
A: It is my hope that people decide to take back their power – away from the manufacturers and distributors of products and services. In the 1970s, when there was the scare about chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) having a direct and adverse impact on the hole in the ozone layer, people refused to buy these spray deodorants due to their negative environmental repercussions. The companies, therefore, had no choice but to create a new product. This was the impact of many individuals doing something concretely – and the power of the dollar bill.

Q: What can we do to make changes?
A: There are so many small steps that we can take. For example, we can use canvas bags in all kinds of stores, thereby decreasing the excessive manufacture and use of plastic bags. We can also walk rather than drive to run an errand. We can install compact fluorescent light bulbs in our home and offices, instead of purchasing the incandescent variety. Compact fluorescents last much longer and use less energy. We can choose not to purchase items (of any kind) that have too much packaging – this sends a message to the manufacturers. Every small step matters. I want folks to know that our efforts are significant.

Q: How did you find the people/programs you featured?
A: Sometimes people create a documentary based on a specific individual’s struggle. This is more of an issue-oriented film that features individuals who are offering an alternative viewpoint to what mainstream audiences typically are exposed to. Finding people to be in the film means talking with everyone I know, getting leads and seeing what comes of it. It also means reading the papers and targeted magazines to see what people are doing all over the world in this realm and then figuring out who and what areas on which to focus. It’s really distilling what matters based on the goal of my film. Given the importance and amount of material, I could make a 10 or 20 part series. (but one is enough for now…)

Q: Do you have hope for the next generation?
A: Absolutely. I think the younger generation is already making strides that are helping change their lives and the lives of their immediate families. Teachers are providing mechanisms for students at the earliest ages and classes on the environment and the natural world continue through high school. Religious schools also offer connections between the Bible and being good stewards of the earth. College students are creating recycling and environmental practices at institutions of higher learning across North America. My hope is that environmentally sustainable practices become a seamless component integrated into their lives and into their very beings.