Celebrate Earth Day through music and movies

In honor of Earth Day, there are a few ways to celebrate the planet we all call home through music, TVand movies. 

This list will compile some of my favorite pieces of media that appreciate our planet.

Kicking off the list is a movie and soundtrack close to heart, the “Curious George” movie. The movie follows a man named Ted who travels to Africa to find a historic idol. On his trip, he encounters an energetic monkey named George. 

The two of them go on a fantastic adventure through Africa and finally back home to the city. While this movie does have plenty of nostalgia, the soundtrack remains one of the best albums filled with pure good vibes. 

This was one of the first albums I remember listening to on repeat, and for good reason. Jack Johnson’s mellow vocals and relaxing guitar instantly put the listener at peace. Listening to this album personally makes me want to lay outside in the grass, surrounded by friends and family. 

One track on the album, “The 3 R’s,” appreciates the Earth more than other song, featuring lyrics taking the listener through the importance and basics of recycling. As a child, this was my favorite song and I always thought of it when I recycled anything. 

Up next is one of the most interesting movies of my younger years, 2012’s “The Lorax.” Based on the iconic Dr. Suess’ book, “The Lorax” follows the story of the rise of the Once-ler and his business making “thneeds” from the native species Truffula Trees. 

The movie also simultaneously follows a love story between Ted, played by Zac Efron and Audrey played by Taylor Swift, who in their artificial city of Thneedville challenge the rules and promote a more Earth-conscious society. This movie has fantastic animation and voice acting from a star-studded cast, including Ed Helms and Danny DeVito. 

Everytime I watch “The Lorax” I am reminded that nothing is for granted and that we all play a role in the preservation and protection of the Earth. Also, the soundtrack is surprisingly catchy. 

One song in particular from the 1970s that always puts me in a good mood, but also makes me want to appreciate the Earth more is “Ventura Highway” by America. This classic folk rock tune transports the listener to a place free of care, with the summer breeze blowing through their hair. Everytime I listen, I am reminded of a perfect summer day at the beach, appreciating the natural beauty of the waves crashing against the sand. 

One of the more obscure movies on this list is “The Alpinist,” a documentary following the life of climber Marc-André Leclerc. The documentary is incredibly well shot, with dramatic landscapes and incredibly touching and motivational interviews of Leclerc, other climbers, friends and family. The natural peaks that Leclerc climbs throughout this film are awe-inspiring, and made me realize how many natural wonders there are in our world. 

There is plenty of media to share appreciation of the Earth, so enjoy it and make sure to take a moment to appreciate the it this Earth Day.