Earth on Earth Day

The new Disney movie, "Earth," opened today. I picked up GrayBear a little early from school and we hit the matinee.


"Earth" does a wonderful job of hitting a number of geological spots around the world. Footage was shot in over 200 locations in almost 70 countries including the frozen tundra of Antarctica, the dry Sahara dessert, and of course the ocean. It's very informative, too, but not in a boring way. (I didn't feel like a child begrudgingly watching Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom in the early 70s). While there isn't necessarily a plot, per se, we follow a few animal families on their own journeys of survival and see glimpses of other species along the way.

It is an intimate story that explores the natural cycle of life and death and how the changing environment is affecting that cycle.

My favorite part was, of course, the cinematography. They went to great measures to get the incredible footage that was required to make this something more than a science film. You learn a little bit about some of these extreme measures during the credits - only one of which was via a small hot air balloon two-seater.

The footage is absolutely breathtaking and the music score feels relevant and appropriate. As a reporter from the Chicago-Tribune wrote, it is "beautiful enough to forgive Disney for Hannah Montana: The Movie." Love it!

A note for parents: though there is no raw footage of animals being brutally ravished by their predators, death is definitely implied. My 6-year old felt sad and scared about some of those instances, so while it is G rated, it's still something to consider.

Happy Earth Day!

I am loving today. I am so proud of our country for making our planet a top priority. We've got a ways to go but with each passing year, I feel like we are making small steps. A sincere dialogue began a few years ago, but has finally gained enough momentum to affect change. As we enter into a new era for our country and the world, I'm proud to celebrate Earth Day 2009.

In honor of this occasion, I have decided to highlight a only a small few of my environmentally favorite finds.

The GrayBear and I try to read almost every night before bed. One of our favorite (and rather oversized) books is 365 Penguins. This hilarious story by Jean-Luc Fromental reminds us to be friendly to Mother Earth in a most creative fashion. The illustrations by Joëlle Jolivet are top-notch as well (all of you design buffs will recognize the modern color palette and mid-century design elements).

Another Earth Day shoutout has to do with a new shoe line to hit the market. Swedish Hasbeens bring the clog back in a most stylish and irreverent fashion. All materials are handcrafted using earth-friendly products: high grain leather (no chrome), Swedish alder wood and lime tree, and natural rubber. This means that the shoes, themselves, are sustainable and with proper care, are said to last forever (you can pass them onto your kids).


(I'm a devoted fan and retailer of Odd Molly, another Swedish line, so Swedish Hasbeens was a natural fit for my store, Galeana. Stylish and environmentally-friendly, these will be available at Galeana in May.)

Another favorite are drinking glasses made from recycled soda and water bottles. Sid St. Onge, a local San Antonio musician and artist, creates handmade glasses from the pretty vessels. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but my favorites are of the Topo Chico variety.


(Topo Chico is an imported sparkling water from Mexico. It's got some powerful carbonation so it's especially yummy. For a delightful summer treat, make your own simple syrup, add a cold Topo Chico, squeeze a lime and enjoy.)