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Solar Power: A New Cinematic Star

I know that I may be a little behind the times, but I just watched James Cameron’s blockbuster smash “Avatar” with my kids on the “small” screen, and was surprised to see just how many “Going Green” messages there were in this futuristic movie.71.jpg

You may remember that the only application for solar energy used to be on the Space Station–or the Mars Rover. The technology hasn’t changed much in 25 years, but what has changed is the cost of photovoltaic, which now allows homeowners and business owners throughout the world to use solar energy on Earth. You don’t have to have a futuristic home to place solar panels on your roof. Any view of the future requires the adoption of solar or other renewable energy.

Now back to the message of “Avatar,” which portrays mankind’s obsession with pursuing a valuable resource, regardless of the consequences.  I think that the writers seemed to pick up on America’s oil obsession and the idea that we need to respect our planet and its limited resources today. 

The Na’vi people of Pandora are idealized because of the connection they have with their planet and the reverence they demonstrate for its resources.  Unlike the inhabitants of Earth, the Na’vi people demonstrate the significant role nature plays in their well-being.  They are also able to recognize that if they do not protect their planet and its resources they will no longer have a place to call home. Sound familiar?

While Cameron was using “Avatar” to preach about the importance of protecting our environment, he may have forgotten to practice what he was preaching.  The technology used to make the first film consumed a lot of non-renewable energy, but now Cameron wants to mend his ways. 

Cameron will be demonstrating a greater respect for the planet and its resources while filming the sequels to “Avatar.” He has teamed up with Stellar Energy to build a 960 kW solar array at his studio to power the production of the anticipated Avatar sequels. 

It is Cameron’s hope that the system will allow for solar energy to completely power production of both Avatar sequels. Cameron’s green example may shame other directors and production companies to follow in Cameron’s footsteps. 

This is just the first step Cameron is taking in order to create a greener Hollywood.  The director is also concerned about the environmental impact DVD discs and their packaging have. With ever-rising ticket prices comes an even greater cost to our environment and the resources we rely on.  Just as the Na’vi  in his film, Cameron is trying to preserve the precious resources resources we’ve been given–and to provide a more guilt-free cinematic experience.