Learning from Dr. Seuss: The Lorax helps students reflect on sustainability

The Lorax is a children’s book by Dr. Seuss that was published in 1971. The book tells the story of the Lorax who speaks for the trees and tries to stop the Once-ler from destroying the environment. By Frances Parrish
parrishf@mytjnow.com

In a world of waste and consumerism, it can be difficult for Winthrop students to practice sustainable behavior.  

In an event sponsored by the Council of Student Leaders, students gathered to share their opinions about environmental issues. The discussion was led by Chris Johnson, sustainability coordinator for Winthrop University, after watching the film The Lorax. 

The Lorax is a well-known story by Dr. Seuss that was later made into an animated film. In the story, the Lorax tries to save the Truffula trees from the Once-ler, who made Thneeds from the trees.  

The Once-ler harvests the trees too fast for them to be replenished.  His factory pollutes the environment and the Bar-ba-Loots, Swomee Swans and Humming Fish are forced to leave the area.  

Soon, the Once-ler depletes all his resources, and his factory is shut down.  The Lorax, who warned him to stop, flew away, and the Once-ler was left alone with his mess.  

This childhood story, however, is not just for kids. Many believe that the story contains very valuable lessons.  The movie addresses the possibility that humans could become like the animals that were driven away. It also deals with the threat of the environment becoming so devastated that there is no chance of recovering.  

So, how can people keep from becoming like the Once-ler and destroying their home? Sustainability is the answer.  Sustainability takes three things into consideration, people, the planet and the economy, according to Johnson. 

“Out of those three factors, decisions are made around one of them, traditionally. But in sustainability we address all three of them as one,” Johnson said.  

To start off the discussion, Johnson put some questions to Winthrop students and asked their opinions about the meaning of the movie.  He asked students to think about who in society is the Once-ler and who is the Lorax? 

Students also reflected on whether society is in the same position or if it is a possibility for the future.

Johnson reassured the students, that it doesn’t have to be gloom and doom at the end.  He said that there were companies that have responded to the environmental issues, in which they have changed their manufacturing process so they don’t make any waste.  

Johnson also traced a product, like an Xbox, from the raw materials to the finished product, and asked the students how that affects the environment.  “Everything you buy leaves a footprint…a trail,” Johnson concluded.  

After seeing this film, some students are planning to start doing things to help the environment.  Aleisha Davis, a sophomore biology major, said, “I will start using that recycle bin that is sitting in my dorm room filling up with trash.”  

The film reminded her of how bad the environment can get and how close we are to ending up like the Bar-ba-Loots.  

David Johnson, a sophomore social work major, said, “I will start recycling and picking up trash [around the campus].”  

“Save the environment” was the message that he received from the movie.  To him, the Once-ler represents the corporate businesses and the animals represent people from other countries when we, as Americans, come in and take their resources.  

While other students are just starting to help the environment, some students have already been helping.  Chelsea Gilbert, a sophomore Biology major is the co-president and Keiondria Grant, a sophomore English major, is the vice-president of the Student Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC). “Right now, we are trying to raise awareness about the environment…I think everyone should watch this film,” Gilbert said.

One of the main campus efforts to help the environment has been the on-campus recycling centers found in academic buildings and residence halls. 

According to Winthrop University facilities management, Winthrop has recycled an estimated 1021.856 tons since 1991, which is believed to have saved 17,371 trees and 61,311 pounds of solid air pollutants. 

For more information about Winthrop’s recycling efforts, visit http://www2.winthrop.edu/facilitymgmt/.