Interdependence

             

                
                 "Crossroads", a documentary, expository type film presents the viewer with many different views and commentaries on our environmental and social worlds current crises. The films main theme is that of the "interdependence" of our worlds problems. We are shown the many different social, psychological, and environmental problems we face today, and how one cannot exist without the other. There is no source or one main thing to blame for our current state or crisis. This film manages to incorporate almost all realms of study. However, with this in mind, the film gives such a broad view of our problems and predicaments that it leaves the viewer feeling a little lost. While covering so many topics, it leaves out the most important one. What can we do? The message of this film is positive and remains true. But, in order to move forward we must educate and create involvement with communities and our environment. As well as create a change in our governments policies. The understanding of the relation of all these factors is a key to success in environmental health. 

I believe that we can better our planet through education of our youth as well as with programs that engage people with the environment. Programs that can engage people who are trapped in inner cities and bring them to the outdoors have proven effective in making people more conscious and interested in environmental health. People are more likely to care for their planet if they are able to access the outdoors. We also need inspired people and communities who wish to better the planet with small steps such as community gardens, recycling and composting. These little actions help not only the community directly, but also create bigger steps in the movement towards a greener future. Finally, in the United States alone, the military budget is at a staggeringly high rate. The United States government has a surplus of spending. If more than a fraction of this was put into research for greener alternatives to fossil fuels as well as land protection and conservation, we could experience  significant change. Understanding the interdependence of our problems can help us realize the interdependence in our solutions.