How Mr. Wells ' 4th Grade Class Got Universal Pictures to Listen to Them (1206 hits)
Universal Pictures: Let the Lorax Speak for the Trees!
Jan 26, 2012 The students of Ted Wells's fourth grade class love the classic Dr. Suess story, "The Lorax." When they saw the movie promotion from Universal Studios lacked enough of a environmental message, they launched the "Lorax Petition Project," a petition on Change.org that gained more than 50,000 signatures. Here is an update from Ted Wells on the campaign:
Universal Studios changed 'The Lorax' webpage almost exactly as my class requested! They even used the Truffala tree image for a button and linked the Green Tips Random House page, just like my students suggested in this petition.
An executive at Universal Studios told me this development was already in the works, and that we accelerated their plans. Not only that, they have some environmental partnerships coming out soon with Scholastic lessons, an AdCouncil USDA Forest Service "get outside" public service announcement, and two other projects with Whole Foods and Seventh Generation. With five weeks until the movie hits theaters, these programs should help millions green up their communities and live like the Lorax.
I couldn't be more proud of my 4th graders! They rallied 57,000 of you (including celebrities like Ed Norton and musicians like 30 Seconds to Mars and Solving for X!) who know the meaning of "Unless." The kids made posters, wrote a script in they style of Seuss, then shot a video! They've also been reaching out to everyone they know, lighting a fire under this cause, then graphing your signature count to track the progress of their project.
They learned many lessons along the way, most importantly, that they can make a difference.
This reminds me of the Margaret Mead quote, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
Or, a quote from Dr. Suess, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It's not."
Why This Is Important Adding environmental education to The Lorax movie website is important because this is the message of the book and it should be honored. Dr. Seuss wanted people to be inspired by The Lorax to help the environment. Currently, the movie website, trailer, and story summary have no mention of helping our planet! This is a missed opportunity. There are big problems in our natural world and we need more and more people helping out.
