Sustainability DVDs Available in Library's Media Center

11-Nov-2009

A wide variety of DVDs on many aspects of Sustainability are available in the library's Media Center (Ground Floor). Topics include agriculture, architecture, biofuels, cars, cities, communities, Cuba, economy, energy, farming, garbage, gardening, power, and transportation. Instructors interested in these items for face-to-face teaching may borrow audio-visual material for 3 days by scheduling ("booking") them through the Library Catalog. Check out this selection of titles available for your classes!

• The Garden (2009) The 14-acre community garden in South Central Los Angeles is the largest of its kind in the United States. Started as a form of healing after the devastating L.A. riots in 1992, the South Central Farmers have since created a miracle in one of the country's most blighted neighborhoods: growing their own food, feeding their families, and creating a community. But now, bulldozers are poised to level their oasis.
  DVD 004 143
• The Great Green Fuel Gamble? (2008) Explores the controversy over biofuel technology, raising questions about sustainability and environmental impact while evaluating potential solutions.
  DVD 003 697
• Building Green (2008) A pioneering and entertaining program with an eco-friendly twist. Its mission to inspire viewers to discover just how easy, cost-effective and healthy it can be to go green, and to dispel myths about environmentally-conscious lifestyles. Follow the step-by-step construction of a green dream home in Santa Barbara, with practical advice and expert guidance on a range of topics like straw bale construction, breathable paints, blue jean insulation and much more. The final result is a Zen modernist house that is not only earthquake safe and energy efficient, but an example of the art of the eco-possible.
  DVD 003 645
• Life After Oil: the New Energy Alternatives (2008) This program illustrates ways we can solve our dependence on fossil fuels through the use of alternative energy sources including wind power, fuel cells, hydrogen fuel, ethanol, biomass and solar power.
  DVD 003 706
• E 2 Transport (2008) A six-part series examines sustainable transportation alternatives with potentially far-reaching effects. Explores real solutions to pressing environmental and social challenges, presented with a combination of storytelling, cinematography and an original music score.
  DVD 003 646
• Gardens of Destiny (2008) Dan Jason is an organic gardener on Salt Spring Island off the Canadian west coast and the head of the Seed and Plant Sanctuary for Canada, a network of gardeners from around the world working to preserve plant diversity. This film explores Dan's garden and seed world and investigates, with several sustainable development specialists, such issues as genetic engineering, terminator seeds, and the pitfalls of industrial agriculture in North America. The film offers several solutions for citizens and governments in the U.S. and Canada, including supporting organic growers and starting your own organic garden.
  DVD 004 047
• The 11^th Hour (2008) Explores the indelible footprint that humans have left on this planet, and the catastrophic effects of environmental neglect and abuse, and calls for restorative action through a reshaping of human activity.
  DVD 003 081
• Revolution Green (2007) Documentary about the renewable energy called biodiesel and its importance to the world's economy.
  DVD 003 561
• Energy Crossroads: a Burning Need to Change Course (2007) Discusses current energy consumption patterns and their damaging effects on our environment, the global economy, and the geopolitical balance in the world today.
  DVD 003 544
• Corn (2007) Corn is the largest agricultural crop in the world. It has fed the masses from ancient times to this day. Corn is not only a vegetable and a cereal grain; it is a commodity as well. Visit Lakeside Foods in Reedsburg, Wisconsin and see how tons of corn are harvested and canned within hours. Then it's off to VeraSun Energy in Charles City, Iowa, to discover how corn is converted into fuel.
  DVD 002 852
• Los Angeles: Dream a Different City (2007) Jimmy Smits takes a look at Los Angeles' environmental heroes, determined political leaders and innovative programs aimed at improving the city's environmental sustainability.
  DVD 002 453
• Garbage Warrior (2007) Tells the story of maverick U.S. architect Michael Reynolds and his fight to introduce radically sustainable housing.
  DVD 003 113
• King Corn (2007) Raises questions about how we eat-- and how we farm.
  DVD 002 857
• The Future of Food (2007) Documents the trend of unlabeled genetically-modified foods which have become increasingly prevalent in grocery stores. Unravels the complex web of market and political forces that are changing the nature of what we eat. Explores organic and sustainable agriculture as alternatives to large-scale industrial agriculture.
  DVD 002 790
• Who Killed the Electric Car? (2006) Investigates the birth and death of the electric car, as well as the role of renewable energy and sustainable living in the future.
  DVD 001 693
• The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil (2006) When Cuba lost access to Soviet oil in the early 1900s, the country faced an immediate crisis -- feeding the population -- and an ongoing challenge: how to create a new low-energy society. Cuba transitioned from large, fossil-fuel intensive farming to small, less energy-intensive organic farm and urban gardens, and from a highly industrial society to a more sustainable one.
  DVD 003 542
• Trashed (2006) An investigation of one of the fastest growing industries in the United States: the garbage business. It examines the American waste stream fast approaching a half billion tons annually. Looks at landfills, e-waste, plastic waste, freegans, composting, producer responsibility, recycling, etc. Analyzes the causes and effects of the seemingly innocuous act of "taking out the garbage" while showcasing the individuals, activists, corporate and advocacy groups working to affect change and reform the current model.
  DVD 002 685
• Power Shift: Energy + Sustainability (2004) Examines how current energy use affects the earth and people around the world. Suggests ways to create a sustainable future by shifting from fossil fuels to alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and water power. Discusses action steps that individuals can take such as requesting renewable energy from utilities, driving hybrid cars, and buying energy-efficient appliances. Features commentary by architect William McDonough.
  DVD 002 624