"THE LORAX"
Sustainable Tourism
Angela Kaye L. Agang
HT311ITM
In the 2012 film "The Lorax," directed by Chris Wedge and loosely adapted from Dr. Seuss's iconic children's book, I was captivated by its enchanting characters and vibrant animation. The story begins in Thneed-Ville, a city where nature has been replaced by plastic, and it resonated with me for its powerful message on sustainable development. The film's young protagonist, Ted Wiggins, starts a journey to find a real tree, leading him to the Once-ler, who tells a heart-
wrenching tale of environmental destruction. "The Lorax" is not just a colorful and entertaining movie; it's a profound exploration of sustainability, touching on environmental, economic, and socio-cultural aspects.
"The Lorax" masterfully weaves a narrative that emphasizes the importance of sustainable development. Regarding environmental sustainability, the movie stresses the need to protect our natural surroundings. The Once-ler's harmful use of the Truffula forest causes serious harm to the environment and puts various animal species at risk. It reminds us how damaging the environment can lead to social and economic issues, showing the delicate balance between human actions and nature. Economic sustainability is a major theme in the film. The Once-ler's business model, driven by excessive greed, turns out to be unsustainable. He doesn't think about the future and uses up all the things he needs to make money, and this makes his business fall apart. As a result, many people lose their jobs. "The Lorax" teaches us the importance of adopting sustainable business practices that align with environmental conservation principles.
Socio-cultural sustainability is another critical aspect highlighted in the film. Expanding on our last face-to-face meeting, it's clear that when we look at things from a socio-cultural perspective, host communities often find themselves in a vulnerable position. They are typically the ones who are affected by various changes and influences, much like what we see in "The Lorax." In the movie, the Truffula forest represents something culturally and socially important.