Now, here's an idea: a public art project called, "Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet," has been launched in the city of Chicago. Inspired by Al Gore's movie, An Inconvenient Truth, its purpose is to get artists to use their art to "inspire individuals and organizations to take action against global warning." Artists from around the world were invited to transform plain, white spheres into sculpted globes that raise awareness about global warming. The resulting art exhibit consists of 100 large globes, 5 feet in diameter, which are on display along Chicago's lakefront, and an additional 200 mini-globes that are scattered around the city. Visitors are asked to commit to five lifestyle changes that will move them toward a more carbon neutral existence. They've got a list of 125 suggestions on their project website.
The timing of the exhibit coincides with Gore's Live Earth concert series, which is this Saturday, July 7th, and features musicians performing on all seven continents (including Antarctica) to focus attention on climate change.
Leading by example:
CoolGlobes is a carbon neutral project. To offset the carbon emitted from the energy needed to create and maintain the exhibit and related events, CoolGlobes has developed a diversified strategy that includes donated “green tags” (renewable energy certificates), investments to plant trees and foster environmentally friendly agricultural practices, and in-kind donations from alternative energy companies.
The project was underwritten by corporate and individual sponsors, including Exelon, Pepsi, Medline, Abbott, Toyota and Hyatt and features fundraising events, roundtable discussions with Chicago business leaders and a closing auction of the globes. Going green seems a natural for the Mendocino Coast, perhaps we can come up with our own version of a green art exhibit and get ourselves on NPR (which is where I came across the story).
Pictured Globes: Urban Greening, Artist: Kim C. Massey & Urban Forests, Artist: Kate Tully