Reinforce Green with Shows & Movies with Earth Friendly Themes (w. giveaway)

I am a firm believer in fresh air and outside time but if you have a television, chances are your child enjoys watching the tube so why not sneak in positive messages about treating our Earth right for our future eco-warriors by learning and watching together.

A great new kid-friendly eco-friendly DVD called He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands ($14.95) comes out today from Scholastic Storybook Treasures. Featuring a guide for parents and kids with tips on how to be green, the DVD begins with a rendition of the American spiritual, “He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands.” I like this DVD because of the way diversity and beauty of the world is represented through stories like Jane Yolen’s “Owl Moon” that is about a magical, night-time walk through the snowy woods in search of the Great Horned Ow “Come On, Rain!” an ode to a good, soaking, and the appreciative Thanksgiving address, “Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message.” With environmental issues top of mind, this DVD is perfect for a new generation of eco-conscious kids ages 5 and up. (To win a copy, see below!)

The blockbuster, Avatar, comes out on Blu-Ray and DVD ($19.99 from Amazon) today and is an action-adventure that demonstrates how human invasion almost destroys the balance of life on the planet of Pandora. While passionately rooting for the survival of Pandora, the movie carries a message that all living beings are connected and that those who seek to exploit nature rather than respect it will only destroy themselves. Taking that message of conservation and ecological harmony, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, Earth Day Network, along with various organizations worldwide, pledge to plant one million trees across the globe by the end of 2010. If you happen to buy Avatar on Blu-Ray or DVD, you will receive a unique access code that allows them to go online and actually adopt one of the million trees being planted, charting its location and progress.

The Discovery Channel’s Planet Green will air an entire night of the celebrated documentary series Planet Earth through a marathon that begins at 8pm EST tonight. Also on Planet Green, the third season of Wa$ted has begun and Annabelle Gurwitch continues to show that American homeowners can adopt healthier, environmentally-friendly lifestyles — and save money at the same time. Pick up some simple ideas on how to lead a more earth-conscious lifestyle in your own home Wednesdays at 8pm EST.

If you resolve to eat better by consuming less meat, eating seasonal produce, and supporting your local farmers through farmers’ markets and community supported agriculture, Food Inc. is a fabulous and eye-opening movie as to why you should. Also, after watching SuperSize Me while pregnant with Little Miss Techie, I resolved to never eat fast food again. You know why if you see it!

Here’s the trailer from Food Inc.

And what do you like to watch that contains Earth Day themes? Gathering your ideas via Facebook and Twitter, here’s what you said were your favorites:

• Wall-E (via @techmommi)
• The Lorax (thanks to colleagues at school)
• The Day After Tomorrow (from Natalie)
• Happy Feet (a friend writes “Not Earth Day, but definitely taking care of the planet)

GIVEAWAY: Win a copy of He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands courtesy of Scholastic Storybook Treasures by leaving a comment about how you will be celebrating Earth Day and one way you resolve to be more eco-friendly this year. For an extra entry, name a different movie than those listed above that contain Earth Day themes! Don’t forget your e-mail or Twitter handle!

Now run out to get supplies for tonight’s environmentally friendly screening party with your family and enjoy the rest of your Earth Day!

I received a copy of He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands and Avatar for review. No compensation was received for this post.