Using energy efficiently starts at home with simple actions like turning off the lights or computer when they're not being used. The challenge is getting people -- especially kids -- to flip that switch to "off."

I finally discovered, over the last couple of years developing a reforestation project in Brazil, where I was born, that deforestation and reforestation are both profitable.

The ostensible goal of Earth Hour is to raise awareness of what the consumptive attitude of humanity is doing to its only home. But it behooves us as a species to be aware of the earth every hour of every day.

The scale of the problem really does call for radical action. But what should we do? Give up driving automobiles altogether to reduce CO2 emissions? Stop fighting infant mortality to slow the relentless population growth that now crowds the planet with over seven billion humans?

My wife and I can hardly wait to take our children to see the new film adaptation of The Lorax -- not only for fun but because it explains so well what I do.

The Lorax has a simple message. We must care for our planet. If we don't, we could drive wildlife and plants to extinction.

For more than forty years, the Dr. Seuss classic has been a clarion call for reducing consumption and promoting conservation. But the book's eloquent environmental message is being crushed by the film's slew of corporate cross-promotions.