Got dirt?

When was the last time you took a moment to think about dirt? 

As one of Earth’s most under-appreciated resources, dirt does a lot: it cleans our water, helps feed us, and regulates the climate. 

The West Michigan Environmental Action Council asks us to think more about the soil beneath our feet with the upcoming screening of "Dirt! The Movie" at Wealthy Theatre’s Microcinema on Wednesday, March 7. 

Admission is free with a suggested donation of $5. Doors are at 6:30 p.m., movie starts at 7 p.m. A panel discussion with local community gardening citizens will follow the film. 

"Dirt! The Movie" examines humans’ relationship with the soil- how many people abuse and destroy it. Filmaker Gene Rosow says about the film, "We are treating dirt as a story, not a topic. We want people to start off with an emotional connection to dirt."

"Then we want to instill a sense of caution about the destructive things we are doing to nature and how those behaviors impact our daily lives."  But "Dirt! The Movie" isn't all gloom and doom. It also explores how we can repair the damage done and leave future generations with a cleaner, healthier world.

Inspired by the book "Dirt: The Ecstatic Skin of the Earth" by William Bryant Logan, Rosow admitted, "After reading the book, I realized how out of touch I had become with the ground beneath my feet. Like most city people, I take dirt for granted."

Bill Beneson, the movie's co-filmaker, adds, "We try to give people hope and empower them to see the possibilities and their potential to change things."

As a means to facilitate this change, local community gardening experts and organizations will be at the event to share local ways to become better connected to the soil that's under your feet. 

So come and be inspired by "Dirt! The Movie" and- just in time for spring- get ready to get your hands dirty!!