Dr. Seuss is a name recognized and beloved by nearly everyone. Even though his children’s books touched on topics such as racism, tolerance and other controversial issues, they are still often fond childhood memories.

On Thursday, Sept. 25 at 7:00 p.m. in the Fireplace Room of LRTUC, the Environmental Affairs Council will show the 2012 full length feature, “The Lorax.” The EAC hopes that it will inspire conversations to raise awareness about pollution and consumerism.

“We hope that by showing The Lorax we can increase our membership, and it’s a fun way to start a conversation and raise awareness.” Dr. Roslyn O’Conner, the advisor for the Environmental Affairs Council, said.

Shelby Chesko, sophomore environmental biology major and vice president of the EAC, said, “I’m very excited to show “The Lorax,” because along with being cute and entertaining, it also has great lessons about environmental awareness and how one person’s actions can change the world so much.”

The EAC has screened several documentaries in the past, including “Fresh,” which is about the effect that current agricultural techniques have on the earth, “How to Boil a Frog,” which is about climate change and “Planet Earth,” the BBC’s documentary that explores the earth and the animals that inhabit it.

The EAC not only tries to start fun and interesting conversations about the problems that face us environmentally, but they also work to improve the environment around us. For several years, they have cleaned up Fairview Street a few times a month, picking up trash alongside the road.

They also help with river cleanup, and later this month will be collecting the seeds of native prairie plants, which will be replanted in order to restore lost prairie land. The

Environmental Affairs Council also hosts a “Free Store” at the end of every semester. This allows for easy recycling for students as they pack up and move out. The Free Store is a great way to reuse and recycle, and allows all of the “broke college kids” a chance to pick up something new for themselves.

For those who have an interest in environmental issues, the showing of “The Lorax” is a great introduction to the work that the EAC does.

“By showing “The Lorax,” I hope to spark conversations in the Millikin community about environmental issues, especially in reference to deforestation and air quality,” Chesko said.

Learning more about the causes of the issues we face as well as the impact that we have, both negatively and positively, are the first steps to creating change.