Film Description

Sometimes small scale, environmentally friendly solutions rather than complex technical ones solve what seems to be insolvable. This is the story of a Recycling Specialist who expects to share his expertise with the citizens of El Salvador, the second most environmentally devastated country in the western hemisphere. Instead he is deeply impressed with the many practical and ingenious methods which the common people are using to reclaim their land, their water, and their forests. A massive planting of 75,000 trees is now taking place called the Forest of Reconciliation in memory of each one of the soldiers and civilians who fought on opposing sides. This new forest will help to control the erosion, develop the wild life, and help to clarify the rivers. Communities are visited where bicycles are being used for pumping water, grinding grain and corn, and compressing air; solar ovens are being used to save firewood; natural local materials are being used to build houses and compost toilets. He sees a community with hope. He talks with Dr. Ricardo Navarro, Director of these projects, who states that only education of the populace can change habits and attitudes while still giving hope to the children that they are part of the solution. Their ideas, insights, and beautiful spirit of hope can be applied anywhere.