Danny DeVito Talks About His Passion for the Environment and His Role as The Lorax

My journey towards environmental responsibility began when I found out I was pregnant with my son nearly 5 years ago.  Not only was I concerned about how my son would be affected by what I consumed and was exposed to, it was at that time that I realized the importance of taking care of our environment for him…and his children…and subsequent generations.

We’re nearing the release of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, a Univeral Pictures film which was adapted from the beloved children’s book.  As you sit with your children this weekend, tapping your feet to the music, engaged in the visual beauty of the 3D animation, I hope you come away inspired to make a difference because “that’s [really] the message of the movie.”  (Danny DeVito).

As I sat listening to Danny DeVito (who voices The Lorax) talk about the heart and message of the film, I came away with a new perspective.  Environmental responsibility typically encompasses minimizing consumption and waste.  DeVito made an interesting point about the fact that “we can still be commercially viable, and we can still do all the things that we naturally do as long as we’re not hurting the environment” and I felt like the film really embraced that message. While DeVito doesn’t claim to be as environmentally conscious as actor and environmentalist Ed Begley, he does drive a zero emissions car, has replaced plastic water bottles with reusable versions, filters his tap water, and avoids disposable items like paper napkins.

Danny DeVito, who is the father of three children, remembers reading Dr. Seuss’ books and specifically The Lorax.  It seems that the natural progression of children’s books eventually leads most families to Dr. Seuss because “he always gave you a really cool story.” (DeVito) And The Lorax, in particular, does not convey just a simple message.  “It’s a message about the environment and there are controversial things in it,” recounts DeVito.  Last week, I posted my review and my appreciation for the fact that Dr. Seuss’ timeless message about caring for the environment was preserved. DeVito summed it up well…”I like that there’s a little bit of an edge to it. It’s not just a simple story.”

When Danny DeVito first walked in to speak with us, he stated, I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees. Despite the fact that DeVito didn’t immediately associate himself with the character, he’s actually perfect for the role, given the fact that he is a long time environmental advocate. According to DeVito, the Lorax is “a symbol of something that is inside all of us.”  “He’s the spirit inside of us, the one that says, ‘Don’t throw that on the ground. Put that in the recycling bin.'”

At the end of The Lorax, the Once-ler gives Ted the very last Truffula seed to plant, and that is the real message of the movie (DeVito).

See Danny DeVito in The Lorax this Friday, March 2nd, 2012.

No compensation was received for this post.  I was invited to The Lorax Press Junket, courtesy of Universal Pictures.

Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

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Caryn Bailey

Caryn is a NICU nurse by day, blogger by night and mom 24/7. She savors the warm Southern California sun and loves to travel, shopping, baking, reading and frequenting her local tea room. Caryn created the column Lavishly Green for Peekaboo Picks Magazine to share her best tips for going green in style, she is the Former editor for Family Review Network, former OC Family Magazine online contributor, former Orange County Moms Blog contributor, former Evenflo Savvy Parent contributor, former member of the Totsy Advisory Board and former freelance writer for CBS Los Angeles.

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