The World's Most Beloved Fairy a UN Ambassador?

        Yes its true. The little green fairy with the sassy attitude is still taking over the world. In October of last year, Tinkerbell was named an "Honorary Ambassador of Green" from the United Nations.  Through her position Tink will be able to bring environmental awarness to young childern all over the world.
        After the screening of Walt Disney's latest Tinkerbell film at the UN Headquarters in New York, the United Nations immeditately decided that there would be no better person to spread the message to the world's youth. Kiyo Akasak, Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, said this about the little fairy, " This beloved animated character can help us inspire kids and their parents to nurture and do what they can to take care of the environment."
        Almost all of Tinkerbell's movies have an underlying theme of the importance of nature and the beauty of the world. Making her morals and values even more appealing to the younger crowd. The UN hopes that Tinkerbell will help to make children aware of how they can help save their planet's future.
        While I am sure the UN has a good motive for picking such a beloved character, this could almost be minipulating to young childern. I am sure if you walked up to any 4 year old and told them that Tink would die if you didn't stop leaving on the lights, I am sure lights wouldn't even have to be installed in rooms of almost every child on this planet. Not to mention, the tears that would follow. Yes, it may not be expressed in that harsh of a way, but its true. The UN knows that young children are puppets under this small fairy's control. And who wouldn't be?
        All critisism set aside. Tinkerbell is still a very wise choice to help children better relate global issues to their life. Instead of hearing words out of their vocabulary describing the global issues, Tink will help bring the basics to their attention. 
       Tink becoming a UN Ambassador relates to our environmental issues in that she may be able to have an impact on future generations. Helping to teach them that what they do can help save this beautiful planet we live on.

Check out this video of Tink recieving her award from the United Nations:


To Check out the articales visit:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=32706&Cr=green&Cr1

http://movingimages.wordpress.com/2009/10/27/new-and-improved-tinker-bell-uns-latest-honorary-ambassador-of-green/

Disney's Worldwide Conservation fund grants nearly 1.5 million dollars to wildlife!!

         
          As discussed in my previous blogs, with so much money coming in, and so many environmental issues, Disney seems to put all of their spare change into the environment. Whether it be ticket sales from a movie or awarding students for their own solution. They are working to find way to impact the environment.

           Each year Disney's Worldwide Conservation fund donates money to grants that help protect the wild and ecosystems. This year the company nearly reached 1.5 million dollars in grants given away. Disney has provided grants for organizations that will effect over 45 species around the world. Their total over the last ten years has been 15 million dollars in grants.

Here is a list of this years recipients:

1. Black Lion Tamarin Conservation
2. Northern Jaguar Project
3. Save the Elephants
4. University of Hawai- working to conserve the green sea turtle
5. International Rhino Foundation- Protection of the Sumatran Rhino (most endangered rhino species)


Primate Conservation (1 million dollars)
Cat Conservation ($900,000)
Elephant Conservation (850,000)
Sea Turtle Conservation (850,000)
Rhino Conservation (625,000)

         After reading this articale, I found no surprise that Disney has decided to donate so much money to environmental organizations. However, the articale was not very elaborate as to how these organizations would be helped by these grants. It would have been nice, as a member of the public, to know how these organizations are being helped. None the less, Disney is doing a good job at putting the environment first when it comes to their "spending money." Most companies put a grin on their face with  thoughts of new ideas, technologies, or salary bosts that they could put the money towards. This relates to class because it shows a company trying to make a difference.

Its reassuring, defintely during these rough economic times, that their are still some companies that are concerned about the world around them, rather than the need for personal advancement.

To learn more about the article:

Visit : http://conservation.wdwpublicaffairs.com/ContentDrillDown.aspx?DisplayItem=c2abd0b0-733d-4c55-9e4f-6166640b145c