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by RYAN SAUNDERS
Intern News Reporter
A Virginia film festival, held in Blacksburg Tuesday, will benefit a local organization based in Boone.
The Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival acts as a fundraiser for Appalachian Voices.
Appalachian Voices played a large role in organizing the festival, Shay R. Boyd, administrative associate for Appalachian Voices said.
“We are
presenting nine movies in hopes to open people’s eyes to effects of
negative treatment to the environment and the efforts of people who are
already taking action,” she said.
According to the
Appalachian Voices’ mission statement, “[Appalachian Voices’] mission
is to empower people to defend our region’s rich, natural and cultural
heritage.”
The
benefits of the film festival are both financial and psychological,
with the main aspiration of improving environmental consciousness and
awareness.
Boyd
said increasing membership into the organization will progress the
impact and influence Appalachian Voices can have on the environment.
Tickets
for the show are $8, but visitors can purchase a ticket and membership
for $15 and take a step towards improving the environment.
Mountaintop removal is a problem that has already encroached many states, and is approaching North Carolina.
Michael
R. Staples, Appalachian Voices intern and senior criminology major said
he came to Appalachian State University because of an appreciation for
the environment and a love for the mountains.
“Mountaintop
removal is polluting our air and waters, and needs to be stopped,” he
said. “Anything I can do [to] raise awareness or make a difference is
important to me.”
Blue Ridge Mountain Sports and Patagonia are working in a joint effort with Appalachian Voices to support the event.
Kurt D.
Petersen, grassroots coordinator with Blue Ridge Mountain Sports said
it is important to get involved with the project because their company
is against mountaintop removal and supports the cause of Appalachian
Voices.
“It
works hand in hand. We want to spread awareness for [Appalachian
Voices’] message because we in turn want to protect the places we and
our customers play,” Petersen said.
He said
Blue Ridge Mountain Sports takes precautions within their company to
save the environment, and uses recycled paper for magazines, prompts
stores to encourage recycling and uses environmental sustainable
building material when building new stores.
“Attending
this event will allow people to see the importance of protecting the
environment, while supporting an organization that is actively fighting
to protect our region,” Boyd said.
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