GreenSceneUSA.com, Summer 2008 Exhibit review for One Planet—Ours, a temporary exhibit at the US Botanic Garden.

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One Planet-Ours Section Articles
Sustainability and Individual Action on Exhibit at the US
Boulder Greening the Urban Parkway (or
Tree Lawn)
Botanic Garden
Chicago
Lawn Nation
Cristina Santiestevan Cool Schools
Los Angeles
Green Expo in Manhattan
More than thirty globes surround the United States
New Orleans
Botanic Garden, where the whole premise of their L.A.: Green Light on Abbott
Kinney
summer exhibit centers around the simple fact that we
New York
have only one planet. About the size of an over-large Green Apartments in New York
Portland
beach ball, each globe promotes a message of
conservation and sustainability. Beans, grains and other
San Diego
edibles completely cover one that is dedicated to the
San Francisco theme of sustainable agriculture. Another wears a green
roof. My favorite is supported by stout tree trunks – a
Santa Barbara
clear reminder of our reliance on healthy trees and
forests.
Seattle
These model globes – created by artists, children,
Washington DC
schools and environmental organizations – are the most
visible part of One Planet--Ours, a mostly outdoor
exhibit that focuses on positive actions we can all take to
reduce our negative impact on the planet.
“Mom! Mom! Here’s another one,” shrieks a little girl,
barely five years old. Primary colors and tangible, tactile
designs lure children and adults from one model to the
next. A visit quickly becomes a treasure hunt. The
outdoor setting invites play. Children run laps from globe
to globe, leading their parents on haphazard tours of sustainable energy, local agriculture,
endangered species conservation and much more. I spot more than one child run up and
embrace our planet.
Several solar and wind energy displays are scattered about. I fell for the windspire, a petite
vertical windmill designed for residential power generation. Elsewhere, solar panels
mounted on a rotating base help illustrate how a home’s orientation to the sun can affect
the amount of energy harvested.
So many important museum exhibits overwhelm their visitors with facts and figures,
demanding a state of attention few of us want to bring to our leisure time. One Planet
avoids this flaw. The globes are dressed in party colors. A scattering of interactive elements
invites play. Even the panels - with their decidedly serious messages of personal
responsibility and sustainability – are tucked among flowering plants. Crowded into a single
room, removed from nature and sunlight and fresh air, One Planet would be a totally
different exhibit. But, released to the gardens around the nation’s conservatory, this exhibit
invites exploration.
But here’s the best part - surely just an accident of geography. The Botanic Garden sits
practically on the Capital’s lawn, and overlooking the globes and educational exhibits stands
the United States Capital Building. A reminder to us all. This exhibit was born of scientists,
educators, teachers, activists and students. Their passion and creativity is displayed in
every hand-decorated globe and interpretive exhibit panel. But in order to truly succeed,
this energy must be merged with the sort that runs through the halls of the Capital.
One Planet is a casual exhibit. You won’t need a map, just a willingness to stroll among
flowers and planets. If you can, bring a child as your guide. If not, visit anyway – the
exhibit is free, and would be worth it at twice the price.
The United States Botanic Garden is free and open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. One
Planet--Ours runs through October 13. Visit www.usbg.gov for directions, special events
and more information.
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