The Green Gorilla cartoon takes on mountain top removal mining in their latest episode called “Turn it Up Day”. As the city turns up their power, the kids investigate where the power comes from. KJ helps the gang find out that “clean and green” is actually a massive coal-seeking mechanical worm on its way to remove their favorite mountain. That’s when they get active.

This isn’t your typical Saturday morning cartoon but it’s also not that far from the reality of life in SW Virginia. I’m not even talking about the destructive practice of Mountaintop Removal coal mining that has already destroyed or “eaten” 29 mountains. That’s clearly a reality here and on West Virginia’s Coal River Mountain.

The part that seems hard to swallow is the idea that amidst rising energy costs and in the face of global warming that there would really be a “Turn it up” day. As much as we love love love our cars and warm homes. We understand rising energy costs in terms of dollar and cents right? The reality is we don’t and if you don’t believe me, maybe you stopped by the Grand Illumination in downtown Richmond earlier this month. This is where business turned on every single light in order to illuminate the downtown area. Since the connection isn’t as clear as one would hope I’m grateful that the Gorilla in the Greenhouse was able to connect the dots for those unaware.