I am a child of the 1990s. I am one of the children who proudly donned a slap bracelet, plaid T-shirt and pair of acid wash jeans, all while dancing to the Spice Girls. But most importantly, we are the children who grew up listening to the environmental message of Captain Planet.
In the beginning of the series Gaia, the spirit of the Earth, formed a team of Planeteers to protect the Earth from pollution and destruction. Gaia’s character is god-like in that she can appear at anytime she wishes, but her well being is dependent on the state of the planet. The Planeteers are given the task of protecting the Earth and ultimately, Gaia’s health. Each Planeteer represents one of Earth’s different elements (plus the element of heart), when they combine their powers they summon Captain Planet. When he is summoned by the Planeteers he always shouts, “By your powers combined, I am Captain Planet!” Returning the ring that summoned him, he always states, “The power is yours,” leaving the Planeteers and the audience with a sense of duty to protect their environment.
Captain Planet is the ultimate ethical superhero for children. He protects the planet, teaches environmentalism, all the while shape shifting flying, and using telepathy to conquer his destructive enemies! Not only does Captain Planet defeat his enemies in the traditional superhero-like fashion, but he also uses the power of nonprofit organizations and monetary grants in the realm of reality to conquer the evildoing polluters who threaten the planet. In 1991 Ted Turner, the creator of the Captain Planet series, formed the Captain Planet Foundation from the proceeds generated from the television show. The foundation provides an opportunity for children and schools to apply for grants to fund their ideas that would better their environment by presenting the ideas to Captain Planet. Grants are usually given between $25 and $2,500 and must involve children between the ages of six and 18, include adult supervision, focus on hands-on involvement, and promote an understanding of environmental issues. In 2009 recipients of the foundation’s grants established 39 outdoor classrooms and recycled over 12 tons of waste.
In 2007 the Captain Planet Foundation received the right to syndicate the cartoon, allowing the message of protecting the planet and respecting the environment to reach a new generation of children. Captain Planet may be retired from filming new episodes, but he is still active in promoting environmental awareness in children. A superhero never quits.
