CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Oct. 10, 2010 is a big day for the environment and mankind, as environmental organizations strive to help us all reduce our carbon footprint.

SSC's free film for today is the environmental film, The Future of Food, a highly regarded documentary showing research-based cause for concern about the genetically modified foods (GMOs) most of us eat today. Do you eat tortillas or corn chips? Use soy or cotton seed oil for frying? Did anyone ask you if you wanted to be an unpaid guinea pig? And what of GMOs' effect on the environment?

There is a quiet struggle going on over GMO farming right here in Lake County. Some growers want to bring in genetically modified corn, soy, sugar beets and alfalfa, believing these GMO crops to be harmless to consumers and to the environment. They also believe that the crops will save them money on herbicides and pesticides and that they will increase their yields.

Many among the burgeoning numbers of successful organic farmers here at home believe these crops are not safe for either us or the environment – and this film provides strong evidence in support of their position.

This film also demonstrates that all too frequently, the use of herbicides and pesticides is not reduced, and that yields are not increased. In fact, some states where herbicide-resistant commercial crops are grown, are now facing mutated “super-weeds” 5-foot tall pig weed that slurps up herbicides and breaks farm equipment, it's so strong!

Thurston Williams of Clover Creek Farm is one of our local organic farmers who does not want his crops polluted by drifting pollen from someone else's GMO crop. Williams will be attending this screening, and will participate in a question and answer and discussion following the film. He heads a new effort to keep GMOs out of Lake County.

Our venue is the Clearlake United Methodist Church at 14521 Pearl Ave. near Mullen in Clearlake. Regular times prevail: Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the film starting at 6 p.m.

On Oct. 9, Second Saturday Cinema kicks off its first season with the lovely documentary, “The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill.” The venue is the Middletown Community United Methodist Church on Armstrong Street in Middletown. Doors at 2:30 p.m. with the film at 3 p.m. The event is free.

For more information call 707-279-2957.