When the Lorax Spoke, MSD Listened: An Inspiring Exchange for a Greener Future

One of the things that inspires me most about my work at MSD Project Clear is knowing that we are making a profound impact on our water environment both locally and globally. But few people think of us as an environmental agency.

This became especially clear when we received a letter from a young environmental enthusiast. Penned in the style of Dr. Seuss’s “The Lorax,” this insightful youngster expressed concern about trees removed as part of a sewer improvement project. We simply couldn’t pass up this opportunity to engage with a budding environmentalist, to reassure them of our shared mission, and to do it in a way that was as fun and creative as the letter itself.

We responded in kind, in Seuss-style rhyme, explaining that tree removal was part of a greater plan to improve our environment. Our upgraded sewers would reduce pollution, improve water quality, and protect the local ecosystem.

“We’ve heard your voice, oh, bold little friend, speaking for the trees, their plight you attend. And in your Dr. Seuss style, we reply, to explain our work, we’ll certainly try....

Our task, dear child, is a hard, noble deed, for woody woodpeckers, swomee-swans, and humming-fish we heed. While Truffulas may fall in our earnest quest, it’s for the environment, we aim for the best.

Installing new sewers is good for your friends, as it takes the dirty water away from their end. It’s sent to a plant where we clean it up, so that no one is dealing with gluppity-glupp....

Without clean water, what life will be? No humming-fish can swim in a dirty sea. And the Truffula trees, tall and pure, require fresh water, of this we’re sure....

We’re lucky that someone cares a whole lot, otherwise things won’t change, they simply cannot. Remember, young friend, as you bloom and grow, through your voice, the Lorax’s wisdom still flows.”

We in MSD’s Public Affairs division have the honor and the responsibility of engaging our community in our clean water mission. This was a great reminder that our responsibility extends to all of our community members, no matter their age, and that we all play a role in protecting our environment. Like our young friend, let's keep embodying the spirit of the Lorax.