So I get an email ’bout a new film that’s coming out. It’s called Evan Almighty, and its storyline seems to be something akin to a modern day Noah’s Ark type dealio, starring the dude from The 40 Year Old Virgin, which I haven’t seen but am told is funny.

But interestingly, the email subject never mentions the film. Instead, it reads: “Get On Board for Arbor Day.”

That’s cuz a site called Get On Board’s been “inspired” by Evan Almighty. Basically, Get On Board lets you plant a tree — both virtual and real — in the “Almighty Forest” — for $5. And planting a tree gets your name on the Evan Almighty DVD.

Universal Pictures teamed up with The Conservation Fund to make this $5 tree deal happen. In fact, the film itself’s bought carbon offsets to green itself. And according to the website, “all crew members were given bicycles by director Tom Shadyac to reduce car usage.” No deets, though, on whether or not crew members used said bikes….

Gimmicky? Yes. But it does set a new bar for Hollywood — one that I hope’ll be raised, fast.

If you’re really inspired by this film-activism, plunk down the $5. Can’t afford the $5? Plant trees for free with TreePeople, or get trees to plant for free via the LA DWP.

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