I’m sure you have been following the battle in Washington for a solution to the debt crisis. As the framework of the plan is put in place, we look on with interest here at WXXI, because the future of public broadcasting may be significantly affected.

Greentopia is a two-day interactive festival -- which will be held September 17 and 18 in the High Falls -- that spotlights what our region is doing to embrace the green movement. (To discover more about the festival, you can visit the Greentopia Festival Web site.) WXXI is the event's media partner, and beginning this week, WXXI will air special programming that encourages awareness and appreciation for Planet Earth.

You will have the opportunity to watch some breakthrough documentaries (Bag it!, Tuesday, August 16 at 10 p.m.), favorite PBS series (American Experience "Earth Days", Tuesday, August 16 at 8 p.m.) as well as innovative specials such as Earth: The Operators' Manual on Wednesday, August 24 at 10 p.m. On top of that, Our programming department has selected special PBS Kids shows and we are pleased to be able to engage children in environmental awareness All this week on WXXI and WXXI Create, families can join their favorite characters from Curious George, Sesame Street, Super Why! and more as they learn about solar power, pollution, water conservation, biospheres and saving the rainforest. For a list of all "green" programs airing, you can visit our "Go Green" Web page here at WXXI.org.

So as you tune to WXXI, and notice more "green" than normal on your TV, don't adjust your set. Take the opportunity to adjust perceptions of what environmental responsibility can really mean for our community.