Fore the Planet: Stick Swings into Summer

Image via Apple TV+ 

Summer is in full swing, and so is good television. Apple TV’s latest release, Stick, is on the green, whether on the golf course or in its environmental messaging. The show follows Owen Wilson as Pryce Cahill, a former golf pro down on his luck. He meets a promising golf protégé, Santi (Peter Dager), and takes him on the road in a comically large RV. With only four episodes out, Stick leaves a lasting, sustainable impression.

As we sit and wait for episode 5, let’s reflect on some of Stick’s environmental takeaways.

Nature and Golf Go Together

Golf is a seriously outdoorsy sport, and Stick makes that known. Its characters often interact with trees, lakes, and grassy fairways–not just as obstacles, but as part of the sport. In one scene, instead of avoiding a dense thicket of trees, Santi decides to play through it. He doesn’t complain about nature; he adapts to it. This reminds us that certain activities we love, whether golf, hiking, or even sunbathing, are all satisfying and enjoyable because of nature, and it’s our responsibility to preserve that. Nowadays, golfers are taking sustainability seriously. New technologies, like precision irrigation systems, use smart sensors and satellite images to monitor soil moisture and determine when watering is needed. Planting native grasses and trees saves water, increases biodiversity, and enhances course aesthetics. As we know, a good golfer plays the course – an even better one protects it!

People Bond in the Outdoors

Do you ever have a stressful day, and when you go and take a walk, you find that your problems seem to melt away? Stick plays on this feeling, showing us that some well-needed outdoor leisure is all we need to ground and recenter ourselves. Bonus points for doing it with a friend or loved one. During an argument, Pryce reconnects with Santi at a local quarry where he and other Gen-Zers jump cliffs, swim, and lounge. When Pryce follows Santi off a cliff and into the water, the two start to understand each other. Being in nature is linked to joy, calmness, and creativity. In addition, quality time outdoors lowers anxiety and depression and improves overall mental health. This improves our relationships with those around us. Sometimes, all it takes to strengthen a bond is a plunge into the natural world.

Healthy and Sustainable Diets are Important

A healthy body and a healthy mind make for significant golf swings. An athlete’s diet is essential, especially protein, but that doesn’t mean red meat for every meal. Stick sheds light on some of the negative qualities of industrial agriculture through its character Zero (Lilli Kay) with great lines like “I’m not anti-meat. I’m anti-industrial agriculture. Livestock production accounts for like 15% of GHG emissions.” And that’s true! Industrial meat production contributes to climate change through deforestation and methane emissions. But an athlete can get their protein and have a low carbon footprint. A healthy and sustainable high-protein diet includes plant proteins like nuts, legumes, and soy. Including plant proteins in your diet improves cardiovascular health and nutrient intake and lowers your carbon footprint. As Santi puts it: “can’t be complicit in destroying the Earth.”

Final Takeaways

Stick is a fun Summer show with significant environmental undertones. As the days get longer, its message is clear: get outside, move your body, eat well, and stay green. To support sustainable media this summer, look at our EMA Green Seal recipients.