… for they know not what they do!
Time and again, my morning wanderings in the surrounding forest both delight and sadden me.
Indeed, the emergence of garbage, especially when the snow is melting, disrupts my idyllic perception of nature. Each end of winter or beginning of spring unfortunately reveals traces of the passage of my fellow creatures. The latter pride themselves on being great nature lovers, too often forgetting that this great lady is not the crucible of their trash. These “in progress” dumpsites discourage me from humankind. Obviously, I pick up seasonal garbage, even though it is not my own. I admit, I prefer mushroom picking…
This observation calls for a different look at my recent works, at times too clear or too idealistic story telling. The reality is currently quite different. The growth of the footprint of our disrespectful passages versus the decline of species is the theme of my project.
Our magnificent wildlife is at risk from our own actions, very close to home. Faraway lands are not exclusive to fish swimming in plastic or creatures stuffed with rubbish.
My reflection on the too obvious lack of consideration for our natural resources is the opposite of a negative criticism, but it is intended to be a didactic message awakening, I deeply hope, an active awareness towards life and environment.
For the sake of our health, our children and grandchildren and even our economic well-being, we must make protecting the planet our top priority.
David Suzuki (1936)