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Our Trash, Their Trouble
Nerissa Pan
San Francisco, CA
2025, Junior, Art: Handcrafted (2024 – )

Reflection

The idea for my piece came from a mix of personal experiences and creative exploration. I was inspired by Robert Swan’s quote, “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone will save it.” I was also inspired by doing community service, picking up trash. Organizations have popped up, and they all do their best to lessen our wrath on the environment. As I brainstormed, I realized that destruction often goes unchecked. Waste polluting the ocean harms ecosystems, affecting both animals and humans. Through this piece, I hope to shift perspectives and inspire action. Influencing people’s points of view can make the world a better place for future generations of young rebels. Through my exploration of the contest theme, I learned that nature is not separate from us but rather a reflection of our choices. Polluting the ocean transforms it into a death zone, while caring for it brings vibrancy and renewal. My message to the world is to stop waiting and start acting. Work harder to create a better world for everyone. My piece reveals the hidden corruption in nature—the scissors cutting through show that beauty and destruction are intertwined. Without responsibility and change, Earth has no future. As Barack Obama stated, “We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and the last generation to do something about it.” The past has been marked by destruction, but we must step forward to address this crisis together.

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Our Trash, Their Trouble

Congratulations winners of the 2025 Ocean Awareness Contest! View the innovative new collection of student work here!

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