Reflection

Reflection

I first started to learn about climate change and water pollution when I watched the documentary 'The True Cost.' This opened my eyes to how big of a problem the culture of consumerism and mindless waste is in our world today. Upon further research, I discovered that much of what we discard ends up polluting homes of animals, sea life, and people across the globe, most of whom do not have a say in this destruction of their habitats. I was inspired to create this painting, feeling that it was my duty to share what I had learned in order to make a positive change. I researched how many people did not have access to clean water and where those people live in the world. I researched their living conditions, and came to realize that their homes would continue to be polluted unless we did something about it. I included trash and fabric pieces among the waste in my painting because those two things are some of the worst culprits of water pollution. The people in the painting are drinking, bathing in, and cooking with the polluted water, because just like many people across the world. I have stopped supporting unsustainable brands, decreased the amount of single use items I use, reuse and recycle as much as I can, eat a vegan diet, hang dry my clothing, compost my food waste, and conserve the amount of water and gasoline I use. I hope that when people see this painting, they realize that their actions have a much bigger impact than they realized, and that they need to change their ways. Our oceans and waterways, and all those whose lives depend on them will continue to suffer if we do not.