Each morning we practice bringing in the paper...
Some days are the paper is easier to pick up than others, some days there are just too many other interesting things to see and do. On Sunday the paper was just too big to hold.
Last week the Manly Daily featured the new penquin boxes at Sydney Aquarium that had been freshly painted by Manly artist Rachel Carroll. Rachel painted the boxes in a reuse, recycle theme to bring awareness of the damage plastic pollution creates to our oceans and sea life. Rachel said... “I am passionate about the environment and the effect plastic has on Little Penguin populations so this project fits perfectly with my motivation to increase awareness on the topic. For me, art is a tool of communication and if I can present my message visually I think the impact will last longer and appeal to all ages.”
We love walking by the water and do so most days. On our walks we are very aware of the problems of pollution on our beaches and oceans and often take bags with us to pick up plastic and rubbish on the beach and surrounding areas. Not too long ago I found a book in the library, it was mostly it's cover and title 'Moby Duck' that got my attention.
Moby-Duck: The True Story of 28,800 Bath Toys Lost at Sea and of the Beachcombers, Oceanographers, Environmentalists, and Fools, Including the Author,Who Went in Search of Them
I picked it up off the shelf and took it home, to find the most fascinating story about how rubbish is affecting our environment. Moby Duck is the story of how Donovan Hohn learned about 28,000 rubber ducks and other bath toys who were lost at sea. He thought he'd just interview a few people about it, however, the search led him on a long and fascinating journey. Reading Moby Duck I felt like I was right there with him at times, picturing thousands of little ducks floating on the ocean, viewing the The Great Pacific Garbage Patch and being tossed in giant seas. What a great adventure...
After reading Moby Duck, I felt more connected to others doing similar tasks, knowing how important it was to remove the rubbish for the animals and the environment. But after reading about the immense problem in the ocean, the next time I started to pick up rubbish, I also wondered if my little bit of rubbish collection was any use. I couldn't do much really considering the scale of the problem. But then I thought, maybe if it helped just one animal, then it made a big difference to that one.
(Image of Rachel with the penquin boxesfrom Sealife)
