THE THROWAWAY
The Throwaway
This installation represents our appetite to consume resources without consciousness. As a nation that represents 5% of the world population, we consume 30% of the world’s resources. Our privilege grants us the luxury of discarding materials as an afterthought and never look at them again. Plastic bags litter our community. Water bottles are packaged for our consumption. Shipping packages are layered with bubble wrap. Appearances have replaced kindness in our value system. We chase what is convenient and aesthetically pleasing. We throw away thousands of pounds of bruised vegetables and fruits before they hit the market because of the way they look.
If we become what we consume, what does throwaway culture say about us? What else do we cast off and hide from our sight? Instant gratification and extrinsic motivations guide our lives. Ultimately, we become what we consume, which can veer towards a self-destructive path.
Our approach to looking for what is inward has shifted to what is on the outside and convenient for the eyes to bear witness. We swipe right or left. Selfies surround us. As a nation that prides itself on economic prowess, we sequester our homeless in areas that we do not frequent. We avert our eyes when an encounter is near. Maybe a dollar is handed over thinking we have done our part as we drive back to our tree-lined streets and multi-car garages.
We have created an environment of toxicity. CVS and Walgreen stores pop up in larger numbers than grocery stores. The convenience of popping a pill and eating fast food have taken precedence. The results have created a haven of drugstore swamps and food deserts.
We have created a throwaway culture that values the here and now at the expense of our own future and future generations. But, perhaps it’s not too late. Our ingenuity and resilience can repurpose our way of life. It’s up to us to determine whether one person’s trash can be converted to another person’s treasure. You have the choice to decide.