Recycler

 

Recycler.  Words: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle; Think Green. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin, recycled soda tabs, beads, clipped magazine letters. Hand stitched and beaded. 25” x 19” unframed, 31” x 25” framed.

Recycling is important; I'd always wanted to recycle.... even as a kid. I've always been concerned about the amount of trash our nation and world produces too. So, as soon as recycling became easy and convenient, I did it. I was no pioneer; I didn't recycle until our city provided nice, blue plastic bins. Fortunately, that happened years and years ago. It happened because recycling was so important to a few unique individuals that their passion took action.

One of those zealous advocates is Mary Pat Baldauf, Columbia's Sustainability Facilitator. Mary Pat is a pioneer, a real role model. Recycling isn't just her job; it is her passion, her hobby, her business, and her lifestyle...always has been! Everywhere Mary Pat goes she spreads cheer. She makes recycling FUN.... because it is FUN! Because of her personal efforts, Columbia is a greener city than many other, even larger cities across the nation.

Mary Pat also has an on-line business called Trashformations  (www.trashformations.com) with all sorts of whimsical, gifts, home accessories, and jewelry made from recycled materials. She organizes events to spread the news: Recycling is fun, easy, and the responsible thing to do! Yet, recycling is still a choice. Many people don't make this decision (but they haven't met Mary Pat yet!) I am very proud to include Mary Pat's personal choice for a better future in this series.

When I asked Mary Pat to pose, she prepared a list of possible words for the portrait. I could only use two of the phrases, but the list is worth reading!

"Her green mind made the world around her green." - Wallace Stevens
I talk trash and get paid for it.
Make love, not landfills.
Peace, love, recycle.
Don't throw it all away....RECYCLE!
Green Queen.
I turn trash into treasures.
Recyclers do it over and over and over and over....
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Think GREEN.
You'll produce about 120,450 pounds of garbage in your lifetime. Recycle.
One is not enough: Recycle.
Recycling Rockstar.
Recyclers do it twice.
Mean, green recycling machine.
Recycling Warrior.
I was recycling before recycling was cool.
Sustainability is not a four letter word.
Is it hot out here or is it just global warming?
Trees don't grow on money either.
Treehugger.
Stop using the earth as your trash can.
Green is sexy.
Ask me about sustainability
It's easy being green.
Green is Good.
"Be the change you want to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi