Start of an Experiment

Being a graphic design student I try to keep myself sensitive to design which surrounds us everyday. I have a habit of perusing magazines and advertisements for interesting use of typography and graphics. Now, I should say I do not consider myself an environmentalist or one overly concerned about global warming (in fact I am not at all), but as I went out today with the intent to observe my own apartment complex and, if possible, collect anything of interest. Upon setting out to do this I began to pick up certain pieces of trash on the ground near the dumpster. The first couple of things I picked up were quite interesting, including a index card of handwritten notes pricing a dream cruise vacation. As I continued my walk I began to realize how much litter really dotted the whole area. Not only did I continue to pick up the various flyers and cards but I took to picking up the rest of the litter as well. I found a particularly lot in the tucked away, neglected corners between the apartment buildings. As I searched these nooks I began to notice many other things of note: a children's chalk drawing on a wall, a toy truck obscured by deep grass, and a bottle cap from Mexico. And this is where I live! I found the whole process surprising facinating. I had a sense of fulfillment both for doing something good for the complex and for the time I had to reflect on my own life. I make it a goal to try the same thing weekly. I suspect that as I explore other locations (or even this same location on a different occasion) I will likewise feel uplifted and surprised by the vastly interesting world around us.