It's summer time in Michigan. After surviving another ruthless Michigan winter, many families flock to our state's lakes in summer to soak up the elusive sunshine rays, explore coastal cities, devour artisan ice cream and indulge in festivals. It's no surprise that Michigan is one of the top-rated tourist destinations in the summer. I am tempted to plaster my blog with beautiful light soaked images and carefree sugar-fueled grins of my children (you can find that here) but I would be remiss if I didn't shed some light on a darker truth.
I am not referring to the physical storm in the above picture but rather a metaphorical storm and all that washes up in it's wake. Global warming, climate change and environmental pollution are terms we have all heard about in the news. Unfortunately, these topics are often politicized and debated rather than accepted as fact. We are inundated with news and tragedy daily and it's easy to want to bury our heads in the sand but what happens when there is a disposable syringe in that very same sand?
Or perhaps a used comb to get that sand out of your hair?
Will we then begin to heed the warnings and accept responsibility for our actions?
Michigan waters are higher than they have been in decades and single-use plastics are washing up on our shores in copious amounts. These plastics are non-biodegradable. Eventually plastics turn into microplastics. Microplastics damage aquatic creatures, block digestive tracts, change feeding behavior and effect the reproductive systems of living species.
And there is clearly an assortment to choose from.
Need a light bulb?
We have been warned about these problems for decades by some of the top scientists and environmentalists in their field but we have been able to ignore the warnings and continue to toss our used plastics overboard.
And now it's time to clean up our act, accept responsibility and help, so we can continue to enjoy all that we love about this blue and green sphere we call home.
For good measure, here is a cheesy toothless grin. This toothless seven year old smile has been my photographic muse lately. Thanks for reading the blog. Head on over to Philadelphia Portrait and Lifestyle Photographer, Evelyne Lourenco's website next to continue with our blog circle and to see beautiful photography from talented women photographers across the globe!
