Feature Photo by Lainey Novak
Art, in its many forms, has always been a powerful medium for sharing ideas. Messages can take various forms: written and spoken words, music, art, and even algae blooms. Are you listening?
Tish O’Dell, the Consultation Director for CELDF, recently spoke to students at Cleveland State University. She addressed the legal system’s failure to protect nature and emphasized the urgent need for a cultural change. After her presentation and an engaging discussion, the students felt creatively inspired. CSU students Lainey Novak wrote an article for the Cleveland Stater, while Maja Circerchi and Aria Cronin created compelling artworks titled “A Painful Price” and “The Human Condition.” Additionally, MaKenna Hughmanic composed a heartfelt song called, “Part of the Problem.”
The Cleveland Stater: Environmental advocate champions legal rights for Lake Erie
Photo and article by CSU student, Lainey Novak
One of the quotes that Novak highlights in her coverage of the talk is “The destruction of the planet is legal,” O’Dell said. “And what people don’t realize when you study the law in the system, sustainability is actually illegal.”She referenced the Cuyahoga plastic bag ban as an example of this. The ban on single-use plastic bags was passed by the county council in 2019, but overturned by the state of Ohio shortly after.
Read the full article by CSU student, Lainey Novak, “Environmental advocate champions legal rights for Lake Erie” published in the Cleveland Stater.
“A Painful Price”
Artwork by CSU student, Maja Cicerchi
“The Human Condition”
Artwork by CSU student, Aria Cronin
Note from the artist, CSU student Aria Cronin: I call this “The Human Condition”, where plastic has become so integral to human life that they have formed as “one”.
“People have become so reliant on the convenience of plastic that it’s contributed to the huge amount of plastic pollution in our ecosystem. Furthermore, microplastics contaminate our waters and soil, and eventually get into our bodies as they go through the food chain, which is what really inspired me to make this piece.”
“Part of the Problem” Climate Change Song
Song by CSU student, Makenna Hughmanic