Small Transformations

As I mentioned in my last post, it is often the little things that can make a big difference, not just in the end, but right now. Well, here is an idea on what to do with those plastic can holders that seem like just a little thing, but can cause so much damage when not disposed of properly.

You know, these ones:


I don't usually buy pop, or beer cans for that matter, but a pack, with associated plastic rascal, came by my way. Rather than throw it away - thinking of all the fish, birds, frogs, ducks, and other creatures out there that might think it looks like a tasty snack or a cool necklace - I decided to take the scissors to it so it couldn't possibly strangle anyone.


Not liking plastic much, I immediately grabbled the shards and started to haul it across the room to pack into a yogurt container to send to recycling when, suddenly, inspiration hit. I spun around, grabbed the scissors, and went to work at the kitchen table. Thinking I had gone mad (which would be fun to watch), my daughters came to check out what I was doing.

I snipped an enforced section off and started cutting regular sections of it about 2-3 mm wide, like feather fronds up the spine... As I was doing this, right before our eyes the section started to curl on itself in a strange sort of way. My kids who were watching couldn't believe it, that an ugly piece of garbage was starting to look...well, cool. One of them said, "It looks like DNA!" Another said it looked like a bird at one angle. What do you think it looks like?


After that first specimen, we decided that we needed a scientific test of this phenomenon, and so repeated experiments were performed. The outcome? Reproducible results.


Now, instead of being in recycling, or in the garbage, these little polyethylene creatures are decorating my desk, reminding me, that when you put your attention on the little things, you can make some remarkable changes. I'm even thinking maybe they could be made into recycled jewelry, or added up to make an art installation.

What do you think? If we created more of a culture of paying attention, of caring, of seeing the little things right under our noses, and doing something about them, that it just might add up? Add up to something wonderful for a change? Now that is something I would be amazed to live to see.


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