Creating Consciously In a World That is Ever Changing

Water is life, we know this and yet many do not protect it fiercely. Nonetheless in glimpses of the world, we find places like the Seymour Center in Santa Cruz, California. A place where research, discovery, and critical thinking occur on a regular basis. It’s an ecotone of its own within the Monterey Bay Community. It takes groups like this to make sustainable differences.

I know this because back in 2017, while raising a toddler and working at restaurants, I found myself with others wanting to make change. I was overwhelmed with the frivolous waste I was cleaning up after people; knowing it would end up in our environment and landfills for hundreds of years to come. Thinking of ways to make the world better for future generations, I started asking guests to skip using a straw. It was a simple adjustment. I spoke with patrons about straws and read Santa Cruz had recently passed legislation to limit single use items.

A patron proposed being a mentor and assisted me with going to the local government to petition and change the law in our city. Simultaneously another patron recommended I use the straws I was collecting to participate in a local art fashion show. I made 2 straw dresses, showcased at the Big Sur Fashion that year. It was then that I began noticing through art I can express the need for change in a way that culture is receptive to. As the ball got rolling the mayor, local nonprofits and elementary classes got behind the cause. Local businessmen met with me and the city to discuss any supply and fiscal impact. Through gathering, social awareness, product innovation, art and culture, we were able to amend the law in October 2018 in Carmel by the Sea. It was a collaborative effort of product innovators, community members, artists and businesses that pushed this change.

In celebration I collected trash from Panther Beach/Coastal Dairies off of highway 1 on a Monday morning. There was no shortage of trash being washed out as the tide rose. With this I made a mosaic beach trash dress, which I will be sharing at the 2024 Blue Innovation Day. Along with my ocean inspired paintings, and a children’s book, Lisa the Leatherback Turtle, that I have very recently finished and hope to soon publish. My art’s inspired by the natural world. I create in my spare time to express, and also attempt to raise awareness, curiosity and excitement around environmental causes and issues. With emphasis on the ocean.

By gathering, conversing, and sharing our labors we can continue to inspire awareness and joy around the oceans, along with the need for sustainable consumption. Events such as the Blue Innovation Day offer the opportunity to learn, grow, connect and be the change we are seeking. As a resident of Santa Cruz it’s a joy to be participating with this community. I hope you join us. I am elated to share my art with you.          

Learn more about Christy Carico