Rubbish Collection (#25)
From the industrial wastelands of Ravenscraig Steel Works to the serene gardens of England, rubbish tells tales of our past and present
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From the industrial wastelands of Ravenscraig Steel Works to the serene gardens of England, rubbish tells tales of our past and present. In 1978, amidst the towering structures of Motherwell, Scotland, a generation witnessed the rise and fall of an iconic steel industry. Meanwhile, in an English garden in September, a willow enclosure discreetly concealed wheelie bins filled with discarded remnants of daily life. In another corner of the world, two young men meticulously sorted through a pile of scrap metal, breathing new life into forgotten treasures. Across continents and time periods alike, floods ravaged towns like Johnstown in the USA while war efforts during WW2 saw cans recycled in East Ham to aid those fighting for freedom. Amidst these stories lies unexpected beauty - hidden objects nestled within teddy bears or playful lambs frolicking with chocolate wrapping paper on Texel Island in Holland. Even vehicle engines find solace as scrap metal waiting for their chance at rebirth. Nature too finds its place among rubbish heaps - gulls gracefully soaring above Norfolk's Edgfield rubbish tip during winter months or worms diligently working their magic within compost bins made from recycled plastic in Cotswolds UK. And then there are moments that define resilience - London's Blitz where debris was pulled clear by determined hands during WW2. These acts remind us that even amidst destruction and chaos, we have the power to rebuild and transform waste into something meaningful. Rubbish may be seen as unwanted refuse but it holds stories untold; fragments that connect us across time and space, and is a reminder that what we discard today has consequences tomorrow – urging us to rethink our relationship with waste and embrace sustainable practices for a better future.