I took this picture at a plant shop this week. I was looking for a new plant to replace the one I had to throw out because it got attacked by spider mites.
I visited the shop twice during the week and the second time I noticed how many less plants there were. There has been a recent spike in the sale of plant life all over the country. I think it’s so ironic that we spend so much time, energy, and resources to cut down trees and get rid of forests. To then fill up our home with as much greenery as possible to “purify the air”. All of a sudden we want to grow our own vegetables and herbs, because the ones provided at the super market aren’t fresh and healthy enough. We created the world we live in today, and we no longer like it. Instead of getting our hands dirty and planting new trees, fighting against deforestation and industrialization, we are instead filling our homes with greenery, exactly the opposite of where it all should be. At least now we have a reason to continue polluting our world, because we have some indoor machines purifying the air all over again.
That’s such an interesting way to think of it. Having plants in the home, most people think they’re contributing to a more eco-friendly environment. However, most of us aren’t actually contributing to the real improvements necessary for a more sustainable New York.
I understand your point on buying small trees to store it at home – many do that for aesthetically pleasing instagram pictures. But, what do you mean by fighting industrialization? We need factories to manufacture the goods we consume. I do think there should be more community oriented volunteer programs to motivate people to plant trees and take care of their surroundings.