In this work, I used a California Poppy to symbolize the Bay Area. The poppy itself represents peace, resilience, and the dynamic spirit of California. I wanted to use this flower as a way to highlight the Bay's environmental issues.
A major issue I researched about was the impaired water quality in the watershed. Studies show that many waterways in the region are polluted or in unhealthy conditions. According to Save The Bay, trash is a significant threat as it harms wildlife, damages shorelines, and contributes to the growing crisis of microplastics in our oceans.
Through Poppy, I not only want to bring awareness to these issues, but also offer a sense of hope. The California Poppy, a symbol of resilience, serves as a reminder that change is possible. While there is still much work to be done, there are ways we can improve how we manage waste and protect our environment. One of the primary ways being to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.