For more than two years, TC Trash Art Co-Founders Cristina Maldonado and Rebecca Fatzinger have been turning tons of trash into one of a kind pieces of art.
“It started as a fun thing between friends but now it’s become an addiction and a way to raise awareness about not just how much trash there is on the beach, but ideas of things to do with it besides just throwing it away,” Maldonado said.
All of the material they use is picked up on Treasure Coast beaches. But not having access recently has been tough.
“It’s been part of my routine for about 3.5 years now, get up two, three times a week and pick up trash and watch the sunrise. Now, I get up and it’s just strange,” said Fatzinger.
Earth Day started in 1970 as a response to pollution and a call to action. Fifty years later, the goal is the same, clean up our environment.
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the two ladies are still able to celebrate Earth Day in their own special way and they said you can too. All it takes is some creativity and a willingness to make a difference by picking up trash.
“That’s always been the hope to get someone to go out there and clean,” said Maldonado.
Fatzinger explained you can also look for ways in your own home to reuse items before they make it into the trash bin and ultimately a landfill.
“Just try it,” said Fatzinger. "Because once you get started, you’ll see your imagination. You’ll look at things in a whole different way than you would’ve before.”
