To think with ecosystems is to think in circles. It means recognizing that everything we do and bring to a place will have an effect and continue to influence the ecosystem of that space. Nothing truly disappears; it simply changes form. By considering life cycles, death, waste, and composting, we foster sustainable relationships with the land.
This approach involves careful consideration of where we source materials, whether it’s seeds to plant or signs to create. Equally important are the methods and activities we employ. When we invite an audience into a space, do we understand what creatures might be harmed under their feet? If we introduce new soil, are we removing life that was already thriving in the harsher soil that existed? Understanding how our actions and choices are interconnected with the ecosystems we inhabit helps us develop new ways to interact with the land.
Another crucial aspect is how we handle waste. In ecosystems, there is no such thing as waste; everything serves a purpose. Therefore, understanding how and when materials decompose is key to interacting with nature in a sustainable way. This includes planning for what requires human intervention and what nature can handle on its own, as well as exploring creative ways to engage with “death”and decomposition. Will something still be useful once it no longer serves us? Composting is a remarkable natural process that transforms organic materials into nutrients for future life. Microorganisms, fungi, and insects play a central role in this process. Allowing decomposition to occur is an investment in the regeneration of natural life.