Spotlight on Jessica Jennings
A ‘ripple effect’ is created by a point of impact, energy that shifts the area around it. It may start small, but causes waves of change far beyond where it began. To me, this is about one good idea that causes other good ideas; or one conversations that keeps going, that’s picked up by other people in the room. This Season at Ripple Effect Artists we are leveraging theatre and film projects to look deeply at issues of Climate Change. And our art is already impacting my own life. Issues of ‘waste’ are resonating with me, so I am taking steps to reduce one-use plastics in my life. A year ago I replaced my son’s disposable straws with reusable, composting bamboo straws. I refuse plastic bags more than ever, and I won’t use a coffee lid if I’m sitting to drink at a cafe. Next: I just ran out of saram-wrap, so I found a product called Bees wax wrap that I’m going to purchase; and in the near future I will be trying my hand at compost — which is terrifying so please help me! These are small steps for a woman, but if everyone got present to their waste and rejected one-use plastic we could cripple the industry and make the sort of drastic overhaul that the planet deserves.
Spotlights are created by the Ripple Effect Artists’ Editorial Desk. Each Spotlight highlights people, productions and initiatives that inspire us. At Ripple Effect Artists, we believe in building each other up and giving credit where credit is due. Taking charge of the future of our world is a more three-dimensional responsibility than it appears to be. It is not just about identifying the most pertinent social issues that need to be highlighted and discussed. It is also equally important to make a difference every single day by exhibiting kindness, compassion and empathy towards everyone we come in contact with. It is important to recognize that everyone who is chasing a dream is fighting inner demons of fear and insecurity every day. In a society where anything off the beaten track is considered a risk not worth taking, these people are giving a new name to courage. Thus, we think it is crucial to build each other up and encourage everyone to be the best version of themselves. Every. Single. Day.
