Plastic Capitalism, by art historian Amanda Boetzkes, is a good starting point for those of you interested in contemporary art and the ecological crisis. Boetzkes takes you through the relationship between waste and contemporary art in a succinct and logical manner. A wide range of artworks are explored from Jim Shaw's Heap (2009), a sculpture made entirely from McDonaldland toys, to Mierle Laderman Ukeles' Touch Sanitation Performance (1979-1980) where Ukele's shook the hands of 8,500 New York sanitation workers. Boetzkes uses these artworks to explore the issues arising from including waste in contemporary artworks. Questions that I gathered from this book, that might be helpful for you, are: when does trash become 'art?', can these artworks break out of the capitalist drive making more waste?, and how can or should art make a difference? 

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Unfortunately there isn't a copy of this book online. However, if you click here you will be able to access fragments of it. I'd suggest talking to your local library to see if you can access this book, if not it is available to buy here. Like all the items on the Call Us Angels' resources, if you're struggling to access this book please let me know and I will do my best to help you out! 

This article by Joan Michelson reaffirmed my observations that women and girls are being portrayed as leaders in climate change activism. Michelson takes us through facts and figures, opening up a chance to think about why women are the leaders in climate change activism. This short article is an easy read, and is a good starting point for anyone wanting to learn more about the relationship between gender and the ecological crisis. 

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To access the article click here. 

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If you're feeling brave, and want to explore more, I would suggest pairing this article with the below text by scientists Felipe J. Ruiz and Juan P. Vallejo. Ruiz and Vallejo provide another layer suggesting women will be disproportionately impacted by climate change. Is this another reason women are leading climate change activism? Something to think about whilst reading through these two articles. 

Ruiz and Vallejo are scientists exploring the impact climate change will have on women and girls around the world. Within this academic article, they argue that women will be disproportionately impacted by climate change and the ecological crisis. This is an eye opening look into women living in non-western countries. The article led me to question why and how I did not know that women, particularly those living in non-western countries, will be disproportionately impacted by climate change and the ecological crisis. Although a tough read, the facts and figures Ruiz and Vallejo present are clear and worth the struggle through scientific and complicated terminology. I advise you to take your time and be open as this is a long but informative read. 

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To access the article click here.