It gives me great joy to find treasures or just an interesting item at an antique, junk store, yard sale or wherever but this one takes the cake.

OK… so I’m guessing it’s been hanging up in somebody’s room for the last twenty years and they have since moved out of the house. The house had been sold leaving it up to the estate sale people or maybe the actual owners to clean up and clear out.

A pile of broken boards, a busted air hockey table and this poster was left on the curb for the next day’s trash pickup.

Good thing it was on my regular route to and from my first grader’s school. He thought I was crazy when I suddenly slammed on the brakes. So did the passers by,  "Isn't she the PTA Green Committee chair?", I could see someone mouth as they drove by while I jumped out of the car to investigate and quickly claim for my own.

At first glance, I thought what a great illustration depicting the natural world.  With a little   research as soon as I got home, I found out that this was a 1990, 20^th Anniversary Earth Day poster.  It was designed for the state of Delaware’s celebration that was headed up by noted conservationist, D. Jeffrey Wright.  In conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution, this special commemorative poster was sold to raise funds to support the event and also used as a gift for volunteers and selected community leaders. It was illustrated and signed by artist Suzanne Duranceau of Montreal.

Like I have said earlier, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. And talk about irony! I don't even know what else to say except there is still opportunity for greater awakening.

Oh and it will be a great show and tell piece when I'm talking about recycling efforts to my son's school as part of an Earth Day awareness program on April 22nd.  And then maybe he won't think I'm so crazy afterall.

I’d love to hear if you know more about this print or event. Were you there by chance? Leave me a comment below.

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Jeanne Blaisdell also publishes The Green Samaritan, her personal blog encouraging kindness to the environment through refined, renewed and resourceful living.

 

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