These past few months have been a difficult time for everyone. With unemployment, school closures, cancellation of all events, etc., it is hard to think positively right now. We are all trying to find ways to stay happy and healthy. People are facetiming loved ones, learning new skills, and spending more time outside. That being said, am I the only one who is noticing how many more people are taking advantage of spare time and great weather? The skies have been clearer than ever, and honestly, we have COVID-19 to thank for that.
Another positive effect of the pandemic, which I am sure most have seen, is that the Venice canals have become clearer now that water traffic has slowed. This phenomenon has surprised locals as they are calling it, ‘Venezia Pulita’, meaning ‘Clean Venice’. There are several comments on these photos wishing that the water could always be this clear. Obviously, there is a positive correlation between waste reduction and decrease of pollutants. Why does it take a global pandemic for us to realize how poorly we are treating the environment? We are the reason the water, skies, and earth are not clean. Quarantine is teaching us all the things we need to change in the future.
I hope once the shelter is over, we can all practice cleaner habits for ourselves and our environment. Although we cannot reverse the damage that is already done, we can strive to make future matters better.