The forest is not a landfill

The irresponsible behavior of the mountain residents paints a bleak picture in the forests of Ticino

The Forest as a Dump

In the remote valleys of Ticino, one often encounters garbage dumps near secluded villages, especially on cliffs or rugged terrain. This is just one example among many in Switzerland, often found along streams and rivers.

However, such alarming sites are not unique to Switzerland; they are globally prevalent. A consequence of thoughtless, unchecked economic growth, following the motto: 'Out of sight, out of mind.' One wonders what was going on in the minds of those who caused these dumps.

At first glance, they are inconspicuous, hidden and overgrown, often in difficult-to-reach terrain. Yet, they are more numerous than one might think. They pose a threat to the entire ecosystem. These places often contain an excessive number of animal carcasses. The animals feed on and injure themselves on sharp objects. Erosion transports this waste into the streams, deep valleys, and gorges, and with the flooding, microplastics are created, which we ultimately ingest by eating fish. It is a danger to the entire cycle.

I advocate for cleaning up our own doorstep before pointing fingers at others. I envision a cleanup effort, but it is laborious and cost-intensive, requiring people experienced in mountain terrain. However, the first priority is to raise awareness. For this, I urgently need support.

Photography Technique: The photos were taken with a specially modified camera, removing the depth pass and infrared cut filter. It involves full-spectrum photography, as the camera sensor captures the entire color spectrum from infrared to ultraviolet. The photos have not been edited with Photoshop but captured as the sensor sees without pre-filters. This uniqueness gives the photographs a look reminiscent of the early color shots, visualizing a journey back to the era when such dumps originated. I love this technique as it adds a touch of surrealism and is perfectly suited for this subject