This past week, I had the unique opportunity to visit my “Climate Change and Radical Political Movements” professor’s home, where I was introduced to a creative form of climate activism known as “craftivism.” After a whirlwind couple of weeks—traveling from Sicily to Bologna for a school trip and an alum meetup—I was feeling drained. But as I stepped behind her house and into the woods, I began to understand the healing power of this artistic activism.

Walking through the forest and along the neighboring beach, I felt an unexpected wave of nostalgia and calm. As I braided seaweed into makeshift friendship bracelets and collected seashells, I was transported back to my childhood in California—before the relentless droughts and wildfires became the norm. It reminded me of simpler days spent collecting twigs for my rolly pollies or picking dandelions to weave into flower crowns.

This experience made me realize the emotional and transformative power of eco-art. When art is rooted in nature, it creates a personal and emotional connection that compels people to care more deeply for the environment. Craftivism is a powerful example of how nature and climate are represented not just through stark statistics or headlines, but through intimate, tactile experiences that reawaken our bond with the planet. Nature is not just scenery—it’s a living, breathing entity that deserves our respect and protection.