Amara Stupac, Cernica, Bosnia & Herzegovina
If the Garbage Bins Could Talk
Author: Amara Stupac
As I walk not only along Bulevar but also explore other parts of Mostar, I can’t help but be captivated by the meticulously designed exteriors, inspired by just as beautiful interiors.
Recently, I came across a fascinating biographical documentary featuring an exceptional artist who transformed discarded garbage into a fascinating exhibition. “If he were to witness our landscape of garbage bins, he would have an abundant supply of material to fill an entire hall,” I mused to myself. In Mostar, the constant interior renovations take center stage, dominating both online headlines and local waste disposal areas. Bulevar, adorned with numerous buildings and a wealth of apartments, tells a tale of the passage of time and the transient nature of their decorations. The surroundings of the garbage bins are filled with discarded furniture—chests of drawers, mattresses, kitchen elements, sofa sets, and lamps. These damaged and carelessly abandoned items contribute to an unconventional aesthetic impression. Remarkably, just two years ago, during a leisurely stroll towards Fortica, a picturesque and touristy spot overlooking Mostar, I even stumbled upon a toilet bowl with a freshener, nestled in the shade of majestic pine trees.
“Why would anyone pick up a child’s mattress stained with urine?” The mere sight of it suggests that it was intentionally abandoned on the sidewalk. Unfortunately, the unpredictable weather conditions work against the preservation of these exposed items, and their improper disposal not only reflects poorly on our community but also often transforms them into makeshift shelters for stray animals.
Upon contemplation of the documentary program, the idea struck me that we could host open-air exhibitions. By incorporating the creative ingenuity of the Roma folk, who enhance daily life with their resourceful dismantling of waste, we can develop a show to share with the production team—let’s call it “Renovations.” The Roma community has seamlessly incorporated the power of choice into the modern era. Their philosophy, “Not everything is needed,” is evident in their focus on iron, a material they skillfully disassemble on the spot for financial gain. This unique approach adds a captivating element to our envisioned showcase.
The birth of a new exhibition called “In the Aftermath” unveils the remarkable journey of wooden objects, often subjected to a harsh existence, that occasionally find themselves blessed with a second chance, akin to an orphan’s tale. Among a multitude of abandoned items, only a select few find a loving home. Just a few days ago, as I stepped into a house, my eyes were immediately drawn to a table adorning the living room. Fueled by curiosity, I couldn’t resist inquiring about its history and acquisition, and the response left me utterly astonished. The table had been rescued from near a dumpster on Šantić Street, given a new lease on life through refurbishment, and now proudly served as a cherished companion for savoring coffee. This revelation sparked a whirlwind of thoughts within me: Should I venture into the world of refurbishing discarded furniture for charitable causes? Or should I start my own shop of restored items? As I admired the table, its remarkable transformation defying its humble origins, I was reminded of the profound truth that appearances can be deceiving. This unique table stood as a testament to the limitless power of the imagination and its incredible potential for inspiring transformations.
In Mostar, the reality of a garbage bin’s versatile potential for repurposing discarded furniture shouldn’t overshadow residents’ responsibility for intentional disposal. The frequent complaints about the absence of a waste disposal plan prompt me to reconsider our priorities, especially when confronted with the prospect of trucks charging 60 BAM per collection. If we have the means to renovate our kitchens, why do we lack the funds to properly dispose of our waste? Or perhaps, it is a matter of social responsibility and ethical behavior towards our community. Ultimately, it boils down to the values instilled in our households. Instead of skillfully focusing on the mistakes of others, we should reflect on our own behavior and take responsibility for the cleanliness of our own surroundings. As the old saying goes, “First, clean up in front of your own door.”
In our community, a widely recognized saying, “hit them in the pocket,” underscores the effectiveness of using monetary fines as a strategy to encourage responsible behavior.
In this context, the initiative entails assigning two employees to each dumpster, working in two shifts. However, the practicality of this endeavor raises concerns due to the abundance of garbage containers and self-designated dumping sites. Introducing video surveillance emerges as a potential solution. By installing cameras and ensuring proper illumination at each dumping site, potential wrongdoers would be discouraged from improperly disposing of waste. It is imperative for authorities to promptly tackle this issue, as failure to do so may lead to Mostar’s streets transforming into dumping grounds for used furniture.