Art and inspiration from waste, nature and goji berries

Our natural world is out of balance and humanity staggers at the edge of a climate catastrophe. The idea of “progress” is not in harmony with the planet. I strive to find solutions through an interdisciplinary approach combining arts, science, philosophy, and cultural heritage.

Daoist philosophy describes the flow of nature and reminds us that we are inextricably linked to the earth. The fundamental principle of Daoism is balance: push-pull, give-take, destruction-restoration. I am inspired by these concepts and view public art as an accessible space to provoke dialogue about environmental destruction and restoration in our society. I attempt to reinvent the public art experience by demonstrating that humans and their urban spaces are one ecosystem.

Currently, I am investigating my everyday consumption and trying to transform my waste into new materials/energy with earthworms that are active waste-to-energy-producers. These incomparable builders continuously turn and aerate the soil and produce rich compost (new soil). (Read about Yong Fei’s previous work.)

Trained as a Master Composter Recycler from the City of Edmonton in 2015, I see making soil with the humble worms as a form of activism to restore biodiversity. I am currently creating a series of videos and a compost lamp and hoping to visit schools to demonstrate my research when there is funding and support.

I am also researching whether goji, a Chinese heritage plant can co-exist with the local ecology. Goji is a humble berry that came to Edmonton from China when the Chinese railroad workers settled in Edmonton Chinatown after completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Patches of the bright green bushes dotted with tiny orange and red berries drape the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. Goji plants were first introduced into back alleys in Edmonton and elsewhere in the river valley; according to the Edmonton Journal’s Going for Goji Berries, they are perfectly content to grow in the prairie regions of Canada.

They are the first fruit to hold the title of super food since 2010. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to enhance immune system function, improve eyesight, protect the liver, and improve circulation. The antioxidants in the berries contribute to longevity and they are a good source of vitamin C.

Goji berries are not native to this land, but they have been living side by side with our indigenous species in the Edmonton River valley since the 18th century. I see local goji berries as a symbol of climate resilience.

Goji berries became commercially available ever since they were titled super food. Commercial goji berries are mostly imported from northern China; however, they can grow well here too. I often wonder how many goji berries are imported from China, and how much carbon footprint will we reduce by growing our own food and medicine that is suitable for our climate.

I am also researching whether the local goji has the same or higher antioxidant capacity than the goji berries in Ningxia, China, where it is claimed to have the proper properties of gojis as according to Traditional Chinese Medicine.

I am currently working with two local chemists to compare different goji berries, assessing their antioxidant capacity. We shared some of the first stage of their scientific analysis with the community during a berry workshop this summer, which generated great interest from Edmontonians.

I am inspired by the humble goji plants who are so giving to life wherever they migrate. I think seeking balance with nature is what we need most to combat climate change. As we take from the earth every day, I hope you will also join me to strive to give back to the earth daily.

This post was submitted by Yong Fei Guan, an Edmonton community member. If you live in Edmonton and have a climate change story to tell, let us know! Your story could be shared here too.