How I got to “recycle” my life.
The trash you throw away does not disappear; the same applies to your past traumatic experiences. They are shapeshifters – hidden and subversively toxic.
SEBASTIAN JAROSZYNSKI
Reflecting on life, I began to recognize how recycling is more than just an environmental practice—it’s a universal principle deeply embedded in nature. It mirrors the human psyche, where past experiences continuously shape present behaviors. When left unexamined, these experiences manifest as unconscious coping mechanisms, steering our lives on autopilot. But when acknowledged and embraced, they become catalysts for healing and pathways to uncover our authentic selves.
My story begins in Poland, in the industrial heartland of Silesia, during a time of monumental transformation. The fall of socialism and the dawn of democracy brought profound social and economic shifts. I grew up amidst a contrasting tapestry of coal mines, steel plants, and military testing sites interspersed with small pockets of natural beauty. This juxtaposition sparked my early curiosity about the relationship between human activity and nature—and how our actions reflect back on us.
Years later, I immigrated to the United States as a Forestry School graduate and a holistic healing enthusiast. It was in Chicago, my home for the past 23 years, that I encountered the powerful documentary Garbage Warrior. This film left a profound mark on me. It explored the visionary concept of “Earthships”—self-sufficient, eco-friendly dwellings that meet individual needs empower communities, and minimize environmental impact.
Living in Chicago, I had witnessed the physical and metaphorical weight of garbage, having experienced the challenges of poverty firsthand. The film inspired me with its innovative designs, which adapt seamlessly to different environments and serve diverse purposes. In 2016, I applied to the Earthship Academy and was thrilled to be accepted. Later that year, I joined a field study project on Kenawa Island in Indonesia.
Personal healing and community integration go hand in hand.
One feeds the other in a reciprocal cycle.
For one transformative month, we worked to construct eco-friendly housing for visitors—a model for sustainable tourism with minimal environmental impact. Our team was a vibrant mix: 60 international volunteers, local residents, and the incredible Earthship Academy crew led by Michael Reynolds. We came from different cultures, walks of life, and worldviews, united by a shared vision.
For me, fresh from personal development workshops, the experience felt like stepping into a treasure trove of inspiration. Intimate conversations with fellow participants enriched my understanding of community, resilience, and potential. By the end of the project, two ideas had crystallized: first, how this kind of design could uplift underserved communities, and second, how it could serve as a platform for personal growth and healing.
Eight years later, those seeds of inspiration are reemerging amidst the dust of life. While the details are still taking shape, I’m excited to share memories from the Kenawa Island project. My hope is to spark your curiosity, ignite your imagination, and explore how innovation and healing can intersect to create meaningful change.