Documerica captured our way of life and environment shortly after EPA’s creation. State of the Environment is your chance, 40 years later, to mark the change.
Join this global documentary of our lives and our environment today. Challenge yourself with Documerica Then and Now.
Join In! Share photos using Flickr: entries accepted through 2013.
Catch the EPA Traveling Exhibit
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.
Take a Break on this Bench
Photographs have the power to show us everything. The sad, the grim, but also scenes that bring us a greater sense of peace. Photographs are simply tools that capture moments in time, moments that we want to hold on to for a little longer. Photographs, can also transport us away in time. They provide a window to the past, or to another place in the near present that we want to be a part of.
Today, take a moment. Let yourself be brought to this beautiful place.
Bench on Mori Point, by charlesmonroe98, April 30, 2013 on Flickr.
What is the view near you? State of the Environment is the story of your photos from around our world, taking shape together. Share what you see. Be part of the larger picture.
We hope you are inspired to join in. Photos taken from 2011 until the end of 2013 may be submitted to State of the Environment on Flickr. All levels of photography experience and skill are welcome.
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.
Puerto Rico, Then & Now
Then: “Palo Seco Electric Power Plant Across the Bay from San Juan, Puerto Rico,” February, 1973 photo by John Vachon for Documerica.
Now: “Palo Seco Power Plant, San Juan, PR,” December, 2012 J. Maldonado for State of the Environment.
DOCUMERICA reminds us where we once were. State of the Environment is your chance to to answer: are we better off?
Since Earth Day 2011, it has been up to you to submit photos that show our environment and quality of life. How is it, in front of your eyes?
Our environmental problems may be less obvious today, than decades ago. Some we have even overcome. Yet, new challenges await our action. What can your camera – or smartphone - show for the State of our Environment now?
This public documentary is the only time that DOCUMERICA has been revisited in the last four decades. Now, it is about your view of our world. No scene is too ordinary, no view too small. Share what you see with State of the Environment on Flickr.
This project is collecting current photo contributions from around the world through the end of 2013.
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.
Weekend Challenge: Our World in Motion
We live in a vibrant, ever-changing world. Just think about it. Have you seen the same clouds twice? The same shadows cast by trees, or the same colors reflected in a puddle or pond? This weekend, we are challenging you to capture our world in motion. Be quick to the draw, or slow with the shutterspeed, but go forth and photograph freely.
What places, what moments, are alive with light and movement where you live?
nebulous by photocafe, May 5, 2013 on Flickr.
State of the Environment is nothing without your photos of our world. Tell your story, share it, and it will be part of the larger picture.
We hope you join us. Photos taken from 2011 until the end of 2013 may be submitted to State of the Environment on Flickr. All levels of photography experience and skill are welcome.
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.
Today’s Photo: A Street View Near You?
The choices we make, the paths we take, lead us to different views of our world. Today’s photo was chosen for its creative angle at a scene many of us see everyday. What choices are we each making that led to this picture? How easily can we make better choices for tomorrow?
Garbage on the Sidewalk, Coney Island Avenue in Brooklyn, NY by Jared Kofsky, May 12, 2013 on Flickr.
State of the Environment is a collection of publicly shared scenes of our world. Each photo you share has the power to say a simple something about our way or life and our environment. Together, the photos show the incredible collective picture.
We hope you join in. Photos taken from 2011 until the end of 2013 may be submitted to State of the Environment on Flickr. All levels of photography experience and skill are welcome.
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.
Photo Theme: Go on, get outside!
Happy Friday everyone! Get outside, enjoy the outdoors this weekend. Grab your camera, or share by smartphone photos of people, kids, even pets enjoying the day. We just may pick your photo to share next week!
Barnstable Beach, Cape Cod, MA by ad454 on Flickr.
State of the Environment is a collection of publicly shared scenes of our world. Each photo you share has the power to say a simple something about our way or life and our environment. Together, the photos show the incredible collective picture.
We hope you join in. Photos taken from 2011 until the end of 2013 may be submitted to State of the Environment on Flickr. All levels of photography experience and skill are welcome.
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.
Our Environment: Iran
Our environment is the woven scenes of our world. Where one environment blends into another, is one line that could never be drawn in the sand.
Iran, Kerman, October 5, 2011 by M.Pantoufle on Flickr.
State of the Environment is a collection of publicly shared scenes of our world; scenes that speak to our way of life and our environment. How explicitly they do so, is up to you.
Each photo you share, is another way to be a part of this global picture of our time. Our running display of featured photos, shows just the beginning of the power this collective picture holds. Each image, represents a piece of our environment today from all corners of our world.
As EPA’s modern DOCUMERICA, this is a second iteration of an unprecedented photographic documentary that you can now take part in. So what do your surroundings have to say?
Photos taken from 2011 until the end of 2013 may be submitted to State of the Environment on Flickr. All levels of photography experience and skill are welcome.
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.
Today’s Photo: A Sea of Bass
Swirling Striped Bass, by Jenny Adler on Flickr, September 20, 2012
State of the Environment is our current DOCUMERICA, open to your photos of our lives and environment today. What do your surroundings have to say about our world?
Photos taken from 2011 until the end of 2013 may be submitted to State of the Environment on Flickr. All levels of photography experience and skill are welcome.
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.
Today’s Photo & Caption Time!
State of the Environment Caption Contest, Jeffrey W. Spencer, Ladybird Lake, Austin, Texas, June 19, 2012
We’ll share our favorite duckling caption here, as well as on EPA’s Facebook page.
State of the Environment is open to your photos of our lives and environment today. What do your surroundings have to say about our world?
Photos may be submitted from around the world to State of the Environment on Flickr through the end of 2013.
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.
Our Great Lakes – How are they doing?
From Lake Erie and Michigan, to the smaller bodies of freshwater near you, show us the environmental health of our lakes today.
DOCUMERICA is full of stories of pollution back then. In one case, there is a desperate attempt to pour chlorine off of a beach to try and make the water swimmable. What has 40 years of greater environmental awareness done? What are the issues that remain to be tackled today?
Over the weekend, use your camera as a tool to show us the issues or stories of success near you. We’ve provided a few “Then” examples below. It is up to you to document “Now”.
IN AN ATTEMPT TO MAKE THE WATER USABLE FOR SWIMMING, CITY EMPLOYEES POUR CHLORINE INTO LAKE ERIE AT WHITE CITY BEACH, 06/1973 by Frank Aleksandrowicz.
BUFFALO WATERFRONT. DISCOLORED AREA IS POLLUTED WATER FLOWING INTO LAKE ERIE FROM THE BUFFALO RIVER, 07/1973 by George Burns 1896-1996.
ANNUAL SMELT RUN AT SINGING BRIDGE, TAWAS CITY. IN MID-APRIL THOUSANDS OF FISHERMEN GATHER AT WHITNEY DRAIN, A MANMADE CANAL ON LAKE HURON, TO DIPNET FOR THESE SMALL FISH, 04/1973 by Donald Emmerich.
CALUMET PARK (FAR SOUTH SIDE) ON LAKE MICHIGAN COMMONWEALTH EDISON STATELINE PLANT IN BACKGROUND, 06/1973 by Paul Sequeira.
FAMILY FISHING FROM DOCK AT CASCADE POND NEAR LAKE PLACID NEW YORK, IN THE ADIRONDACK FOREST PRESERVE, 07/1973 by Anne LaBastille.
Share scenes of our freshwater lakes today, with State of the Environment. Match an earlier scene from DOCUMERICA so we can all see the change, or simply share a view from a place as you see it.
To search DOCUMERICA, follow this helpful guide.
State of the Environment is about your perspective. Photos may be submitted from around the world to State of the Environment on Flickr through the end of 2013.
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.
Today’s Photo: Up a Lucky Creek
During the Bear Creek Park and Shoreline Cleanup by Clean Bread and Cheese Creek April 20, 2013
Bread and Cheese Creek holds a special place in our hearts. We can’t help but share their stories of progress, because of their enthusiasm and continued effort to share the photos with State of the Environment. Just look at all the incredible work they’ve done!
On April 20 alone, this dedicated bunch had 130 volunteers tackle litter and debris in Bear Creek Park. They cleaned the shoreline in addition to the park itself. Here is what they removed in just a day:
- 4 tons of trash (567 trash bags!),
- over 2 tons of metal that will be recycled,
- 10 tires,
- 9 shopping carts,
- 9 bicycles,
- 7 plastic lawn chairs,
- 2 electric lawnmowers,
- an electric scooter,
- 1 huge rear projection TV,
- 1 55 gallon drum, an engine head,
- 1 electric roof antenna, and shockingly – more!
Their motto is “Together can make a Difference” and that is the truth! It’s an inspiring story, and this creek is lucky to have them. If you have rolled up your sleeves, gathered with others, or just gotten to work on your own – help us share your story.
If you were involved in a community cleanup event this Earth Day, share the before and after photos with State of the Environment. You’re not alone in your efforts for a better planet. Let us help you prove it!
Share your view of life and our environment today from around the world with State of the Environment on Flickr through the end of 2013. Be a part of this statement about our environment today.
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.
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