Wastecity.
A place you wouldn’t call home.
Sustainability had become a distant memory.
And the situation was dire
Yet, that morning, unseen eyes were watching.
SUN CITY” RECYCLING SQUAD
A few days earlier, in gardenOPOLiS
alarm!
THE TOWN OF YOUR DREAMS.
Where residents respect the environment by reducing consumption, waste, and pollution...
Quick, to the lab!
SQUAD,
... An alarm is blaring in the recycling hangar.
RECYCLiNG
ASSEMBLE!
we made it, hilto!
By running, you’ve burned more air, worn down your shoes and the pavement, shortening their lifespan, and increased the need for public maintenance, which costs everyone money! Are you insane?
what?!? already?
then we should change the siren! This is freaking the citizens and everyone out!
and it makes them sweat more, which wastes a lot of...
you think you’re so efficient, uh?! Only 2 minutes, 24 seconds, and 30 hundredths!
but, boss... the siren made us anxious! That’s why we ran!
Anxiety? Are you kidding me? We’re supposed to be promoting calm and balance! and you?! you run like crazy
And you’re making me sweat bullets! do you know what it means? More water consumption! Water, the most precious resource on earth!
Fine, fine! We’ll change the siren!
But let’s get to the point.
We did our best in Gardenopolis.
As you know, many moons have passed since that night, when our eyes and minds were enlightened and...
Here we go again... on his high horse.
Silence, please... ever since we became the recycling squad
NEW
We showed people how to recycle, eat local, save energy, and go green.
LIFE
NEW LIFE sell & exchange workshop
no more Waste, now... everything is recycled.
Public spaces serve as platforms to enable intercultural and intergenerational dialogue.
dinner time? already?
so, it’s Time to shine, Recycling squad!
No, Maxus. I’m not talking about that.
it’s time to move.
it’s time to bring our art to the world.
How can we teach them anything if they’re always wearing headphones?!
... and pass it on to the teens, for instance. what?!?
t-teens?!
That’s what I said, Vegas. Are you deaf?
But boss, those guys are dangerous!
And those video games they’re glued to?
and those chats they’re always logged into?
nonsense.
And even so, we’ll become headphones, video games, chats and even dog food, if needed.
We’ve got to get them to change the world.
You know what? I kind of like that idea.
it’s time to sow!
We will patiently wait for nature to take its course, and then we’ll enjoy the fruits of our labour. What the heck are you...?!
well said, voda.
uh?!
We’ll share our experience with the people of tomorrow, to create a greener, fairer, and happier world, where nature and humanity live in harmony. sounds better!
Sowing,
sure! let’s go!
So, recycling squad... are you up for it?
I sure hope I don’t end up as dog food. put on your armour! we’re off!
There’s this place I know...
Wastecity.
A place you wouldn’t call home. it was once a thriving metropolis where people lived happily.
it’s much worse than expected.
Then the air became so polluted you couldn’t breathe, and the fumes made the sky go dark.
A long night fell, and the sunless city was soon renamed Wastecity
Boss... why are we here? yes, hilto.
What’s the point of fixing up a ghost town?
holy cow!
What’s wrong with you guys? Did the smog get to your brains? This place is far from being a ghost town. Check out those lights!
Do people still live here? all holed up in their houses?
And they probably don’t even know the mess they’ve made.
That’s right. And They’ve got all the MOD CONS, believe it or not.
This is what happens when no one takes care of our shared spaces.
No time to waste!
if we nail this challenge, all the others will be a cinch!
okay.
Let’s start with this square.
I’ll evaluate the area’s energy efficiency. These lampposts look like excellent support.
Vegas... Check around for any recoupable waste
Leftover pallets... they could be useful...
Voda... go and see what can be done with these flowerbeds
First of all, let’s test the soil.
Wait,
Maxus, try talking to people
is that shop still open?!
it’s damp and sweet. it must be coming from a river or a lake.
Mmm... smells like heavy metals.
what might ever grow on such barren ground?!
now... let’s check things out around here.
The wall is warm and bathed in sunlight. excellent.
And it CARRiES a sound I recognize!
Ah! I was right!
We’ve got pollinators!
a buzzing of hymenoptera. There must be a garden at the end of this street.
What about the wind?
Now I know what to do!
it might be a private one.
Oh, these... well, they’re part of me! Each of these jars contains a melody that I use depending on where I am!
we don’t like noisy people ‘round here.
Hi! it’s a lovely day today, isn’t it?
Not a chance. We haven’t had a customer in ages... and you’re probably here to sell me something, huh?!
I like to make music, noise... I’m a creator of social connections, that’s what I do!
sorry, but... by “we” you mean...?
There’s not a soul in sight.
you’re right...
by now I’ve put a 99% off sale on all items...
They’re all cooped up inside!
chill out... Your problems are over now! You’ll see, we’ll bring this city back to life!
Yet, no one’s coming into the store or walking down the street anymore.
Now I can spill the beans: I belong to the Recycling squad!
they don’t even realize I’m here!
if you let us run your place, we can bring this square back to its former glory!
i can’t believe it...
flowerbeds in bloom, new benches...
I can’t believe it! and the people will come back!
and so...?!
You got me. Here, take the keys. I have nothing left to lose anyway.
if things haven’t changed, you’ll have to answer to my gun! i’m going.
but i’ll be back in one week exactly!
Start spreading the news, I’m leaving today...
Don’t worry, you’re in good hands with us!
... I want to be a part of it...
I’M WARNiNG YOU!!
each and Every product has its own soul. And anything can become something else.
Just
supportive back seat
nothing is created, nothing is lost, just like science taught us. everything can be transformed!
Alright, everyone. now I know where to put the solar panels to provide the square with energy. How did you guys do?
I’ve got it all figured out. I’m going to make this place flourish again! Vegas, as always, I’ll need your help!
Don’t worry! I’ve found a lot of materials and I’m brimming with ideas!
Hey folks! We’ve got a new recycling hideout! sounds good.
But there’s a slight complication. if we do this on our own, nothing’s going to change here.
but here’s no nowhere.
Yeah... it would be like building a cathedral in the middle of nowhere...
Sorry, sir... Could we have our ball back?
But before you play, how about giving us a hand... ... to give this square a makeover with our superpowers?
Sure, kids, here you go.
Let’s see... ... who wants to try the green powers?
green powers?
Look, the ground in these flowerbeds is dry and full of pollutants... But we can regenerate it!
So we’re going to plant zucchinis? or maybe tomatoes? for the sauce!
Before we can do that, we need to change this soil. That’s why I need my hardworking helpers!
These are amazing powers, but they take time. patience and perseverance They help bring life to places where there’s nothing but barren land.
follow me!
I want fast powers, not slow ones!
No! We won’t eat vegetables that taste like hydrocarbons! For now, we can try with flowers and “smogeating” plants!
Earthworms are the bowels of the Earth! They create a cycle of life, oxygenate and purify the soil, even if many sacrifice their lives for this noble task. They are the true, unsung heroes of the underground!
Let them take care of our land!
in order To help them, WE MUST FEED THEM WELL ...
eggshells raw vegetable waste
To save them from birds, we’ll shield the flowerbeds using a black plastic cover, covered by a layer of leaves.
fallen leaves water or chamomile leaves plastics
... and maintain soil moisture.
You’ll need to come and tend to your own garden, adding nutrients and watering as needed.
I’LL keep track of the shifts. i’ll get the notebook.
I’ll bring the scraps. We are vegetarian at home and My house is full of leaves.
Who’s interested in the red powers?
Let’s start looking around. Where can we find it? from heat?
from motion?
from the sun?
Location is key! Where should we place them?
as high up as possible!
The powers of energy.
Energy is as fast as lightning.
Are these powers fast, at least?
The challenge is to capture it.
all right! We’ll harness the solar energy... using these!
They are going to illuminate the square and pump water to the urban garden that Voda and Vegas are assembling.
the most direct sunlight hits during the hottest part of the afternoon
then The tilt angle... it should be adjusted seasonally. We could start with a 40-degree tilt.
southward, in order to catch the midday sun.
let’s go!
in order to bestow upon you the yellow powers of socialization, you’ll need to overcome a challenging trial.
a universal remote... not a bad idea! but there’s a simpler way: we need to reconnect with people! but how?
Actually, it’s going to be tough. You’ll have to repeat this every day, until people greet you back. Only then, you can move on to phase two: listening.
You need to bring this square back to life. Let’s start your ideas, team. How can we get people out of their homes?
Let’s kick everyone out!
Let’s build a universal remote that can turn off every TV and computer!
Through these three simple but revolutionary steps!
1 good morning! 2 listening 3 public event
Should we greet people in the first stage? it sounds easy!
give’em the floor and listen to them as much as possible. Only then can you understand their needs and decide what activities to include in phase three: the event to revitalize these spaces.
Let’s check out how our soil is doing, guys.
Great job! Did you bring the smog-eating plants I told you about? here they are!!
We’ve taken good care of it and there are the first sprouts!
rosemary captures atmospheric particulates!
the strawberry tree is a great co2 devourer.
Great job! I have beautiful coreopsis and tagetes in many colors. They’re great for attracting pollinators!
Look over there, some are getting nearer!
viburnum gobbles up carbon dioxide for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
With their help, our garden will thrive and complete its natural cycle!
butterflies
Apoidea hoverflies
and now, Let’s learn how to unlock the incredible transforming white powers
Can you spot anything helpful to begin with? discarded items. dirt all around.
first of all, let’s clean up a bit! We can use these tyres. painting... assembling... ... and then filling it with a garbage bag.
used tyres!
And there they are... lovely recycling bins, so that The trash will be off the ground, and we’ll know where to find the materials to be recycled.
Let’s get started with recycling! What are the rules?
No ceramics, porcelain, mirrors, or crystal in the aluminium and glass bin.
Paper and cardboard recycling doesn’t include receipts, chemically treated paper, or dirty paper.
Plastic packaging is fine! But no to hard plastics, plates, or disposable cups.
Now for the magical part: let’s repurpose discarded items.
We’ll build the garden structure from these wooden pallets
Check out these bottles! We have plenty to create a vertical garden.
And the remaining will become urban furniture!
Hey Vegas, need a hand? seedlings are ready for planting!
Old tanks are ideal for collecting rainwater! Just cut them up.
great! with your help, the change will be quick and easy!
Tomatoes, cabbages, zucchinis...
Hey squad, have you forgotten about the importance of a proper electrical setup?
is everything in place, guys?!
Solar panel in place and facing the sun! underwater pump and float switch are in place and operational.
charge controller and battery have been successfully connected.
Wow! What a wonderful sight! The square looks completely different now!
My team has gone above and beyond, and the results speak for themselves!
We’ve extended an invitation to people to experience urban gardening and create their own rooftop gardens.
We invited them to participate in a swap meet by bringing their unwanted items.
We’ve also lined up actors, poets, and musicians to perform at the opening of our new recycling centre.
The next step is to promote our party!
LET’S PARTY YOU’RE ALL INVITED TO THE PARADERECYCLING AT 5 PM IN TOWN SQUARE! MAURO STOREOPENING!GRAND
And how comfortable this recycled living room is!
the usual slacker!
relax, vegas!
can’t wait to see what those weirdos have been up to.
I’ll show them it’s best not to mess with me!
a few days after.
many, many thanks to our youth and to the recycling squad for breathing new life into this square and these neglected gardens!
And now, Let’s officially open the Mauro Store: a place for free exchange and creative recycling!
May their work inspire us all to bring our city back to life!
maxus!!!
What do you think, Mauro?
now You own the place again!
You mean we own it because from now on, I’m with you!
it’s unbelievable!
ha, ha, ha! Awesome, another recycler!
LET’SPARTY YOU’REALLINVITED TOTHERECYCLING PARADEAT 5PMINTOWN SQUARE!MAURO STOREGRAND OPENING!”
I love decay, stench, cockroaches. I adore landfills and broken glass.
You’ll never fix wastecity!
I loathe flowers, colors, and scents. I despise parties and people dancing.
People always arguing and hating each other!
the recycling squad...
Phooey!
Arrogant, silly superheroes...
do you hear me, recycling squad?!
And so, for the first time in years, a ray of sunlight pierced through the fog of wastecity.
you’re doomed! the end?