“Jasmine is a beloved flower in Chinese culture, symbolizing purity and elegance. In imagining a greener future for Chinatown, we may wish for lush greenery, but that comes hand in hand with our little brethren: insects.

Scattered among the leaves are colorful bugs living in their own tiny world. Some are seen as lucky, like the ladybug, or beautiful like the butterfly - but also included are the hardworking ant, and the humble spider. Bugs are the foundation of the ecosystem. We may overlook them or treat them as pests, but there are no flowers, no songbirds, no greener future without our little guys. We can’t just pick and choose the ones that we like - all creatures have their place in keeping the environment alive.

Step into a different perspective. The next time you see a bug, I encourage you to not step on it thoughtlessly - take a moment to observe its movements, think about its journey, and appreciate how much this little creature does for our world.”