As winter temperatures set in, the ecosystems of Nova Scotia change, with species going into hibernation, lakes freezing, and vegetation dying. Blundstones and puffers emerge from closets, first-years think they’re cool for discovering the tunnels, and your environmentally conscious roommate with a car drives two minutes to campus each morning. The cold makes life harder for all, but the sweater-vest wearing minority bears the brunt of the Canadian winter blow. And no, not the pensioners freezing in their flats because they can’t afford heat. These individuals are Dalhousie and King’s students.
The Mackerel spoke to Mandy Molasis, a fourth-year environmental science student, about the community’s struggle with dropping temperatures. “It’s been really hard,” reflected Molasis. “With sleeved clothing, we’re forced to hide our fabulous fungi tattoos,” she continued. “Without everyone able to see my Psilocybe quebecensis it feels like I’ve been robbed of one of my personality traits,” she lamented. Luckily, the beginning of the tiny toque season has lessened the long-sleeve induced pain — but the crisis remains very real.
Despite their faced adversity, Molasis and other sweater vest wearers have found a temporary solution: thrifting Levi’s, ripping them, and placing colourful patches with hand-embroidered mushrooms overtop. “This way everyone still knows that I once paid for a subpar mushroom-foraging workshop in BC,” bragged Molasis. “It’s the save our community desperately needed”.
The Mackerel encourages you to check in with sweater vest wearers in your circle to help them through this cold and difficult time.
By Justin Field