Art as a Solution: Addressing the Plastic Pollution Crisis

Greenpeace and Art: Tackling the Plastic Pollution Crisis

The Plastic Pollution Crisis

Our planet is now grappling with one of the most pressing issues of our time – plastic pollution. Despite countless efforts to combat it, plastic production continues at an alarming rate, and our oceans and marine life continue to suffer.

The Role of Art

Art has a unique role in illuminating complex issues and making them easily comprehensible. It has the power to evoke emotions and inspire action that goes beyond mere intellectual awareness. This is where Greenpeace, together with artist Benjamin Von Wong, comes in to play.

In 2016, Von Wong created an image of a mermaid ensnared in 10,000 plastic bottles. This image gathered millions of views and sparked significant discussions on the plastic pollution crisis. Following the success of this campaign, Von Wong embarked on a series of other projects that further helped in raising public consciousness about single-use plastics and their harrowing effects on the environment.

Using Art to Call for Policy Shifts

As the plastic pollution crisis still worsens, Greenpeace and Von Wong are collaborating once again, this time to ensure that their message cannot be misconstrued. The partners have created another striking visual message: a colossal 5-meter tall perpetual plastic machine which depicts the toxic alliance between fossil fuels and plastics production. This machine demonstrates, in stark contrast, how plastics are constructed from the moment of extraction to disposal.

Through this art installation, Greenpeace and Von Wong are sending a profound message to world leaders – to put a permanent halt on plastic production. Over 99% of plastic is made from fossil fuels, making plastic pollution a climate issue. Thus, halting plastic production is key to addressing climate change.

An Urgent Call to Action

As the details of the Global Plastics Treaty are deliberated at INC-2, the perpetual plastic machine standing tall in Paris, France, is a powerful reminder of the urgent action that needs to be taken. Everyone, from individuals to organizations and governments worldwide, has to take a stand for a sustainable future. Advocation for a robust Global Plastics Treaty that limits virgin plastic production and saying no to big oil and big plastic are crucial steps towards achieving this.

In Conclusion

Our planet cannot sustain the current rate of plastic production and consumption. It’s time for Greenpeace’s call to become a reality. Using art to inspire change is one of the ways we can push towards a more conscious and sustainable future. Let us all be part of the solution, and support the Global Plastics Treaty.

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