{"id":59911,"date":"2023-05-27T10:57:21","date_gmt":"2023-05-26T22:57:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/aotearoa\/?p=59911"},"modified":"2025-07-28T21:04:40","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T09:04:40","slug":"using-art-to-tackle-the-plastic-pollution-crisis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/aotearoa\/story\/using-art-to-tackle-the-plastic-pollution-crisis\/","title":{"rendered":"Using art to tackle the plastic pollution crisis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In 2016, I embarked on a creative journey, a quest fuelled by a deep-seated concern for our oceans \u2013 choked with plastic. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch had recently commanded international attention<\/a>, inspiring me to contribute my voice and vision to this critical issue. <\/p>\n\n

That voice took form in a haunting image \u2013\u00a0a mermaid ensnared in 10,000 plastic bottles<\/a>. This image captivated millions, amassing over 35 million views, and sparking significant conversation about our disposable culture.<\/p>\n\n

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The success of this campaign, and others that followed, transcended the realm of online chatter, ushering tangible change. These projects acted as catalysts for policy discussions, stimulated shifts in consumer behavior, and raised public consciousness about the unchecked consumption of single-use plastic.<\/p>\n\n

Despite increased awareness, the plastics crisis continues to worsen<\/h2>\n\n

Yet despite the growing awareness and palpable desire for reform, plastic production has shown no signs of relenting<\/a>. The challenge has become clear: the culture of convenience that underpins our society is stubborn, its roots deep and resilient. Our efforts must rise to meet this daunting reality.<\/p>\n\n

In response to this, last year I embarked on a monumental project \u2013 a symbol for the\u00a0Global Plastics Treaty<\/a>. I constructed a towering\u00a04-story giant faucet, a torrent of plastic debris cascading over the United Nations headquarters<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

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This art installation bore witness to 1,500 delegates from 193 countries united in their call for global restrictions on plastic production<\/a>. Yet, there emerged an unanticipated issue \u2013 the call to \u201cTurn Off The Plastic Tap\u201d was misconstrued by some stakeholders, deflecting the focus from plastic production to clean-ups<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

To address this, I\u2019ve partnered with Greenpeace to craft a new message, one impossible to misinterpret: A colossal five meters tall machine, endlessly churning out plastics starkly laying bare the toxic union of fossil fuels and plastic production<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

\"Art
Greenpeace partners with artist Benjamin Von Wong to bring a 5-meter tall #PerpetualPlastic Machine to the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Paris, France, to show world leaders that plastic pollutes from the moment it is created. Greenpeace is calling for an ambitious Global Plastics Treaty that must stop runaway plastic production and use.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Over 99% of plastic is made from fossil fuels: plastic pollution is also a climate issue<\/h2>\n\n

This perpetual plastic machine physically illustrates the destructive lifecycle of plastics \u2013 from extraction to disposal<\/a> \u2013 relentlessly producing plastic, echoing the relentless rhythm of the industry it represents.<\/p>\n\n

Art, in its essence, is a translator<\/a>. It deciphers the complex, making it accessible and evocative. This machine, for instance, transforms the intricate narrative of plastic production and pollution into a stark, visceral display, inciting an emotional response and a call to arms.<\/p>\n\n

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We have a unique opportunity to develop solutions that address the global plastic pollution crisis. \ud83c\udf0e\ud83d\udc33

These solutions can be guided by the cultural teachings of our past, lessons and wisdoms that speak to living in absolute harmony with the environment #INC2<\/a> #PlasticsTreaty<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/sLp6wLveFc<\/a><\/p>— Greenpeace Aotearoa (@GreenpeaceNZ) May 22, 2023<\/a><\/blockquote>