New art installation in Cloonavin highlights the problem of plastic pollution
Fri, June 08, 2018
A unique art installation which aims to highlight the environmental impact of plastic pollution is now on display in Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s headquarters in Coleraine.
‘Uniform of Debris’ was officially opened by the Mayor, Councillor Brenda Chivers.
Created by Kathryn Nelson and Dr Roy Nelson, the artwork takes the form of a table set up for a dinner party, with plastic cutlery and plates constructed to resemble a coral reef. Recorded voices of dinner guests discuss the effect of discarded plastic and coral loss.
Welcoming guests to the opening night, the Mayor said: “We are very privileged to be able to display Kathryn and Roy’s work in Cloonavin. Not only is this art installation visually stunning, the audio is captivating and I have learnt a lot today about the impact of plastic pollution.
“We are so fortunate to live and work in such a great Borough. It truly is a beautiful area and it is deserving of our care and protection. ‘Uniform of Debris’ is a striking display which shows us all how plastic pollution impacts our oceans.”
Fiona Watters, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Environmental Resource Officer added: “I am delighted to see ‘Uniform of Debris’ displaid in Cloonavin for staff, elected members, visitors and the public to see. I would encourage everyone to come view the exhibition which is on display until June 15th.”
“We are all becoming very aware of the damage plastic litter can cause. Every day in our Borough 1400 plastic bottles are discarded as litter. One in three fish caught for human consumption has plastic in its body.
"Uniform of Debris" is part of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s PlasticSmart initiative which aims to raise awareness and encourage practical action to reduce plastic and increase recycling.
Tips to reduce plastic:
· use a refillable water bottle and top up at premises displaying the ‘h2o on the go’ logo
· use a keep cup for take-out coffees; many cafés offer discount when you bring your own cup
· say no to straws
· avoid plastic bags and packaging; not everything needs to be in a bag
· use cloths instead of disposable wipes
· try a lunchbox or container instead of cling film
· give a bar of soap a go instead of liquid soap in a plastic container
· use cotton buds with a paper stick and don’t flush them
· try a shampoo bar instead of liquid shampoo, which comes in a plastic bottle
Help and support is available from Council’s Environmental Resource Team for businesses, schools, churches, community groups and residents who would like to become PlasticSmart.
We would love to hear how you are getting on and what you have tried.
For further information on Council’s PlasticSmart initiative and what to recycle, please visit www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/recycle or contact our Environmental Resource Team at recycle@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk or via 028 2766 0248.
