Image Source: Screen capture from Gert.tv.
When it comes to plastic, many people are divided on the issue. Some absolutely refuse to buy or use any plastic products. Others have no problem with plastic, as long as it’s disposed of properly (reused or recycled). Given issues such as the Pacific Garbage Patch and the more recent Atlantic Garbage Patch, I don’t blame people for being upset about plastics.
However, whether people approve of plastic or not, it’s still a major part of our lives. It can be found in toys, storage containers, luggage, medical equipment, construction supplies, vehicle parts, furniture, and even clothing. There have been advances in the plastic world, such as attempts in creating sugar-based plastics, but there is still a long way to go before this excessively used product will appease everyone.
There is some good news in the world of plastic, though. Lately, there has been a bit of a surge in the use of plastics in art and design. Dutch artist, Gert de Mulder, has taken the dreaded plastic bags and turned them into building blocks, dubbed Recy-Blocks. Another Dutch-based design firm, Whim Architects, has developed an interesting plan, called Recycled Island. The idea would involve collecting all the plastic from the Pacific Garbage Patch and turning it into a sustainable home for climate change refugees.
There was also another recent project constructed in Taiwan. Named the Fashion Pavilion EcoARK, the moveable three-story structure is made from 1.5 million interlocked, recycled, Polli-Brick PET bottles. All of these designs have used (or plan to use) plastics in a useful and creative way. Rather than viewing plastic as a problem, try to see how you can turn it into part of the solution.
Have you ever created any useful item or product from recycled plastics? Feel free to share your story, if you have.
By Heidi Marshall
