STOP OCEAN PLASTIC POLLUTION Advocacy Project

 

Plastic pollution is the most widespread problem affecting the marine environment. It also threatens ocean health, food safety and quality, human health, coastal tourism, and contributes to climate change. Over 300 million tons of plastic are produced every year, half of which is single-use items such as shopping bags, plates, cups and straws. Out of this, at least 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year.

A study from Plymouth University confirms that plastic pollution affects at least 700 marine species. Of this alarming number, an estimated 100 million marine animals are killed each year from plastic pollution. “Each year, plastic pollution kills more than 100,000 marine creatures” World Wildlife Fund. “8 Million Metric tons of plastic goes into the ocean” Ocean Conservancy.

According to the United Nations, at least 800 species worldwide are affected by marine debris, and as much as 80 percent of that litter is plastic. It is estimated that up to 13 million metric tons of plastic ends up in the ocean each year. “…if the trends continue, our oceans could contain more plastic than fish by 2050” UNEP.

Hundreds of thousands of marine animals get entangled in plastic waste each year which limits their motion and their ability to feed, and causes injuries, suffocation, starvation, drowning and infections. Marine wildlife such as seabirds, whales, fishes and turtles, mistake plastic waste for prey, and most die of starvation as their stomachs are filled with plastic debris. Floating plastics also contribute to the spread of invasive marine organisms and bacteria, which disrupt ecosystems. Dead whales have also been found with bellies full of plastic.

Humans are not immune to this threat: While plastics are estimated to take up to hundreds of years to fully decompose, some of them break down much quicker into tiny particles, which in turn end up in the seafood we eat.

The Year 8 students of Caleb British International School met once every week (five weeks in total) with their art teacher, Prince Olusegun Adeniyi to brainstorm on tackling plastic pollution in the ocean, SDG 14 (Life below water). They engaged in robust discussions and considered different perspectives about how plastic pollution affects the marine lives.

The Art teacher also invited an expert, Manuela Correia from Europe to the Year 8 blended classroom via MS Teams to inspire the students about the Ocean life project. The students conducted further researches online to ascertain the claim that Plastic pollution is hazardous to the marine lives. They made shocking discoveries …the plastic you use once when not properly disposed, ends up in the oceans and tortures the oceans forever.

The students decided to do something about it. They created paintings, sculptures and installations to ADVOCATE against plastic pollution in the oceans, also to PROMOTE protection and conservation of animals that live in water. The students created artworks with the following objectives:

       I.            To promote protection and conservation of animals that live in water.

    II.            To advocate against plastic pollution in the oceans.

The students’ recommendations in solving the problems are as follows:

        i.            Use fewer plastic products (Reduce)

      ii.            Eat sustainably

    iii.            Clean the beach

    iv.            Use a trash can with a lid

      v.            Use eco-friendly products

    vi.            Go as zero waste as possible

  vii.            Recycle plastics

viii.            Always dispose plastic properly

    ix.            Use items that can decompose

The United Nation Information Centre Lagos has shown interest in using the STOP OCEAN PLASTIC POLLUTION virtual exhibition video in their outreaches. The video has also been submitted for the UNESCO Green Citizens projects.

The plan is to make the physical showcase a travelling exhibiton across the continents to educate the world about the negative impacts of plastic pollution in the oceans and to promote protection and conservation of animals that live in water.

You are specially invited to a Vernissage of Paintings, Pappier Mache and Installations to advocate against plastic pollution in the oceans. The Exhibition is meant to evoke thoughts and interest of viewers to join us on this mission to put an end to the menace of plastic pollution in our world. Indeed, a collective effort and holistic approach is the way forward.

Venue: Caleb British International School, Caleb Adebogun Crescent, Abijo GRA, Abijo, Lagos, Nigeria.

For virtual viewing, please send your request to: oadeniyi@cbis.ng or +2348030874474

Kindly watch and share their first virtual exhibition video: https://youtu.be/Ek3pFK_sYjo