National Plastic Quilt on Display at Gumbo through SeptemberNot Too Late to Participate!
Environmental advocates, as part of Leave No Plastic Behind (LNPB), are quilting together a message that favors alternatives to single-use plastic. Since 80% of this plastic travels to sea from land via rivers and streams, The National Plastic Quilt Project was created as a tool for bringing the issue back home.
Groups, families, classrooms and other organizations are strongly encouraged to participate. The Project takes place August 15-October 15 and includes an avoidance of single-use plastic, an accumulation of unavoidable plastic and a creation of a 12" square quilt patch from any parts of the unavoidable plastic collected. Applications, available at www.LNPB.org must be submitted by August 15, and squares will be due in late October.
The National Plastic Quilt Project helps reveal an everyday struggle to avoid plastic; positive ways to reduce and reuse; and inspire individuals to take direct responsibility for their own well-being and that of their family, friends and community. "As a teacher, I intend to use this experience in my classroom to promote environmental stewardship and waste awareness. This challenge has also impacted my personal life because I revitalized my passion to make sustainable changes”, said LNPB participant Kriston Anton.
The Quilt Project began earlier this year, as 18 artists continued the LNPB commitment of curbing the daily plastic consumption habit. So far 34 squares have been created, with the hope of 100 after the current call for participants. Current squares created can be seen here. The quilt will be on display in Portland during the month of November at a location to be announced in October.
LNPB, now a project of the 501 (c) non-profit organization Create Plenty, presents art exhibits and creative events year-round to raise awareness about the damaging effects of single-use plastic and offers alternative suggestions on how to reduce and reuse. The group is inspired by Captain Charles Moore and his continued work researching the effects of marine debris at the Algalita Marine Research Foundation.
"Think Ahead, Leave No Plastic Behind."
