Visual Art + Tech
Stevens Institute of Technology
BECOMING PLASTIC
SOLUTIONS AND ALTERNATIVES
Recycling is not the solution. Say NO to single-use plastics and switch to more sustainable options:
Reusable Bags
Avoid contributing to the over 14 million tons of plastic bags used by Americans every year [2][4]
Reusable Bottle
One reusable bottle can prevent the average per person rate of 300+ single-use bottles per year [2]
Bamboo Products
Bamboo toothbrushes and paper products have a lower carbon footprint because bamboo grows fast and is biodegradable [3]
Natural Sponges
Compared to synthetic sponges, natural sponges dry thoroughly and inhibit bacteria growth. They are also biodegradable [7]
Bar Soap
Liquid soap has a 25% larger carbon footprint and more soap is used per use. Bar soap lasts longer, allowing you to save money, resources, and the environment [5]
Aluminum Straws
One aluminum straw prevents contributing to the average daily waste rate of 390 million plastic straws used in the U.S. [1]
Natural Exfoliants
Replace beauty products containing plastic microbeads, which can contain over 330,000 microbeads in one bottle, with natural ingredients such as sugar or oats [6]
Shop sustainably for clothing, household supplies, and beauty products:
Package Free Shop
Sustainable, zero waste, and package free clothing, beauty products, and household supplies
Life Without Plastic
Plastic free beauty products and household supplies
Tencel
Fiber clothing material produced by environmentally responsible processes sold through brand partners
Reformation
Women's clothing brand that uses sustainable materials as well as provides transparency of materials used
Pact
Sustainable clothing for men, women, and children using organic cotton
Support organizations working to fight plastic pollution:
Oceana
An ocean conservation group working to protect our oceans through various campaigns and policy changes
Ocean Conservancy
An ocean conservation group working with governments and volunteers to protect our oceans
Plastic Oceans
An organization aimed at educating the public on plastic pollution through films and digital content
Plastic Pollution Coalition
Coalition working with different groups and organizations to stop single-use plastic
Plastic Bank
A for-profit organization working in third world countries giving cash for plastic collected and recycling it
Support other artists bringing awareness to environmental issues:
Basia Goszczynska
An artist exploring environmental and waste issues through a variety of mediums including sculpture and installation
Etty Yaniv
An artist creating hybrid landscapes of the natural and artificial using repurposed material including plastics
Cindy Pease Roe
An artist whose work is made 100% of marine debris to educate the public about plastic pollution
Tamiko Thiel
A visual artist who works in a variety of digital media to engage the public in various areas including environmental issues
Yandell Walton
An artist who uses projection and installation to investigate environmental, social, and political issues
Sources
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Chokshi, Niraj. “How a 9-Year-Old Boy’s Statistic Shaped a Debate on Straws.” New York Times, 2018, https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/19/business/plastic-straws-ban-fact-check-nyt.html.
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“The Facts.” Plastic Oceans, 2020, https://plasticoceans.org/the-facts/.
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Freeman, Amy. “Is a Bamboo Toothbrush Right For You?” Colgate, 2020, https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/basics/selecting-dental-products/is-a-bamboo-toothbrush-right-for-you--.
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“Frequent Questions regarding EPA’s Facts and Figures about Materials, Waste and Recycling.” EPA, 2019, https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/frequent-questions-regarding-epas-facts-and#PlasticBags.
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“Liquid vs. Bar Soap: Which is Better?” Oliver Thom, 2020, https://oliverthom.com.au/blogs/looks/liquid-vs-bar-soap-which-is-better.
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“Plastic Microbeads.” 5 Gyres, 2020, https://www.5gyres.org/microbeads.
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Siddons, Sarah. “Are Natural Sea Sponges Good For My Skin?” HowStuffWorks, 2009, https://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/cleansing/basics/natural-sea-sponges-good-for-skin.htm.