Using Art: Through the SCUBA Mask

Through the SCUBA mask…..and into the ocean! Needless to say, the SCUBA mask is one of the most important pieces of gear for underwater exploration; giving humans the ability to dive into the ocean; a whole other amazing world filled with life. Beings that the main goal of this organization is to increase awareness about ocean preservation through the use of the arts, I decided to construct my very own SCUBA mask model, using various plastic items (2 empty pudding containers & 1 straw)-

While observing this model, I couldn’t help but wondering…..how does plastic tie into pollution as a whole, and more specifically the ocean. After researching, I was stunned-

— 50 percent of the plastic we use, we use just once and throw away.

— Enough plastic is thrown away each year to circle the earth four times.

— The average American throws away approximately 185 pounds of plastic per year.

— Billions of pounds of plastic can be found in our oceans.

— Plastic in the ocean breaks down into such small segments that pieces of plastic from a one liter bottle could end up on every mile of beach throughout the world.

— Plastic constitutes approximately 90 percent of all trash floating on the ocean’s surface, with 46,000 pieces of plastic per square mile.

(All facts credit to EcoWatch.com)

Ultimately, much like the SCUBA mask is crucial to diving, conservation is vital to the sustaining and preservation of Earth’s magnificent oceans, which face many threats from humans and our refuse. Thankfully, it all starts with us — by spreading the word creatively and giving the facts, more and more individuals will be attracted to such a worthwhile cause, which will help to further initiate concern for caring for the ocean. May we recognize what an awesome responsibility we have to be good stewards of what we’ve been given; most definitely including our world’s spectacular oceans!