Poly was originally created to illustrate the ecological impact of plastic pollution in the marine environment, through an alter ego in the form of a fish featuring plastic packaging and fishing net. She was central to ‘Drowning in Plastic’ which was performed on numerous occasions in locations across Plymouth in 2018/19, in which she is buried in plastic bottles and containers.
Since then she has appeared at various protests and rallies about climate and environmental issues, and helped to engage the public in discussions about plastic pollution. Children are particularly drawn to her, although some smaller children can find her a little scary: perhaps she is!
It’s not just about plastic pollution affecting wildlife. Plastic has recently been found in human blood, brain, testicles, and placenta. We are ingesting micro-plastics in the water we drink, the food that we eat and the air that we breathe. Some of the most common plastics found in human blood are those used for commonly used plastic drinks bottles and milk containers.
Most plastic is made from fossil fuels, so petrochemical companies want us to continue using their potentially harmful products. We should be protesting!
Education is key. We should be teaching our children about sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging, and avoiding plastic wherever possible, but particularly for drinks and food containers.
REMEMBER: REFUSE – REUSE – RECYCLE !
Poly Mer will be appearing at the opening of ACT with the Arts Climate Festival on 22 June 2024 at Newton Abbot, Devon, UK.
For more information:
judy harington 