A THRONE will highlight plastic consumption in Leamington.
Art in the Park festival organisers are working to create a chair out of ecobricks – plastic bottles which are stuffed full of non-recyclable plastic and then used for buildings, planters or furniture.
Several schools and groups across the district already make ecobricks and then send them to be turned into homes and furniture in developing countries.
And festival organisers wanted to raise awareness about plastic consumption and its impact on the environment.
They have teamed up with Grace Smith who is spearheading the project – which is being sponsored by Leamington Town Council – and calling on people to make their own bricks which will then be turned into an art installation for people to sit and take pictures on.
The 23-year-old started making the bricks earlier this year and says although they take some work, they are worth it in the long run.
She told the Observer: “It is useful to remember how much it is benefitting the environment by making one, as you are removing the plastic from the biosphere, raising your ecological consciousness and contributing to the repurposing of it.
“It will make you realise how much plastic you use and will likely make you reduce this figure.”
Grace is urging people to ensure when they make the bricks they pack them tightly to ensure they are sturdy enough to use for building materials.
She says by spending the time ensuring enough plastic is packed inside will mean they are as solid as a regular building brick.
She added: “Making one can take while, so my top tip would be to do it in small doses as and when your plastic waste builds up. It also helps to make them while watching tv or with friends.
“It is important that the bricks are heavy enough so that they can be used in making furniture as ecobricks that are too soft or light can compromise structural constructions.
“A good solid ecobrick is something you can be proud of. When others see and hold it, they understand immediately the transformation of plastic waste to an ecobrick.
“Good quality ecobricks and what they can be made into is inspiring.”
After the chair is used at the festival it will be the centrepiece of a festival-themed wedding in September. It will then be placed in a local school or community setting to raise awareness about plastic consumption and encourage others to ecobrick.
Art in the Park is held on Saturday and Sunday August 3 and 4 in Jephson Gardens.
Email [email protected] to find out more about making and donating ecobricks.
