Mall Reduces Plastic Waste Through Plastic Waste Art

A shopping mall in Canada has a big ambition to change the plastic waste art landscape in their community.

As part of its effort to reduce its environmental footprint, the owners of SevenOaks Mall in Abbotsford, BC, Morguard, commissioned the Plastic Essence Collaborative (PECO) to create a plastic waste art mural made entirely of repurposed unrecycled soft plastic waste. The beautiful mural PECO created, contains a total of 240 pounds of plastic (approximately 21,400 plastic bags), which has been diverted from ending up in landfill.

The artwork itself aims to capture the vibrant City of Abbotsford with its abundance of farmland, the local Airshow, and, of course, all the surrounding mountains and nature. The mural also pays homage to those who lost so much during one of Canada’s largest flooding disasters, started by the Nooksack River’s breach in 2021.

I am impressed by parent company Morguard’s commitment to sustainability and its partnership with PECO to create a beautiful plastic waste art mural made entirely of repurposed, unrecycled soft plastic waste. The plastic waste artwork is a powerful reminder of the importance of reducing our environmental impact and working together to create a more sustainable future.

See also: 3D Printed Home from Recycled Plastic

It is also particularly inspiring that the mural pays homage to those who lost so much during the Nooksack River flood. As a resident in the area during this time, it was shocking and difficult to watch as so many people felt the effects of climate change. This is a thoughtful way to honor the community and show solidarity with those who have been affected by climate change.

The new plastic waste art mural represents a creative approach to promoting environmental awareness and catalyzing change. By transforming discarded plastics into a thought-provoking piece of public art, PECO has found an impactful way to highlight the staggering amount of plastic pollution generated each year. The mural serves as a vivid reminder of the long-lasting consequences our throwaway culture has on the planet.

Its presence in a high-traffic area of the mall will hopefully inspire shoppers to reflect on their own plastic footprint. We need more conscious consumers and innovative initiatives like this to reduce waste at its source. I hope this eye-catching installation will move people to take personal accountability and actively choose reusable options over single-use plastics. Small steps can add up to real progress if we each do our part. Art has power, and this plastic waste art mural can spark the conversations and actions we need to create a sustainable future.

The materials used to create this visually striking plastic waste art mural come from a variety of sources, spotlighting the massive amount of plastic pollution generated across sectors. Industrial plastics diverted from landfills were incorporated, representing the role that manufacturing and shipping processes play in plastic waste generation. Residential plastics were also collected, underscoring how daily household routines and consumer choices result in mountains of non-biodegradable waste.

Mall guests even contributed their own plastic waste, depositing used bags, product wrapping, and other soft plastics they would have otherwise tossed in the trash. By sourcing discarded plastics from businesses, homes, and the local community, this art installation provides a microcosm of the plastic problem—and the urgent need for solutions. The blended mix of materials mirrors the cumulative effect that plastic pollution has on the environment. By giving new life to these plastics as art, this mural transforms waste into an opportunity to educate, engage, and empower.

The final artwork took a year to complete and was unveiled on September 13, 2023.

From mall owner Morguard’s website: “Seven Oak Leaves” presented our team with a wonderful opportunity to work with like-minded individuals and organizations who share our vision for a greener future. Through initiatives like Morguard’s OnePlanet program, we’re taking meaningful actions to create a healthier environment in every aspect of our operations.

As well as being a visual masterpiece, this art installation is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to sustainability and a call for everyone to join us on this journey toward a more environmentally conscious future.