Yokohama Hakkeijima presents the ‘microplastic globe’ 

 

For World Ocean Day on June 8, Japanese aquarium Yokohama Hakkeijima has created a series of water globes using plastic waste collected from the ocean as flakes. Titled ‘MicroPlastic Globe’, the project raises awareness of the millions of tons of plastic that end up in oceans, where they completely disrupt the marine ecosystem. The collection features five designs, each one depicting an ocean creature known to be affected by plastic debris: clownfish, whale, sea turtle, jellyfish, and penguins. 

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each globe depicts an ocean creature affected by plastic pollution

 

 

 

the tragic impact of plastic waste on ocean creatures 

 

According to research conducted by Yokohama Hakkeijima (see more here), clownfish are especially affected by this dangerous waste. ‘It has been reported that their habitat, sea anemones, to become bleached are bleached because of microplastics in the ocean,’ explains the company. The whale, meanwhile, is depicted with its mouth open, ingesting these tiny plastic flakes along with its food. 

 

The ‘Microplastic Globe’ is currently exhibited as part of the ‘Imagine the Future Ocean with Art’ show in ITOCHU SDGs Studio, Tokyo, until July 18, 2022. Admission is free, and opening hours are between 11:00 and 18:00 (with Monday being a holiday). 

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whale

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penguins

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jellyfish 

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sea turtles

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close-up shot of the microplastic flakes found in oceans

 

 

 

 

 

project info:

 

name: Microplastic Globe

exhibition: Imagine the Future Ocean with Art

location: ITOCHU SDGs Studio, Tokyo, Japan 

globe design: Yokohama Hakkeijima Inc.

dates: May 31, 2022 – July 18, 2022 | 11:00 – 18:00 

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom