They say it's designed to last forever, made to throw away. Plastic. It's everywhere, including our oceans. And as ugly as the situation is, wouldn't you love it see it up close, in person? It may not be your first choice for a get-away, but it's quite unique. The people at Chaco "Waves for Change" are looking for art that demonstrates the world's addiction to plastic. Capture it, and you could win a ride aboard one of the 5 Gyres discovery voyages.
Think about it. You leave from Tahiti, and spend 10 days sailing to the Cook Islands, in search of a mass of plastic debris in the upper water column. Talk about memories.
The Chaco Waves for Change art contest is accepting digital submissions of artwork through March 13. During March 14-28, the public (that's you) gets to vote for their favorite submissions (gather your friends). The submission with the most voters by March 28 wins the boat ride.
The contest is named for Chaco, which is what you might call an adventure sandal company.
The 5 Gyres is a research organization that sails to the ocean's 5 subtropical gyres to collect samples and show off what they find to the people who sell, buy and throw away plastic. Do you feel guilty, or inspired, enough to create some awareness-winning art? Try this video on for size.
Plastic Sushi Anyone? from 5 Gyres on Vimeo.
The Tahiti-to-Cook-Islands trip is due to set sail on May 10. Whether or not you win or even enter the contest, there are numerous ways to get involved in helping rid the ocean of petroleum-based junk. There's even an iPhone app (Angry Fish?).
"To stop the flow of plastic to the sea we advocate new materials, better designed products, fair legislation, and engage in consumer education," the 5 Gyres group says.
"Post-consumer cleanup efforts focus on coastal and island debris removal and mitigation."
More on the Plastic Problem
10 Most Surprising Places to Find Petroleum
The Pacific Garbage Patch Explained -- New Updates
Great Pacific Garbage Patch, Meet Great Lakes Garbage Patch