“We are some of the luckiest people in the world to live where we do, with a stunning hinterland and incredible beaches. It is not uncommon to walk on the beaches or in the rainforests and find rubbish that should have been recycled. This scene demonstrates a post-apocalyptic Gold Coast after a loss in the ‘War on Waste’. The woman is placed leaning on the mountains to show the weight humans have on our environment.

Single-use recyclable products are incorporated throughout the scene as if they belong there, forcing nature to adapt by growing in or around it. Though seemingly surreal, this scene portrays a horrific truth of how future generations may have to see the world.”

“This concept draws inspiration from being “all in this together” when it comes to recycling. Although doing our part individually is incredibly important, to make a significant change, reduce our waste and protect our planet, we need all hands on deck. This illustration depicts a community all doing their part, creating a production line of correct waste management.

It purposefully highlights the use of recyclable bottles and rubbish bags to show how specific items can be disposed of in different ways. As you continue along, you notice the last person is carelessly turning away from the others. This creates a break in the chain and as a result they are throwing away everyone’s hard work and at a greater level, our planet.

The characters and use of colour are intended to grab the viewer’s attention in a light hearted way and explain just how much of a waste it can be, if we don’t all do our part.
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“We are a city built on nature, the outdoors and café culture, filled with thousands of people drinking coffee and buying water on the go each day, which is unfortunately taking its toll on our region.

This artwork promotes the positive impact locals and visitors can have, by making one small change to a daily habit, such as bringing a reusable coffee cup to the local café. Together we can turn this ever-growing wave of cups and bottles into a more sustainable environment.
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“This artwork highlights the way single use plastics such as plastic bags, disposable cutlery, straws, fishing net waste and plastic bottles can affect our environment. On one side of the bin I have featured local shorebirds that are native to the Gold Coast, in the hope that people will recognise the birds and feel empathy for the bird characters amongst the plastic. On the other side of the bin I have illustrated green sea turtles, jellyfish and plastic bags. This illustration depicts the issue of turtles confusing plastic bags with jellyfish as their food source.

Amongst the turtles are local marine life that I have seen from my experiences snorkelling around the Gold Coast. I have also included a speckled pattern on both sides of the bin to represent micro plastics. These wastes can tangle or end up in the bellies of our local wildlife, whilst also polluting their habitats.

I have depicted the animal characters looking unimpressed with the waste situation and have included a simple font design to help convey a clear and easy-to-read message about the devastation of waste on our local environment.”