By Isle of Wight Observer
Island artists are being invited to help raise awareness of plastic pellet pollution, by contributing work to a forthcoming exhibition highlighting the growing problem of nurdles in the marine environment.
Environmental group ‘Planet Aware IW’ is seeking submissions from creatives for an exhibition at the Clayden Gallery, Quay Arts, running from September 19 to October 10, as part of the Great Nurdle Hunt campaign.
Artists are being asked to create work exploring the impact of nurdles, the small plastic pellets used in the manufacture of almost all plastic products. The exhibition will examine the effects of nurdles at various stages of their production, transportation, and use, alongside a programme of related workshops and talks.
Nurdles are transported around the world by sea, road, and rail, before being melted and moulded into everyday plastic items.
However, billions are lost into the environment through factory spills, transport losses, and container accidents.
Once in the ocean, nurdles can absorb harmful chemicals, and are often mistaken for food by marine wildlife. Conservationists warn they can block digestive systems and introduce toxins into the food chain.
Planet Aware surveys have found nurdles on many Isle of Wight beaches, with hotspots identified at Bembridge Harbour and along the Brook-Compton coastline.
Anyone interested in taking part can request an artists’ brief by emailing info@planetaware.co.uk.