Washed Ashore: Creating Art Using Marine Debris
Washed Ashore
An octopus sculpture made entirely of recycled marine debris was created by the Washed Ashore Project.
Courtesy WashedAshore.org
MISSION: Working in the community to educate and raise awareness about plastic pollution HQ Bandon, Oregon.
YEAR FOUNDED: 2010
CONTACT: [email protected]; washedashore.org
PROJECT: Washed Ashore has found beauty in the beast that’s plaguing the ocean: marine debris. More than 11 tons of water bottles, lighters, beach shovels and other plastic pollutants collected from the coastline are woven together in the likeness of the creatures most threatened by the discarded trash — from sea lions and turtles to octopuses and sharks. 
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
1) VOLUNTEER
The Washed Ashore Project relies heavily on volunteers, and opportunities abound for divers and nondivers to get involved. Take action during your dives and collect all the plastic debris you can carry, and then bring it to the Washed Ashore HQ. If you’re not a local, you can ship the plastic you collect. More than 10,000 people have made critical contributions to the nonprofit across the country.
2) HOST AN EXHIBIT
The Project features a unique traveling exhibit that’s fully customizable based on your com- munity’s needs. Local events feature between eight and 18 sculptures, and include programs to emphasize the fve R’s of preventing pollution: reduce, refuse, reuse, repurpose and recycle. Can’t fnd an exhibit close to home? Visit an existing Washed Ashore display at SeaWorld San Diego, San Antonio and Orlando.
3) COMMISSION ART
Make a positive change in the environment by commissioning a sculpture specifc to your business, aquarium, science center or museum. Want to keep the conservation mission going in your community? The Washed Ashore project ofers a variety of educational workshops to expand the message of positive ocean action from coast to coast. Opportunities for donations and sponsorships are available.
Courtesy WashedAshore.orgAn octopus sculpture made entirely of recycled marine debris was created by the Washed Ashore Project.
MISSION: Working in the community to educate and raise awareness about plastic pollution HQ Bandon, Oregon.
YEAR FOUNDED: 2010
CONTACT: [email protected]; washedashore.org
PROJECT: Washed Ashore has found beauty in the beast that’s plaguing the ocean: marine debris. More than 11 tons of water bottles, lighters, beach shovels and other plastic pollutants collected from the coastline are woven together in the likeness of the creatures most threatened by the discarded trash — from sea lions and turtles to octopuses and sharks. 
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
1) VOLUNTEER
The Washed Ashore Project relies heavily on volunteers, and opportunities abound for divers and nondivers to get involved. Take action during your dives and collect all the plastic debris you can carry, and then bring it to the Washed Ashore HQ. If you’re not a local, you can ship the plastic you collect. More than 10,000 people have made critical contributions to the nonprofit across the country.
2) HOST AN EXHIBIT
The Project features a unique traveling exhibit that’s fully customizable based on your com- munity’s needs. Local events feature between eight and 18 sculptures, and include programs to emphasize the fve R’s of preventing pollution: reduce, refuse, reuse, repurpose and recycle. Can’t fnd an exhibit close to home? Visit an existing Washed Ashore display at SeaWorld San Diego, San Antonio and Orlando.
3) COMMISSION ART
Make a positive change in the environment by commissioning a sculpture specifc to your business, aquarium, science center or museum. Want to keep the conservation mission going in your community? The Washed Ashore project ofers a variety of educational workshops to expand the message of positive ocean action from coast to coast. Opportunities for donations and sponsorships are available.
