Think Global, Act Local

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“Nothing is impossible, the word itself is impossible!"
― Audrey Hepburn

As a species, we are constantly connected and dependant on the ocean; it absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and reduces climate change. In one way or another, we are immersed in it, as we draw, work and live through its movement. Its sheer power and presence never far from our mind; it is the constant check back in, in an ever-accelerating world.

A recent beach clean with the team refocused our concentration from macro to micro. The sense of accomplishment from actively protecting the environment proved hugely rewarding yet sobering. Having gathered late morning with a team of around 20 volunteers, the organisers handed out pure, brilliant-white bags. This symbolised the feeling of positivity and hope that lay beneath the infinite stretch of sky and sea.

An hour in, a momentary pause on the blurred line where sand meets foam – reality strikes. Upon closer inspection, what the mind romantically envisioned as crushed shells, driftwood-shards and seaweed is in instead laced with micro-plastic confetti.

The gravity of the problem revealed in detail. It strikes us all, cold.

Days not hours, collecting in a few square meters would only scratch the surface. Yet the discarded single-use micro-plastics deposited along our shoreline is delivered daily with each passing of the tide.

So the questions begin: can we make a difference? If so – how? How long do we have left to act? 

One marine mammal or sea bird dies every 30 seconds due to plastic pollution. Whilst we don’t pretend to have all the answers, what we do know is that we can all make a difference – individually, collectively and wholly. We know for certain that our beautiful, intrinsic oceans demand that we should try with all our might.

Our studio has been a proud member of the SAS 250 Club since 2017. We are part of a powerful network of leaders, driving forward a movement for change. As Architects, designers and human beings of this planet, we continue to protect the oceans of the world in any way we can. It is time to act – nothing is impossible.

Photography + Words
Kay Hyde