Caroline Chaptini Makhlouf, an environmental activist, has created an exhibition along the coast of Amchit, Lebanon, featuring turtles made entirely from plastic bottles and caps. The purpose of this unique exhibit is to promote recycling practices and raise awareness about the plight of endangered sea turtles.
The centerpiece of the exhibition is a large turtle sculpture constructed from over 250,000 plastic bottles. Colorful caps are meticulously arranged in a mosaic pattern, adding vibrancy to the artwork. Situated nearby is a smaller turtle sculpture made specifically from blue plastic caps.
Makhlouf explained the motivation behind the exhibit, stating that its aim is to shed light on the imminent extinction of turtles. She emphasized that these creatures are facing grave danger due to the pollution caused by plastic and trash bags that are irresponsibly discarded into the sea.
The creation of this exhibit has transformed Makhlouf into an environmental activist. Through her research, she discovered that plastic takes over 10,000 years to decompose, making it a persistent threat to the environment. Inspired by this knowledge, she has given top priority to raising awareness about plastic pollution, especially among the younger generation.
The project received immense support from more than 3,000 students from various schools, who actively participated in collecting plastic waste for the exhibition. Their involvement not only helped in minimizing environmental pollution but also served as an educational opportunity to promote recycling awareness in schools and homes.
Visitors to the exhibition, such as graphic designer Sahar Ghouche and her young daughter, expressed their appreciation for the initiative. Ghouche highlighted the importance of setting a positive example for children and noted the shift in schools, where artistic recycling activities are now being taught, allowing students to explore creative ways of repurposing plastic waste.
Caroline Chaptini Makhlouf’s turtle exhibition stands as a powerful testament to the urgent need for responsible waste management and recycling. By showcasing the beauty and value of these sculptures made from discarded materials, the exhibit serves as a powerful catalyst for change, inspiring individuals and communities to take action and protect our environment for future generations.