Canary Wharf's 'whale' a reminder of plastic waste

A striking blue whale sculpture has recently been unveiled at Canary Wharf, standing tall at 11 meters, which is about 36 feet. This impressive artwork, crafted from plastic waste, emerges from the water, beautifully illuminated by the sunlight filtering through the towering skyscrapers of the area. The sculpture serves as a poignant reminder of the staggering amounts of plastic waste that pollute our oceans, particularly in the Atlantic and Pacific. The creative minds behind this project are the New York-based architecture and design firm StudioKCA, who collaborated with the Hawaii Wildlife Fund to bring this vision to life. The whale's base is made from an innovative material: spent coffee grounds collected from local cafes and restaurants in Canary Wharf. Artists Jason Klimoski and Lesley Chang expressed their concerns about ocean pollution, stating, 'There is more plastic swimming in our oceans than there are whales. ' They emphasized the importance of changing our habits regarding plastic use and disposal. The Whale on the Wharf sculpture is not only a stunning piece of art but also a call to action for everyone to reconsider their relationship with plastic. This sculpture is the latest addition to the public art collection at Canary Wharf, which aims to engage the community and raise awareness about environmental issues. The whale is crafted from sustainable materials, going beyond just recycled plastic. According to the Canary Wharf Group (CWG), the underwater base of the sculpture is made from a first-of-its-kind low-carbon concrete, which is designed to minimize environmental impact. Since 2009, CWG has proudly reported that it has sent zero waste to landfills from its managed areas. The installation of this sculpture is part of their ongoing commitment to reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. Lowri Harries from CWG stated, 'Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond the recycled plastic used in the sculpture. The installation process has also been carefully considered to reduce its carbon footprint. ' The hope is that visitors will either come specifically to see this iconic sculpture or catch a glimpse of it while passing through. Either way, it is intended to inspire reflection on the pressing issue of plastic waste and its impact on our oceans and marine life.