A Cultural Tribute and Urgent Message

The No-Home Jersey incorporates symbols that reflect the nation’s heritage, including the great white shark, the national Plumeria flower, and the outrigger canoe. These cultural elements celebrate the Marshall Islands while conveying a pressing environmental issue. The number “1.5” on the front of the jersey references the Paris Agreement’s critical temperature threshold, emphasizing the risk of irreversible damage if global temperatures rise beyond this point.

Though the Marshall Islands has a federation, players, and a football field, it remains the only UN-recognized nation without an official football team. By introducing the jersey, the Federation aims to speed up the process of gaining recognition from the Oceania Football Confederation. It also seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of climate change.

Visual Metaphor for Rising Seas

Promotional materials for the jersey show it gradually disappearing through cut-outs, symbolizing the potential loss of the Marshall Islands due to rising sea levels. This striking visual is a reminder that, without global action on emissions, the island nation could face permanent flooding within 50 years.

Matt Webb, the Federation’s commercial director, explained, “If global warming continues, our nation may be faced with irreversible damage from rising sea waters.”

The No-Home Jersey combines a celebration of Marshallese culture with a stark call for climate action. The slogan “we deserve to thrive,” from Marshallese poet Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner, reinforces the message of resilience and the need to protect the nation’s future.

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Adil, driven by a desire to repurpose discarded buttons from school uniforms, conceived the idea to raise environmental awareness among students. “I realized that buttons from school uniforms were often thrown away. So, I thought, why not use these buttons to make something significant and pay tribute to our beautiful country?” Adil explained.

Sharjah Students were asked to collect buttons of various sizes, provided they matched the colors of the UAE flag. The response was overwhelming, resulting in a collection of 65,000 buttons. “I was amazed by the students’ enthusiasm. Over the course of three months, Grade 9 students assembled the base of the flag using wooden scraps from old furniture,” Adil said. “Once the base was ready, we used glue to affix the buttons and complete the flag.”

The class’s creativity didn’t stop with the flag. Students also utilized electronic waste to construct a giant falcon, a significant cultural symbol of the UAE.

“We repurposed screws from electronic devices for the falcon’s beak, used camera lenses for the eyes, and keyboard keys and USB ports for its head. We incorporated 500 CDs for the head and tail,” Adil noted.

This year’s project is part of a tradition for Adil, who has been teaching art for 27 years. Each year, she selects a theme and encourages her students to create meaningful art using recycled materials. Last year’s projects included a portrait of Sheikh Zayed made from 1,148 bottle caps and an e-waste horse.

“Although I’m an art teacher, my primary goal is to teach children about the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling. These projects not only help them learn these principles but also allow them to create beautiful art at no cost,” Adil concluded.

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The creation of the mural was more than just an art project; it was a communal, inclusive activity that brought together diverse groups within the community to foster creativity and promote sustainability. The recycled plastic used for the mural was collected by Tadweer Waste Management, demonstrating the practical application of recycling efforts in an artistic and meaningful way.

The Sustainable City is committed to fostering an educational culture that empowers residents and visitors to engage deeply with environmental issues. Since 2019, the Plaza shops have successfully adopted a single-use plastic-free strategy, significantly reducing the community’s plastic footprint. This initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader environmental strategy, which includes a recently introduced city-wide ban on single-use bags. This ban encompasses plastic, paper, and biodegradable bags, with plans to gradually eliminate other single-use plastic items such as straws, cups, cutlery, and food containers by 2026.

Beyond the mural, The Sustainable City has consistently championed the repurposing of materials. Playgrounds and the animal sanctuary within the community, for instance, have been constructed using repurposed construction waste. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to reduce waste, avoid single-use plastics, and encourage the recycling and reuse of materials.

The unveiling of the communal art mural serves as a powerful reminder of the collective efforts needed to combat plastic pollution. It stands as a testament to the creativity and community spirit of The Sustainable City’s residents and serves as an educational tool to inspire others to think creatively about sustainability.

As Plastic Free July continues, The Sustainable City invites everyone to visit the mural and participate in the ongoing initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting a sustainable lifestyle. This project not only highlights the importance of environmental stewardship but also showcases the power of community collaboration in creating a greener, more sustainable future.

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The drive collected 606 kilograms from the Al Qasba Canal in 2021, 440 kilograms from Khalid Lagoon in 2020, and two tons from the Fishermen Port in Khor Fakkan in 2019. Rashid Al Shamsi, the curator of SMA’s Sharjah Aquarium, which leads the event, has discussed its goals and impacts. Al Shamsi emphasized the scheme’s contribution to a cleaner marine environment and the development of a responsible community. He highlighted the educational aspect of it, noting its focus on informing the public about the importance of preserving the marine environment. SMA has also integrated educational programs and workshops into its activities throughout the year. These programs, which include shows, workshops, contests, and more, 

aim to educate the public about the consequences of littering, particularly in marine environments. They are part of SMA’s strategy to enhance awareness about the impacts of marine pollution, which poses environmental, economic, health, aesthetic, and cultural challenges.SMA recognizes the crucial role museums play in raising awareness on various issues, including marine life conservation.

Through the beach clean-up event, which is a key component of SMA’s commitment to sustainable living and marine conservation, the Sharjah Aquarium demonstrates how cultural institutions can contribute to societal well-being and environmental sustainability.

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A Journey Through Exhibitions:

Ryan’s artistic journey has taken her far and wide, and her impressive exhibition history showcases her talent and versatility. Solo exhibitions at prestigious galleries like François Ghebaly in Los Angeles and Josh Lilley in London have allowed Ryan to display her sculptures and challenge viewers to contemplate the complexities of Americana.

The Intricate Craft of Gemstone Sculpting:

Intrigue and awe surround Ryan’s signature technique of adorning her sculptures with brilliant clusters of semiprecious stones. The process of crafting one of her breathtaking beaded fruit sculptures can take up to eight weeks, as she carefully selects and attaches thousands of beads and gemstones to each foam fruit. The result is a harmonious blend of beauty and unease that reflects the excesses of contemporary life.

Decadence and Symbolism:

Fruit has become a recurring motif in Ryan’s work, symbolizing decadence and excess. Her sculptures, reminiscent of 17th-century Dutch vanitas paintings, offer a tongue-in-cheek commentary on our materialistic culture. The juxtaposition of delicate, sensual fruits with heavy, utilitarian materials like concrete challenges viewers to question the true value of their possessions.

A Vision for Change:

While Ryan’s work exudes opulence, it is also deeply rooted in the awareness of environmental decay and inequality. As she meticulously recreates the appearance of mold on her sculptures using precious gemstones, she subtly addresses the decline of our world due to rampant consumption and the growing wealth divide.

A Studio Filled with Inspiration:

Ryan’s Manhattan studio is a sunlit space, bustling with creativity. Here, she carefully studies the process of decaying fruit to perfect her gemstone replicas. Fruit flies, drawn to the decaying lemons and oranges, create a fittingly organic atmosphere for the creation of her intricate art.

Her hope is for these works to find their way into collectors’ homes, subtly conveying a message of dissent against excessive consumption and environmental neglect.

Kathleen Ryan’s art continues to resonate with audiences, offering a thought-provoking exploration of our world’s complexities. Her sculptures challenge us to reflect on our choices and values, enticing us with their beauty while beckoning us to contemplate the consequences of unchecked opulence. Through her art, Ryan invites us to consider the delicate balance between delight and decay, leaving a lasting impact on the art world and beyond.

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This day provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and governments to come together and act towards addressing these issues. The theme of World Environment Day changes every year, with a focus on different environmental concerns. One of the key aspects of World Environment Day is its emphasis on individual action. While governments and organizations have a crucial role to play in addressing environmental challenges, it is ultimately up to each one of us to make a difference. On this day, individuals are encouraged to make small changes in their daily lives that can have a significant impact on the environment.

This could be anything from using public transport or cycling instead of driving, reducing single-use plastic consumption, or trying to recycle. In addition to individual action, World Environment Day is also an opportunity for governments and organizations to commit to ambitious environmental goals. World Environment Day is coordinated worldwide by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which collaborates with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to create plans and programmes to address environmental threats. The natural world is also a focus of World Environment Day celebrations. Around the world, people participate in planting trees, beach clean-ups, and nature walks to mark the occasion. Such gatherings help people appreciate nature and understand the value of protecting the planet’s natural resources.

The annual observance of World Environment Day serves as an important reminder of the importance of taking action to preserve our planet and advance sustainability on a worldwide basis. We can create a better, more sustainable future for everyone using individual effort, government policy, and partnerships across many groups and interests. Take this opportunity to consider your personal environmental footprint and make an approach to foster a more sustainable future.

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Additionally, nothing will become dark. The goal is to cut off unnecessary lighting. You won’t have to work by candlelight or sit in the dark for an hour.

On the other hand, it might be enjoyable to spend an hour in the dark. But the decision is entirely yours.

Earth Hour is an annual event that encourages people and organizations to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about the importance of taking action to combat climate change. The event has been taking place since 2007 and is organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

The goals and implications of Earth Hour 2023 include:

• Raising awareness: The primary goal of Earth Hour is to raise awareness about the need to take action to combat climate change. By participating in the event, individuals and organizations can show their support for this cause and encourage others to do the same.
• Encouraging action: In addition to raising awareness, Earth Hour also aims to encourage individuals and organizations to take concrete actions to reduce their carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the environment.
• Promoting renewable energy: Earth Hour is an opportunity to promote the use of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
• Building a global movement: Earth Hour is a global event that brings together people from all over the world to demonstrate their commitment to the environment. By participating in Earth Hour, individuals and organizations can become part of a larger movement to create a more sustainable future.
• Advocating for policy changes: Earth Hour is an opportunity to advocate for policy changes at the local, national, and international levels that support efforts to combat climate change. This can include supporting policies that promote renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect natural habitats.
• Generating media coverage: Earth Hour is a high-profile event that generates significant media coverage, which can help to amplify the message of the importance of taking action on climate change and inspire more people to get involved.
• Showing leadership: Participating in Earth Hour is a way for individuals and organizations to demonstrate their leadership and commitment to sustainability. By taking action to reduce their carbon footprint and promote renewable energy, they can inspire others to do the same and create a more sustainable future for all.

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Sustainability was at the forefront of the Dubai metro music festival, with innovative international artists performing on musical instruments made from everyday objects. Over 20 musicians from the UAE, the region, and across the world, performed at five Dubai Metro stations – Union, Mall of Emirates, Burjuman, Dubai Financial Centre, and Sobha Realty – from 16:00 to 22:00.

French musician and inventor Nicolas Bras, who is known for crafting unique musical instruments from recycled materials such as discarded pipes, scrap metal, recycled wood, and tin cans, performed at the festival. His handmade instruments produce visually stunning music that inspires creativity and wonder. “I believe music is not only about playing an instrument, it is about creating one as well,” said Bras. He triggered curiosity with his exceptional performances that incorporated a variety of notes including string, wind, and percussion.

Another group that highlighted the theme of sustainability at the festival was ‘The Show Theatre’ from Thailand. The group performed on instruments made from recycled items like kitchenware, pots, spoons, glass, pans, and blenders among others. Their performances combined percussion, movement, and visual comedy. The group aimed to inspire environmental awareness and responsibility by highlighting the use of disposable materials.

Amina Taher, Senior Executive Marketing, Brand Dubai, said, “The third edition of the Metro Musical Festival is a testament to Dubai’s ability to offer a platform for musicians from across the world to showcase their talent, while also highlighting the message of sustainability to inspire the community to be more eco-conscious, in line with the UAE’s announcement of 2023 as the ‘Year of Sustainability’. The recycled instruments featured in the festival added a new dimension to the event, encouraging audiences to embrace sustainability in fresh creative ways. The programme for this year’s Metro Musical Festival was designed to present to audiences a delightful fusion of creative expression and environmental consciousness.”

Apart from the innovative use of recycled materials, a refreshing blend of traditional and contemporary dance forms made the performances stand out. The festival delighted audiences with a fusion of creative expression and environmental consciousness, encouraging them to embrace sustainability in fresh, creative ways.

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