Scientists and artists collaborating can cut through 'ecofatigue' and inspire positive action

A Trace-P study found that pairing plastics researchers with an artist-in-residence produced gallery exhibitions that increased visitor awareness of plastic pollution and led many attendees to report intentions to reduce or reuse plastics.

A team of plastics researchers tested pairing scientists with an artist-in-residence to address public disengagement with environmental issues known as "ecofatigue." Their Trace-P project produced a series of seascape paintings that incorporated images of plastic pollution and was shown in galleries in London and Southampton. The research measured audience responses through on-site surveys, Post-it reaction walls and social media, and the findings were published in the Journal of Cleaner Production. Visitors reported higher awareness of plastic sources and harms and many said the art motivated intentions to change disposal, reuse or repair habits. Key findings: - The Trace-P project paired plastics researchers with artist Susannah Pal to translate scientific evidence into artwork described as "tragicomic" seascapes. - Exhibitions and workshops in London and Southampton gathered audience feedback via surveys, reaction walls and social media posts. - Many viewers reported increased understanding of marine litter pathways and microplastics and indicated intentions to reduce personal plastic use or increase reuse and repair. - The paper names the method "com-art" and describes the approach as a relatively low-cost, feasible way to engage towns about plastic waste. - The research places the exhibitions in a wider context: more than 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually and only about 9% is mechanically recycled worldwide, with EU packaging recycling rates around 40–42%. Summary: The study finds that combining art with scientific evidence can increase public awareness and prompt intentions to reduce plastic use. Authors suggest that local artist-in-residence programmes, repeated exhibitions and school collaborations could reinforce these effects, while broader regulatory, design and infrastructure changes remain necessary for a circular plastics economy. The longer-term impact on behaviour and policy adoption is undetermined at this time.