The Blue Paradox is a movement to address the global ocean plastic crisis and preserve the environment. It aims to drive collective action and provide advocates with a place to learn about how plastic pollution affects marine life and our daily lives, and the changes we can make to protect the largest ecosystem on our planet.

The organization has lots of resources for individuals that want to make a difference, including petitions to encourage federal government action on recycling, academic papers on plastic pollution, and an immersive exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Check out this preview:

The exhibit invites the public to walk underneath the ocean’s surface and experience the depth of the ocean plastic crisis facing our ocean and waterways. In the Lead-In Corridor, guests discover 1,278 plastic fish hanging overhead. These fish, made from recycled plastic, are part of a large sculpture called “Emergence” by Aurora Robson, who is known predominantly for her meditative work intercepting the plastic waste stream.

Guests are greeted by a stunning photo gallery from National Geographic Photojournalist Randy Olson, which helps individuals understand the gravity of the ocean plastic pollution problem impacting both communities around the world and marine species. They then enter the exhibit by symbolically descending into the ocean. As they progress from one end of the hallway to the other, guests feel as if they are under the surface of the ocean. Beautiful and ethereal refractions will play across the walls and surfaces—drawing them deeper into the experience. In the first room of the exhibit, guests will become immersed in an LED Wave Wall of ocean imagery—from colorful coral reefs to mesmerizing swarms of jellyfish. Here, they will learn about and visualize the ocean’s role for our planet.

Through maps and graphics, guests will learn where plastic pollution exists geographically, which countries are the biggest contributors, the abundance of pollution in the ocean and more.

The final room ignites action and hope, showcasing our collective power for change with visuals that emphasize unity in making a difference. A plastic calculator highlights individual footprints, revealing the significance of seemingly small actions. Another exhibit wall showcases inventive solutions like shoes made from plastic waste, while another suggests local engagement like contacting elected officials and signing up for local beach clean-ups.

Finally, a pledge wall displays visitors’ names and their personal commitment to making a difference.

Have you visited the exhibit? What did you think?