By Olivia Dai ’26, Arts and Entertainment Editor

One of Willie Cole’s water bottle statues hangs on Park Avenue. (Courtesy of Willie Cole)

Plastic pollution is a critical issue in New Jersey. According to the New Jersey League of Conservation Workers, New Jerseyans use over 4.4 billion plastic bags annually. Since seabirds and other wild animals ingest and get entangled in plastic pollution, these discarded plastic pieces are detrimental to native species. Beyond leading to thousands of wildlife deaths, the plastic also lasts in the environment for decades,decomposing into harmful pieces called microplastics. This residue pollutes the environment and causes health problems for the entire population.

 To address this issue, our school has invited Willie Cole, a New Jersey-based sculptor, and a renowned upcycler (creative repurposer of waste), to work together with students to transform 4,000 recycled water bottles into a stunning chandelier! Cole is known for using everyday objects to create magnificent art installations. In 2023, he debuted four massive chandeliers in New York City. However, unlike dazzling glass chandeliers, these chandeliers were made of 3,000 plastic, single-use water bottles. So, why water bottles? Well, these chandeliers serve as a visual way to shed light on the detrimental impacts of plastics on the environment — whether it be poisoning drinking water or entangling animals. According to Cole’s website, the water bottle chandeliers emphasize both the importance of clean, accessible drinking water and the dangers of plastic pollution.

In addition to working with Cole, NA has created other opportunities to promote sustainability. Events such as the annual beach cleanup for Clean Ocean Action helps turn ocean dumpsites into clean and healthy ecosystems. Inspired by Cole’s work, Arts Teacher Ms. Brodie organized a contest last year: a competition for advisory groups to collect the most used plastic water bottles. This competition ignited NA’s competitive spirit and reinforced a commitment to sustainability.

Ultimately, this contest was a success! NA has surpassed its goal of 4,000 plastic bottles. Still, students should continue to be conscious of their plastic use. Every bottle reduced, reused, and recycled is a step towards representing sustainability. With this community, ordinary objects can be turned into extraordinary art and create a greener NA!