‘Reformed Realities,’ A Striking Art Installation on Plastic Waste Unveiled at IGI Airport

New Delhi, 31th January 2024: Travelers passing through Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) will now be met with a striking visual commentary on the global plastic crisis – “Reformed Realities” – an evocative art installation crafted entirely from discarded plastic waste.

Created by renowned artist Aaditi Joshi in collaboration with the non-profit One Step Greener, the installation transforms plastic waste into a thought-provoking sculptural piece, urging individuals to reconsider their consumption habits. The wavelike structure, made of hand-painted and treated upcycled material along with single-use plastics, highlights both the scale of plastic pollution and the potential of upcycling as a solution. Passengers passing through Terminal 3 will experience the installation for the next 6 months.

The processed plastic waste for this installation was provided by One Step Greener, reinforcing the non-profit’s commitment to reducing landfill waste. Reflecting on the project, artist Aaditi Joshi shared, “This project is a fusion of my sculptural practice and the unique materials provided by One Step Greener. It’s been a deeply collaborative and experimental process.” Aaditi Joshi’s creative process involved melting, moulding, and repurposing plastics into interconnected forms. Her fascination with the material lies in its transformative nature. “With just a bit of heat, plastic can take any shape or form, making the creation process incredibly dynamic and engaging,” she added.

Urgency to Address Plastic Pollution With India generating 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste annually and only 30% being recycled, the need for sustainable interventions has never been more urgent. As one of the busiest transit hubs in the world, IGI Airport provides the perfect platform to amplify this critical conversation on waste reduction and circular economy practices.

Founded by Vihaan and Nav Agarwal, One Step Greener is a non-profit dedicated to tackling India’s waste crisis through large-scale awareness, advocacy, and sustainable waste management solutions. The organization collaborates with schools, businesses, and policymakers to drive impactful change, diverting thousands of tonnes of waste from landfills and promoting circular economy principles.

The NGO’s work has earned international recognition, including the prestigious International Children’s Peace Prize, for its pioneering efforts in sustainable waste management.

Highlighting the urgency of individual action, Vihaan Agarwal, Co-founder of One Step Greener stated, “Every piece of plastic ever produced still exists in some form. This installation is a stark reminder of what we discard and why we must take responsibility for it. We hope it sparks meaningful conversations and encourages tangible action.” Adding to this, his brother and Co-founder Nav Agarwal stated “Plastic waste is not just an environmental issue; it’s a systemic challenge impacting our health, climate, and future generations. Through this initiative, we want to inspire individuals, businesses, and policymakers to rethink waste management and make sustainable choices.” A Step Towards a Greener Future The installation aligns with India’s ongoing efforts to combat plastic waste, supporting key policies such as the ban on single-use plastics and the promotion of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). By integrating art with activism, One Step Greener aims to engage travellers in meaningful dialogue and encourage more responsible consumption and waste disposal habits.

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Source: PTI