The Ballad of Lost Mary: E-cigarette Sculpture in Devon

Sep.05.2024
The Ballad of Lost Mary: E-cigarette Sculpture in Devon
Plymouth volunteer team creates sculpture from 4500 disposable e-cigarettes, highlighting environmental impact of single-use products.

According to a report by the BBC on September 4th, a team of volunteer litter pickers in Plymouth, Devon, UK, created a sculpture using 4,500 disposable e-cigarettes collected last year.

The Ballad of Lost Mary: E-cigarette Sculpture in Devon


This five-foot (1.5 meters) tall sculpture, titled "The Ballad of Lost Mary," has been on display throughout the city since June, with its final exhibition location being Plymouth Train Station.


The founder of the company CIC, El Clarke, stated that the plan is to dismantle and recycle the e-cigarette used in this sculpture after it is displayed. This sculpture not only symbolizes the widespread use of e-cigarettes, but also the proliferation of disposable products in society.


We created a five-foot tall sculpture using e-cigarettes, aimed at raising awareness about the environment. In the center of the sculpture is a hand with a seahorse at the top, symbolizing marine animals struggling to survive in trash.


We used recycled polystyrene, and artists also used some other materials to complete this sculpture.


The sculpture artwork "The Ballad of Lost Mary" made from 4500 disposable e-cigarettes. Image source: CIC.


A sculpture titled "The Ballad of Lost Mary" made from 4,500 disposable e-cigarettes. Image source: CIC.


When asked about the number of disposable e-cigarettes collected last year, she stated, "The quantity is truly astonishing.


Fortunately, this year we have seen a significant decrease in the number of this type of e-cigarette, especially before the 2025 ban takes effect, which is a good thing.


We hope that by the time the ban is implemented, these disposable e-cigarettes will essentially be phased out.


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