Parody of nature posters shows the top ‘trash species’ in New Zealand’s waters

Data and art combine memorably in independent agency Augusto’s new work for New Zealand environmental group Sustainable Coastlines, featuring a parody of nature posters showing the “Trash Species of Aotearoa New Zealand.”

The 21 “species”—including the Quarter Flounder, Cling Crab and Socktopus, among others—were selected by analyzing Sustainable Coastlines’ Litter Intelligence data to determine the top offenders. New Zealand wildlife artist Erin Forsyth then created watercolor illustrations of them. Individual species are highlighted on their own posters, with blurbs mimicking scientific descriptions.

The campaign includes a public art exhibition showing the original artworks. Premium prints of the poster will also be available to buy on Sustainable Coastline’s website.

“This campaign helps to highlight the threat of totally unwanted ‘species’ that are finding their way into our oceans through littering, open bins and down stormwater drains,” said Helen Adams-Blackburn, communications manager at Sustainable Coastlines. “It draws the connection between items we might use on a daily basis and the beaches and wildlife we hope to protect. The message is simple: catch your trash before it fills our oceans, whether that’s changing your buying habits or making sure something is disposed of properly.”

“I think most of us have heard, and seen, the litter problem in this country, but it wasn’t until we saw the very humbling data that we realized how preventable things were,” said Adam Thompson, executive creative director at Augusto. “By showing the visible impact through a much-loved piece of Kiwiana, we will hopefully motivate people to change how they treat their trash.”

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