We asked artists to showcase imperfect environmentalism

Peaceful man in the forest, surrounded by trees. Image via Ocean Generation in an article about imperfect environmentalism.

What does imperfect environmentalism look like to you?

At Ocean Generation, we recognise that the world doesn’t need a handful of perfect environmentalists. Our Ocean – our planet – needs millions of imperfect people, taking daily action, learning as they go and always striving to do better.  

Hands holding up the planet carefully shared by Ocean Generation: an Ocean conservation charity in the UK.

We set a creative challenge for university students: Create something that embodies imperfect environmentalism.

It was April 2024 and our Youth Engagement Lead, Gemma, was in Bournemouth, UK to launch an exciting project with the AUB Futures Team at the Arts University Bournemouth.  

First, she delivered a bespoke Wavemaker workshop to the students. 

Building an Ocean Intelligent Creative Business or Practice” was specifically aimed at the array of emerging artists studying at AUB. Focusing on case studies of visual and performing artists who have responded to the threats facing our Ocean through creativity, we then set the students a challenge. 

The brief: Create artwork that highlights what “imperfect environmentalism” means to you. 

We had submissions from a wide variety of artists. Painters, photographers and others working with textiles and illustration.  

A panel of judges from Ocean Generation and AUB decided on an overall winner – the artist who responded to the brief most effectively. But we were so impressed with the submissions that we wanted to offer some of them other opportunities as well.  

Woman presenting an Ocean education workshop to classroom of students. Image by Ocean Generation. Image by Olivia Herring
Wavemaker workshop being delivered. Image by Olivia Herring

Here’s the winning art, and the artists behind it:

From fashion to an entire illustrated storybook and thought-provoking posters, here’s a look at some of the submissions we received. 

1. A costume made entirely of discarded plastic. 

Our overall winner was Beverley Baker, who created a beautiful costume to raise awareness about pollution in our Ocean. We had a little chat with Beverley about her work and how she was inspired to create this design of the AUB Green Futures Live Brief.   

Fashion student created 
a mermaid creature 
costume from 
trash to raise 
awareness 
about pollution 
in our Ocean. Shared by Ocean Generation charity.

Beverley, who are you and what are you studying? 

Beverley: I’m a multi-disciplined artist creating between Somerset and Arts University Bournemouth where I’ve just completed my second year studying Performance Design and Film Costume.  

I am exploring costume and set design for film and theatre and I also keep up my fine art practice alongside my studies, enjoying primarily self-portraiture as well as traditional painting and drawing in a mixed media style. I’m passionate about details and colour, utilising colour theory to tell stories. 

Do you remember the first time you saw the Ocean? 

Beverly: I don’t remember the first time, probably because in Somerset, UK where I grew up I was relatively close to the coast so lucky enough to see the Ocean often.  

My family and I would visit places like Lyme Regis, Kilve, Weston-Super-Mare, Burnham-on-Sea and Brean, all beautiful beaches of the South West of England.

As a child the Ocean felt magical, it seemed like it went on forever and made me feel I was the only one in the world just for a second – the coast felt made-up, like I’d just walked into a book.

Mermaid creature 
costume from 
pollution to raise 
awareness 
about pollution 
in our Ocean. Shared by Ocean Generation charity.

What inspired you to create this piece for the AUB Green Futures Brief with Ocean Generation? 

Beverly: Alongside 7 team members for the second project of second year, our group was briefed by SISATA, an outdoor theatre company, to create a ‘Mercreature’ costume each for a touring production of Peter Pan twisted to fit the folklore of Portland, Dorset.   

Inspired by oil spills and the presence of micro-plastics in our seas, my costume loosely takes the shape of the ‘Veasta’, a half fish half seahorse creature that is said to lurk off the coasts of Dorset.

A visit to Portland influenced the textures and techniques I used, incorporating 15 techniques: free machine embroidery, hand embroidery, tie-dye, dip-dye, applique, reverse applique, trapunto, form-fixing, finger knitting, puff binder, foiling, batik, heat gun, eyeleting and hand painting. 

What is the number one thing you wish everyone knew about the Ocean? 

Beverly: Less than 5% of the world’s Ocean is protected which needs drastic change right now; many human-made problems have impacted the Ocean including coral reef bleaching, oil spills and plastic pollution. I think many people are unaware of the impact of the fishing industry; discarded fishing gear makes up a significant proportion of Ocean pollution

Find out more about Beverley’s work here.  

Watch: How we bring our Ocean education workshops to students, during design challenges like these 

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2. An illustrated storybook teaching children about the importance of the Ocean. 

One of the submissions to the AUB Green Futures Brief really felt like it had a story to tell, and so we asked Dala to work with us on generating a Wavemaker Story about his submission.  

Empowered by our Wavemaker Workshop, Dala illustrated a storybook about how our actions can change the world. Dala’s story, written for children, explores the moment when someone comes along and says ‘Hey, this isn’t right. We need to do better.’ 

Read Dala’s Wavemaker Story and download the book here.   

Noah finds a forest in the sea is an illustrated storybook for children about plastic pollution. Shared as A Wavemaker Story by Ocean Generation

3. Two impactful posters, now incorporated into our workshops, will go on to educate hundreds of young people 

Finally, we had a very interesting submission that we decided to do something a little different with.  

Lucy Coble (they/them) is a non-binary designer and illustrator based in Bournemouth, UK. They are passionate about creating work that leaves a lasting impression, and love to work with like-minded creatives. Lucy’s interests lie in LGBTQIA+ advocacy, advertisement work and illustration aimed at a young adult audience. They have worked with clients such as Scribbler UK, the Plum Agency and many other independent projects. 

For this brief, Lucy submitted two illustrations:  a pair of hermit crabs using mismatched items as shells – one a soda can and the other a teapot.  

These designs were centred around the idea of taking the initiative in recycling and reusing items we might consider waste – actively taking responsibility for recycling, reusing and re-loving old items is essential for helping the Ocean heal. 

Through their work, Lucy asks us to consider charity shops and donation bins. The idea for these images came to them during their own house move last year, where they spent an entire day back and forth on the bus with bags and bags of clothes to donate that simply didn’t fit or that they’d never worn. 

So much of our waste is items that could have been recycled or perfectly good stuff someone else might have loved!”  

Lucy’s work will now be used as a case study of how to create a great visual campaign in our visual arts and “How to be an Ocean Storyteller” Wavemaker Workshops.  

Find out more about Lucy and their work here.   

Book Ocean Generation to deliver a project like this  

We offer live briefs in various creative pursuits across the UK, from illustration to theatre and filmmaking to game design.

If you are interested in bringing an experience like this one to your college, university or youth group, please get in touch here.

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We asked 45 students to design clothing inspired by the Ocean

Woman on the beach, with an Ocean-friendly beach bag sold by Ocean Generation. Whale beach bag. Ocean Generation's clothing products are all sustainable, using organic cotton and 100% renewable energy to manufacture the items.

Behind our Ocean-themed design challenge for illustration students 

It was March 2024. Our Youth Engagement Lead, Gemma, was standing in front of 45 MA Illustration students at the University of Edinburgh – and she had a challenge for them. 

The challenge? Soak up the Ocean science she’d be delivering in our Wavemaker workshop and then, bring it to life through new designs for our sustainable apparel store, inspired by the Ocean.  

Organic cotton whale tote bag, perfect for Ocean lovers. Man carrying a tote bag with a whale design on it. Ocean-friendly clothing is sold by Ocean Generation.
Mother and calf whale fall tote bag by Jingyuan Liu. Get yours here.

Live design brief meets Ocean conservation 

The Live Design Brief – created in consultation with the Illustration Programme Director, Amy – asked the students to ‘re-introduce the Ocean’ to the Ocean Generation community

The challenge provided the students tangible substance of what it means to be strategically creative, meet the requirements of a live client brief and deliver a project that’d be used in the real world. 

What started as an educational Wavemaker workshop resulted in a collection of sustainable clothing inspired by the Oceandesigned by students.  

The students had the opportunity to engage with Ocean Generation at multiple points along their design journey; reflecting the client relationship they’d have when working in the industry.  

How the Wavemaker collection came to life 

BTS of the design process for Ocean lover clothing, designed by students at the University of Edinburgh as part of Ocean Generation's Design Challenge.
Behind the scenes: Ideation session with the students.

STEP 1: Students participated in our Wavemaker Workshop and learned more about the Ocean. 

STEP 2: Gemma and Amy (MA Illustration Programme Director) led an ideation session to get creativity flowing. 

STEP 3: Students pitched initial ideas to Gemma and Amy. 

STEP 4: Students submitted their first drafts for feedback from the Ocean Generation Team. This allowed for client feedback, concept iteration, and facilitated project management skill-building.  

We were so impressed with their initial sketches. Many of the students had done extra research around the Ocean, to inform their work. 

STEP 5: Students submitted final designs to be used on sustainable clothing inspired by the Ocean

STEP 6: The most difficult job yet – choosing the winners!  

Woman on the beach, with an Ocean-friendly beach bag sold by Ocean Generation. Beach bag perfect for Ocean lovers. Ocean Generation's clothing products are all sustainable, using organic cotton and 100% renewable energy to manufacture the items.
Ocean Girl tote bag by Donger Liu. Get yours here.

What did the students learn before designing the collection?  

Why is the Ocean important?

Students learnt about the importance of our Ocean: How it provides us with every second breath we take, covers 70% of our blue planet and gives us the fundamental resources we need to survive. 

We discussed 5 Ocean Threats caused by human action. Think climate change, pollution, coastal infrastructure development, resource extraction and daily Ocean use. And zoomed in on the problem of plastic pollution. We explored incredible Ocean solutions that brilliant Wavemakers across the world have come up with, to help tackle pollution. 

We also talked about some of the amazing creatures in our Ocean and what they provide our world with. For example, whale falls.  

What is a whale fall?

A whale-fall is another name for the death of a whale. Soon after a whale dies, it sinks to the Ocean floor. It provides an essential marine ecosystem as other animals feed on the remains. 

Over 21 marine animals rely on whale-falls to survive. The incredible contribution of whales served as inspiration for two of the final designs are now featured in our Ocean-themed clothing store.  

What stories inspired the sustainable collection?

Gemma had some interesting discussions with students as they developed their designs. 

One of our whale-fall designers, Jingyuan Liu, told us how her design was inspired by the news of a whale mother passing away and her calf using its body to hold up its mother and prevent her from sinking.

This really highlighted the connection between humans and Ocean creatures – each caring for each other, and experiencing grief for our loved ones.  

Seaweed forest puzzle by Shiyan Huang. Get yours here.

Sarah Stegall‘s seal design was inspired by a visit to the beach in La Jolla, California and the group of seals she saw basking in the sunshine.

The experience reminded her that it was the little things in life, like enjoying the sun or observing seals enjoying the sun that can have a lasting impact on us. If we don’t take care of the natural world around us, we’ll begin to lose those little moments in life. 

Clothing inspired by the Ocean, for Ocean lovers  

We’re so excited to share the Designed by You: Wavemakers edition. The collection features 5 designs by 4 graduates of the MA Illustration programme at the University of Edinburgh. You can now purchase these designs, which will support our Ocean education charity.

This is just the beginning for projects like this at Ocean Generation. We’re exploring more ways to facilitate live briefs with different organisations and universities.  

Book us to deliver a project like this  

We offer live briefs in various creative pursuits across the UK, from illustration to theatre and filmmaking to game design.

If you are interested in bringing an experience like this one to your college, university or youth group, please get in touch here.

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Ocean Generation: Endorsed as a UN Ocean Decade Project

In 2017, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2021 – 2030 as ‘the Ocean Decade’ (officially: the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development).

What is the goal of the UN’s Ocean Decade?

The Ocean Decade is a global effort to provide “transformative Ocean science solutions for sustainable development, connecting people and our Ocean” endorsed by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO; scientists, resource providers, governments, business and industry, and other stakeholders joining forces to drive solutions.

Their vision? To provide the science we need for the Ocean we want, with the aim of supporting a well-functioning, productive, resilient and sustainable Ocean.

Ocean Generation’s “Ocean Intelligence” approach has been endorsed by UNESCO; the UN Ocean Decade.

Ocean Generation - a global Ocean charity - is endorsed by UNESCO. Our Ocean Intelligence approach, which translates complex Ocean science into engaging tools and resources.

What is Ocean Intelligence?

We are delighted that our unique Ocean Intelligence approach has been endorsed by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC).

Our ‘Ocean Intelligence’ approach uses the power of storytelling to translate complex Ocean science into engaging programmes and practical actions.


Through Ocean Intelligence we play a central role in bringing to life the vision of the Ocean Decade by connecting everyone, everywhere to the Ocean and communicating the science we need for the Ocean we want.


We are particularly happy to continue our long relationship with the IOC who were early supporters and patrons of our original, award-winning documentary film, ‘A Plastic Ocean’.

Richard Hill, CEO at Ocean Generation.

Ocean science can be complicated. We make it simple.

Ocean Generation uses the power of storytelling to translate environmental science into understandable, engaging content, impactful programmes and practical actions that people, globally, can take to restore a healthy relationship with the Ocean and live more sustainable lifestyles.

Our Ocean Intelligence approach is grounded in four science-based pillars:

  1. Our Ocean: Engaging people in the wonder of our Ocean.
  2. Ocean not Oceans: Sharing the Science behind one interconnected Ocean that humans rely on.
  3. Our Impact: Exploring the 5 human actions that threaten our Ocean.
  4. Our Future: Discovering how we can all take Ocean Action.

These 4 pillars underpin our Comms work, to a growing audience of +100,000, and all our Youth Engagement programmes for 3 – 25-year-olds.

Two young African men looking into a body of water. Their faces cannot be seen. The accompanying quote reads: Ocean Generation sees the world's youth as the key drivers for a more positive shift towards our Ocean.

How we bring the Ocean to young people

From a toe in the water to a full immersive experience

In partnership with Earth Cubs, we’ve launched a play-based game for 3 – 7-year-olds that aims to engage children on the importance of our Ocean, the harm of plastic pollution, and how they can contribute to creating a healthier planet.

Ocean Academy exists to bring the Ocean to the classroom. It’s an open-source digital education hub designed for 5 – 16-year-olds, providing them with access to the best Ocean education – in easy to understand and engage with formats.

The Wavemaker Programme empowers young adults – 16 – 25 – to make a positive change by providing them with tools and resources. Through our workshops, masterclasses, and personal development programmes, Wavemakers accelerates social action and incubates innovation.

We see a world where the Ocean is freed from human threats.

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us online to be part of Ocean solutions.

As the first generation to deeply understand Ocean issues, we are the last generation who can stop them.

We are all the Ocean Generation.

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Mangrove Trees: A climate change solution

Along the fringes of coastlines, where land and Ocean meet, grow the world’s mighty mangrove trees.

These resilient trees grow along shorelines, with their complex root networks stretching deep into the mud. These coastal ecosystems are found on every continent except Antartica.

Although mangroves may not look like much, they have unique adaptations that allow them to live in saltwater environments and provide crucial habitats for many marine species. 

Why are mangrove trees an Ocean solution 

Mangrove ecosystems are a potent, nature-based solution tackling Ocean threats like climate change and loss of biodiversity.

They are the only forests situated at the confluence of land and sea in the world’s subtropics and tropics and are often called “coastal woodlands”, “tidal forests” and “mangrove forests.”

So, what makes mangroves a climate solution? 

Here are 5 ways mangroves trees tackle climate change:

Mangroves are carbon sinks 

Mangrove trees are highly effective carbon sinks. They sequester (the process of removing carbon from the atmosphere) 3 – 5 times more carbon per hectare than rainforests and they store up to 5 times more carbon per equivalent area.  

Carbon stored in mangrove forests is considered blue carbon as it’s stored on the coast.

“The soil of mangrove forests alone can hold more than two years of global emissions – that’s 22 billion tons of carbon,” according to Project Drawdown. This is why they are a huge Climate Action solution!    

Mangrove forests are biodiversity hotspots 

There are up to 25 more species of fish and other wildlife in mangroves than in areas where they have been cut down.

Mangroves also provide nesting and breeding habitats for fish and shellfish, birds and sea turtles. 

How do mangrove trees improve food security

For people living in coastal regions, healthy mangrove forests provide a healthy ecosystem from which to fish – and healthy farmland from which to grow crops and other produce.   

Mangroves are storm protectors 

Mangroves act as natural protection for coastal communities as they protect them from increased storm surges, flooding and hurricanes.  

Your coastal water quality ensurer 

The heavy network of mangrove roots helps filter sediments, heavy metals and other pollutants. This prevents the contamination of waterways and preserves delicate habitats like coral reefs and seagrass beds.  

We’re losing mangrove forests at an alarming rate 

Mangroves are some of the world’s most valuable coastal ecosystems and yet we’ve lost around 50% of Earth’s mangroves in the past 50 years alone. 

If this trajectory continues, we could lose all mangroves within the next 100 years.

By destroying mangrove habitats we not only take away a source of carbon sequestration, we also release all the carbon stored back into the atmosphere.   

Take climate action: Plant a mangrove

At Ocean Generation, we recognise the that planting mangrove trees is a simple and effective step to take Ocean action – and it’s accessible to everyone.  

Introducing: The Mangrove Mandate

We’re partnering with local experts to restore mangrove forests in Madagascar. Not only does it give you a chance to take Ocean action at the click of a button but it embodies the way we see the Ocean: as part of the solution; not a victim to the world’s problems.

“How can I plant a mangrove tree?”

  • Follow Ocean Generation on Instagram 
  • For every follow, we’ll plant a Mangrove tree in your name.

We can regenerate a Madagascar Mangrove together!

Ocean Generation is the Ocean charity that teaches people about the Ocean and helps them take action to mitigate the climate crisis. In 2022, Ocean Generation planted 1,027 mangrove trees to sequester carbon and protect the planet.

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Plastic Rivers Report: What plastic ends up in the Ocean?

What is the Plastic Rivers Report?

Our Plastic Rivers Report offers practical, evidence-based steps to tackle the plastic pollution crisis.

This report aims to improve our understanding of which plastic pollution items end up in rivers and flow into the Ocean most.

It identifies the 10 most prevalent macroplastic items found in European freshwater environments, key actions you can take to tackle plastic pollution, and how businesses and policy makers can support sustainable choices.

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