If you’ve been through Te Tapora Kai recently, you may have spotted Mana and Moana.
These two turtle sculptures were created to raise awareness about single-use plastics and plastic pollution. Each turtle is filled with approximately 350 plastic bottles collected from the ICI Waste Facility.
Mana and Moana are a reminder of how much plastic we use and throw away, and what can happen when plastic waste reaches our ocean. Plastics can remain in the environment for many years and can harm turtles, fish, seabirds and other marine life through ingestion and entanglement.
Their message is simple:
- Refuse unnecessary single-use plastics
- Reduce the amount of plastic you use
- Reuse items whenever possible
- Recycle correctly where recycling options are available
Simple everyday choices can help reduce plastic waste. Carry a reusable water bottle, bring your own shopping bag or food container, and say no to single-use plastics when you do not need them.
Funded by the Australian Government through the Pacific Ocean Litter Project (POLP), Mana and Moana help create a space at Te Taporo Kai where the community and visitors can learn more about plastic pollution and the actions we can all take.
NES acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Australian High Commission to the Cook Islands, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), Conrad and the team at Rarotonga Welding & Steel Construction, Alana Short and the team at Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC), Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI), the Green Machine team, and Hori Signs in bringing Mana and Moana to life.
