Nellie the Big Recycling Fish Set to Make a Splash at Cowes Week
Isle of Wight, UK. 27th July – 2nd August 2024
This year, Cowes Week will feature a special guest with a powerful message about sustainability and the environment. Nellie the Big Recycling Fish, a striking metal sculpture created and designed to collect plastic bottles and aluminium cans for recycling by South Coast charity the Final Straw Foundation, will be on display at the main site throughout the event, thanks to the generous support of Wightlink, who have provided free transportation for Nellie, and the organisers of Cowes Week for hosting this unique installation.
Cowes Week, one of the oldest and most prestigious sailing regattas in the world, has been a highlight of the British sporting calendar since 1826. Attracting around 8,000 competitors and 100,000 visitors annually, it is renowned not only for its sporting excellence but also for its vibrant social scene. This year, the event is taking another significant step towards environmental responsibility by spotlighting the issue of waste through Nellie the Big Recycling Fish Sculpture.
The presence of Nellie at Cowes Week serves as a poignant reminder of the amount of waste we produce, particularly single-use plastics and aluminium cans. Visitors are encouraged to dispose of their empty bottles and cans by feeding them to Nellie, who will be prominently positioned on the main site. This initiative highlights the importance of recycling as a key component in managing waste and protecting our environment. However, the message doesn't stop there.
“While recycling is crucial, it is not the best answer. Plastics can only be recycled a finite number of times, and their production is deeply tied to fossil fuels, increasing our carbon footprint,” explains Final Straw Foundation CEO, Bianca Carr. “This highlights the need for a cultural shift towards using reusable bottles and reducing our reliance on single-use plastics. By choosing reusable options, we can significantly cut down the waste that ends up in our oceans and landfills.”
Nellie the Big Recycling Fish is not just a functional piece but also a visual statement. As she fills up with bottles and cans, she becomes a striking testament to the volume of waste generated, prompting reflection and action among Cowes Week participants and visitors.
“We are thrilled to have Nellie the Big Recycling Fish at Cowes Week,” said Bob Trimble, Chair of Cowes Week Ltd. “Her presence aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability and offers a thoughtful way for our community to contribute to environmental conservation.”
Wightlink, the leading ferry company connecting the Isle of Wight to the mainland, has played a pivotal role in making Nellie’s appearance possible by transporting the sculpture free of charge. Their support is a testament to their dedication to environmental initiatives and community engagement.
“We’re proud to support this initiative by transporting Nellie to Cowes Week,” said Keith Greenfield, CEO of Wightlink. “It's a fantastic way to raise awareness about recycling and the importance of reducing plastic waste.”
Cowes Week invites all attendees to participate in this green initiative, demonstrating that small actions can collectively make a significant impact. By engaging with Nellie the Big Recycling Fish, visitors can contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet.
