This year’s theme is Planet vs Plastics.

These images were created using a compilation of discarded plastic objects washed up on the shores of our beaches – from lighters & bottles, to shot shells & fishing paraphernalia.

Instead of collecting sea shells I have long been attracted to the man-made flotsam and jetsam of sea-worn metal and brightly coloured plastics. I used to call it ‘treasure’ and got laughed at for the constant haul of so-called rubbish I would lug back in cast-off nets and fish crates. There was so much of it that if the mood took me I could choose objects by theme or colour. The quantities did of course bother me, but at that time plastic was a hidden threat to our oceans.

My moment of realisation came when I discovered a large discarded fishing net had imprisoned scores of large shore crabs. All struggling for survival, their claws bound and trapped by plastic; I managed to cut free and save many of them ahead of the incoming tide. Recently voluntary beach clean ups in my area mean there has been less treasure to find, and I’m grateful that progress is being made. We are all part of the problem, so we need to be part of a solution.

To bring urgent attention to the overwhelming plastics crisis that is engulfing our seas and causing untold harm to our natural world the Association of Photographers have created a new publication featuring the work of 14 artists. You can see the complete works here.

In the battle of Planet vs Plastics Greenpeace reveals that sadly Plastics are winning. You can sign their call for a Global Plastics Treaty here

Every day is Earth Day x