Put your creative mind to work by participating in this free public contest.

Boulder County, Colo. - In an effort to spread awareness about the effects of plastic pollution, and to celebrate “Plastic Free July,” the Boulder County Resource Conservation Division (RCD) is hosting a public art contest where participants will transform plastic waste into artwork. You’ve seen it before: a loose bottle cap, candy wrapper, straw, or other plastic item litter the ground or our water streams. When small plastics (and other larger plastic items) end up in nature, they slowly breakdown into microscopic pieces called microplastics, which contaminate our soils and water. Instead of throwing away small plastic items, you can practice “reuse” by using them for art!

The Zero Waste Art Contest is open to all ages and skill levels. Individuals, clubs, schools, families, and businesses are all encouraged to participate – use your imagination to help us bring awareness to keeping our community clean. Gather small, non-recyclable pieces of plastic that would otherwise be considered trash and transform them into a beautiful art piece. Participants can design anything that calls to them, whether it be a person, place, or thing. Entries are due by 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, July 31. Submit the title of the artwork, name(s) of the artist(s) and a photo of the artwork to plasticfreeboco@bouldercounty.org.

Winners will be announced and contacted via email by Friday, Aug. 13. For more information please visit: www.boco.org/plasticscampaign.

Questions or concerns may be emailed to plasticfreeboco@bouldercounty.org