Big Fish Sculptures
In the UK, we use up to 13 billion single-use plastic bottles every year. Yet just over half are recycled. The rest litter our roadsides, countryside, and beaches, harming wildlife and polluting our oceans.
Globally, only 9% of plastic has ever been recycled, while 79% ends up in landfills or the environment. Even when recycled, most plastics can only be processed 2–3 times before becoming waste again. While Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) have boosted recycling in countries like Germany (with rates over 97%), the UK’s rollout has been delayed until at least 2024.
At Final Straw Foundation, we believe that reduction and reuse, not just recycling, are key to protecting our planet. Reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and cutlery are the most sustainable choices for our environment and future generations.
Our Big Fish Sculptures are large-scale, eye-catching installations made from recycled materials, designed to spark conversations about plastic pollution and waste reduction. These fish are not just sculptures; they’re bins for plastic bottles and a striking visual reminder of the impact of single-use plastic on our oceans. The project has been used in schools, towns, and public spaces across the UK to encourage people to collect and reduce plastic waste—one bottle at a time.
Nellie
In June 2019, we welcomed Nellie, our 6-metre-long metal fish sculpture made entirely from scrap materials. Designed to highlight the impact of single-use plastic, Nellie travels to festivals, parks, and towns across the South Coast, where the public can fill her with used plastic bottles and cans. This eye-catching installation powerfully illustrates how much waste we generate and sparks conversations about plastic pollution. Built by Sailboat Trailers in Emsworth and funded by Portsmouth City Council and the FatFace Foundation, Nellie is available to attend events in the Solent area—just drop us an email to enquire!
The BCP Waste Warrior Fish, Wanda
In April 2021, Wanda the Waste Warrior Fish joined our shoal! Based in the Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole area, Wanda is a mobile sculpture spreading the Reuse, Refill & Reduce message. Like Nellie, she travels to different locations, starting with Sandbanks, Bournemouth, and Boscombe.
Tiddler
“Tiddler” is a slightly smaller fish that has been installed in Portsmouth. It is located at the Somerstown Activity Playground and has been specially designed to be easy for children to access. We are running regular workshops with the children who attend the centre, reinforcing the messaging behind the fish with fun activities that educate them about the impact of plastic pollution and the importance of choosing reusables over single-use items.
