Plastic Scoop
A synthetic ocean: Grand Theft Auto V meets plastic pollution and global heating

I hope we have created something that people can engage with in an informal but informed way.
Plastic Scoop brings together lecturer in English Post-1950 Dr Mandy Bloomfield, and photographer Andy Hughes, to create an innovative creative project which will share new perspectives and approaches about plastic pollution, climate change, the Anthropocene and sustainability. Using game footage from Grand Theft Auto V, alongside archival footage and new research material, it connects futurology and global environmental issues, watery worlds, ecology and the everyday way we think of ourselves and the ocean.
“Gaming and virtual reality has often been accused of being a form of escapism. It takes us away from the material world and in some ways distracts us from many of the problems we face in reality."
Dr Mandy Bloomfield
Read about the impacts the project has had since being completed
Andy's creative practice explores the littoral zone and the politics of waste. In 2013 he travelled to Alaska as an invited artist with an international team to work on the project GYRE: The Plastic Ocean. He has collaborated with and supported many non-profit and NGOs such as Surfers Against Sewage, The Marine Conservation Society and the Surfrider Foundation. His works have been exhibited nationally and internationally, he published a major volume of work in 2006, presented papers and lectured at many universities and institutions both in the UK, US and Europe. He lives and works in Cornwall, England.
Find out more about Andy HughesThe Sustainable Earth Institute's Creative Associates projects aim to explore novel and innovative ways of communicating research and develop a portfolio of case studies of the different creative approaches possible.
The Sustainable Earth Institute is about promoting a new way of thinking about the future of our world.
We bring researchers together with businesses, community groups and individuals to develop cutting-edge research and innovative approaches that build resilience to global challenges.
We link diverse research areas across the University including science, engineering, arts, humanities, health and business.