Japanese Nail Art from Ocean Trash

While the world community is trying to find an approach to solving the global problem of planet pollution, artists express their reactions to environmental issues through their works. Environmental art encourages people to ponder over nature, its uniqueness, and the importance of using resources inspired by its elements. Japanese nail artist Naomi Arimoto turns plastic waste into eco-friendly nail art, – Reuters report. In this article, we will tell you about her extraordinary works that reflect acute environmental issues through beauty.

Naomi Arimoto's Story

Arimoto’s spinal problems forced her to retire from her job as a social worker, and in search of something new to do, she started her own business. In 2018, she launched a sustainable nail salon startup, where clients could get unusual manicures using plastic waste from the seashore.

How a Salon Turns Ocean Plastic into Nails

While walking along the beach near Tokyo, she collects and sifts the sand for tiny pieces of plastic. She then rinses the plastic in fresh water and classifies it by color.

The artist cuts the plastic into smaller pieces, places them in a metal ring, and melts them to form colored disks that can be attached to artificial nails. Since 2021, Naomi has been using Umigomi, or “sea trash”, to create nail art, turning marine debris into treasure. Naomi sells nail sets for $82.52.

“I think (ocean plastic waste) is a problem that everyone in the world should be aware of, and it’s impossible for anyone to solve it alone,” Arimoto said.

This amazing case shows that caring about the environment combined with imagination and sustainable thinking, can help our planet by motivating others to become more aware.

Recycled Plastic in Fashion

The trend of making clothes and accessories using raw materials from recycled plastic has long been reflected in every new collection of fashion giants, bloggers, and the most famous trendsetters with an audience of millions. Manufacturers of goods from recycled plastic are raising a generation of environmentally conscious consumers, offering stylish and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional clothing and footwear.

Thus, Adidas, in collaboration with Parley for the Oceans, presented sneakers made from recycled ocean plastic. Stella McCartney has been following her principles of creating sustainable models for many years. Their shoes are made from artificial leather made of recycled polyester, and as well as bags are manufactured from ocean plastics.

Following this trend, you can find a swimsuit and sun hat for a beach getaway, or a ski suit and ski mask for a comfortable stay in the mountains in every store. By putting together all items in your wardrobe for any season, made of recycled plastics, you will look attractive and feel comfortable while preserving the environment.

Plastic Problem We're Facing

Technological advancements and the pursuit of equal quality and comfort of life significantly impact the environment, leading to negative consequences for all living beings. Due to its cheapness, strength, plasticity, and durability, plastic has become one of the most popular raw materials for production. However, after several decades of people using plastic consumer goods, nature has suffered a devastating impact, accumulating huge landfills of plastic waste.

They gradually degrade into microplastics, getting into water, soil, air, and the very bodies of animals and humans. Microplastics, gradually accumulating in the body, cause serious diseases, and the accumulation of plastic fragments in nature leads to irreversible changes in the ecosystem. The problem of solving the disposal and recycling of plastic is a challenge for current residents and future generations.