In an inspiring collaboration that brought art, environmental advocacy, and storytelling together, Love Blue Inc.'s Wildwood Crest Chapter played a pivotal role in the creation of "Coco," an upcycled octopus sculpture commissioned by Netflix. The sculpture was crafted to celebrate the release of Our Oceans, a new nature documentary narrated by Barack Obama. This remarkable project demonstrates how grassroots action can ripple into global environmental conversations.
From Beach Cleanups to a Global Spotlight
Throughout the summer, Love Blue Inc.'s Wildwood Crest Chapter hosted numerous beach cleanups, collecting an impressive volume of plastic litter and debris from the shoreline. Rather than simply disposing of the collected waste, the chapter preserved it, sending the debris to TerraCycle, a global leader in upcycling and recycling. This collaboration culminated in "Coco," an octopus sculpture composed of over 2,000 pieces of beach and ocean plastic waste. The sculpture’s vibrant and textured design not only captures the beauty of marine life but also serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address plastic pollution.
A Shared Mission
“Coco” was a product of teamwork among TerraCycle Foundation, Clean Ocean Action, A Greener Future, 5 Minute Foundation, and Love Blue Inc., with the collected plastic serving as the raw material for the sculpture. The town of Wildwood Crest, NJ, provided the perfect backdrop for the project’s unveiling, showcasing a community deeply committed to environmental stewardship. For Love Blue Inc., this collaboration was a full-circle moment. Founder and CEO AJ Caruso credits Netflix’s previous nature documentary series, Our Planet, as the spark that ignited his passion for ocean conservation. Watching that series inspired AJ and his friends to start Love Blue Inc., an organization now making waves across the country. “Seeing our efforts come full circle, contributing to a project that originated with the same platform that inspired Love Blue, is a dream come true,” said Caruso.
Art for Awareness
“Coco” stands as a symbol of hope and innovation in tackling marine pollution. It highlights the power of partnerships between local organizations, creative industries, and global platforms like Netflix. By using discarded materials to create something beautiful and thought-provoking, the sculpture invites audiences to consider their role in protecting marine ecosystems.
A Lasting Legacy
This project underscores Love Blue Inc.'s mission of turning small actions—like community beach cleanups—into meaningful change. With contributions from partners like TerraCycle and the support of organizations dedicated to protecting our oceans, the movement continues to grow. The journey of “Coco” is not just a testament to what’s possible when organizations come together for a shared cause, but also a reminder of the powerful stories behind every piece of litter collected.
Thank You to the Advocates
Love Blue Inc. extends its gratitude to TerraCycle Foundation, Clean Ocean Action, A Greener Future, 5 Minute Foundation, and the Wildwood Crest community for their unwavering support. Together, their efforts demonstrate the transformative potential of environmental stewardship and community collaboration.
A Message to All
As Our Oceans reach audiences worldwide, may “Coco” inspire individuals to take action—whether through reducing plastic use, participating in cleanups, or supporting organizations like Love Blue Inc. Together, we can create a healthier, more sustainable future for our oceans and the life they sustain.
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