04.08.24
Kiehl's Since 1851 has unveiled its "Single-Use Reflections," a sculptural installation by artist and activist, Benjamin Von Wong.
The sculpture will appear on the High Line in New York City from April 4-17.
Timed with Earth Month, "Single-Use Reflections," invites viewers to pause for a moment of reflection on how both widespread systemic change and small individual lifestyle shifts, such as using refillable products, can evoke hope and positively impact the planet's future, the makers say.
Large-scale mirrors featuring thought-provoking prompts protrude from the mountain of empties and provide unique photo touch points. Hidden within the installation is a keyhole where viewers can peek into a miniature world, inspired by an old-world apothecary, highlighting potential ways to reduce plastic waste.
Kiehl's says it’s committed to making single-use plastic a thing of the past by designing 100% of products to be re-used, refilled, or made of recycled materials by 2030. Von Wong says he was inspired by the Greek legend of the Hydra, which grows back another head for each one cut off – a metaphor for the single-use plastic waste problem.
With a reported 400 million metric tons of plastic discarded annually around the world, Von Wong's art reflects the impact of single-use plastic on the beauty of the planet, the artist says.
“I am a firm believer of progress over perfection,” he said. “Through this sculpture, I hope to inspire people and companies to join Kiehl's in loudly championing single-use alternatives. I believe that if we can encourage greater refill use, then companies across industries will have greater incentive to start supporting more refill solutions!"
The installation joins a series of Earth Month programming led by Earth Day Initiative, a New York City-based non-profit organization that promotes environmental awareness and solutions. Join Von Wong, Maggie Kervick, Kiehl's global head of sustainability, and environmentalist and drag queen, Pattie Gonia for a conversation about circularity and waste as part of Earth Day Initiative's Earth Day 2024 Virtual Stage. The segment will be featured on Earth Day Initiative's website beginning April 22.
"Single-Use Reflections" will be on view April 4-17 on the High Line in New York City from 7 am to 10 pm.