At the Pancar Depot of Nilüfer Municipality, artist Nergiz Yeşil, a graduate of Mimar Sinan University Sculpture Department with a master’s degree in the use of biological materials in art, conducted an innovative Bioplastic Workshop. The event focused on resource usage, the role of biological materials in artistic creations, material production and cultivation, as well as eco-friendly production methods. Yeşil emphasized the importance of shifting the conversation from continuous recycling to minimal consumption, advanced recycling, and finally, the last stage of recycling, stating, ‘We constantly talk about recycling, but we should focus on minimum consumption and advanced recycling as our primary goals.’ In her own artistic practice, she adopts this approach by primarily producing her materials and utilizing advanced recycling techniques. ‘I prefer to produce without harming nature. I approach the subject holistically. If I can produce them myself without using machinery, I do,’ she explained. In the workshop’s second session, participants had the opportunity to create their own bioplastics based on a basic recipe, exploring alternative formulas. This hands-on experience allowed them to discuss the relationship between plastics and the environment while also experimenting with eco-friendly alternatives.
