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Five Cool Things to See in The Blue Paradox Exhibit

Close your eyes and imagine a blue hue everywhere around you. Where are you and why? Welcome to the Blue Paradox, an exhibit on the plastic pollution crisis located at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Be immersed in the experience where you can walk beneath the ocean’s surface to explore the importance of our greatest natural resource: water. 

As you walk through the exhibit, you will learn about the impact plastic pollution has had on our ocean. But what does the “Blue Paradox” actually mean? In short, the paradox refers to how plastic has made our lives easier. Plastics are extremely useful and have helped with considerable advancements in modern society, increased convenience, and reduced reliance on natural resources. From to-go cups to computer parts, to clothing items, to medical equipment, the widespread use of plastic is present in our daily lives. However, this heavy reliance has caused a pollution issue that is harming our ocean ecosystem and the planet as a whole.  

What can we do about it? The Blue Paradox exhibit was created to open visitors’ eyes to the plastic pollution crisis and learn about ways to reduce our plastic consumption. The hope is to leave the exhibit with the understanding that everyday actions – even those that seem small – can make a big difference. 

Here are five cool things to see in the Blue Paradox exhibit you don’t want to miss: 
Before you walk into the Blue Paradox exhibit, you will be caught between 1,278 recycled plastic fish over your head. They are part of a large sculpture called “Emergence” by Aurora Robson, who is known predominantly for her meditative work intercepting the plastic waste stream. The sculpture is made from ultrasonic welded plastic debris, water-based paint, recycled fishing line and lead weights.
Immerse yourself in the LED wave wall of ocean imagery. The curved screen makes you feel like are in the ocean with coral reefs and swimming with the jellyfishes. All while learning about the vital role the ocean has on our planet.
Continue through the exhibit and walk into the unsettling sound of mass plastic production featuring an endless conveyor belt of plastic materials. At the end of this room, you see a LIVE ticker that shows how many plastic materials are being produced in real-time.
Meet some of the scientists at MSI. At the exhibit, you can take some time to look at microplastics through a microscope. Here, one can ask questions about microplastics and the issues that they are causing in our environment.
Lastly, one of the coolest things to experience at the exhibit is this solutions section. Learn about innovative solutions including unique products like shoes made from plastic waste. The other section offers localized solutions, such as contacting elected officials, signing up to clean local beaches and more. The third part is a pledge wall which presents guests an opportunity to make a commitment individually. Upon submitting your commitment, guests see your name appears on the blue wall.