In the UK, we use up to 13 billion single-use plastic bottles every year. Yet just over half are recycled. The rest litter our roadsides, countryside, and beaches, harming wildlife and polluting our oceans.

Globally, only 9% of plastic has ever been recycled, while 79% ends up in landfills or the environment. Even when recycled, most plastics can only be processed 2–3 times before becoming waste again. While Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) have boosted recycling in countries like Germany (with rates over 97%), the UK’s rollout has been delayed until at least 2024.

At Final Straw Foundation, we believe that reduction and reuse, not just recycling, are key to protecting our planet. Reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and cutlery are the most sustainable choice for our environment and future generations.

Our Big Fish Sculptures are large-scale, eye-catching installations made from recycled materials, designed to spark conversations about plastic pollution and waste reduction. These fish are not just sculptures; they’re bins for plastic bottles and a striking visual reminder of the impact of single-use plastic on our oceans. The project has been used in schools, towns, and public spaces across the UK to encourage people to collect and reduce plastic waste—one bottle at a time.

Nellie

In June 2019, we welcomed Nellie, our 6-metre-long metal fish sculpture made entirely from scrap materials. Designed to highlight the impact of single-use plastic, Nellie travels to festivals, parks, and towns across the South Coast, where the public can fill her with used plastic bottles and cans. This eye-catching installation powerfully illustrates how much waste we generate and sparks conversations about plastic pollution. Built by Sailboat Trailers in Emsworth and funded by Portsmouth City Council and the FatFace Foundation, Nellie is available to attend events in the Solent area—just drop us an email to enquire!

The BCP Waste Warrior Fish, Wanda

In April 2021, Wanda the Waste Warrior Fish joined our shoal! Based in the Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole area, Wanda is a mobile sculpture spreading the Reuse, Refill & Reduce message. Like Nellie, she travels to different locations, starting with Sandbanks, Bournemouth, and Boscombe.

The new fish was funded by donations from local residents, including Plastic Free Bournemouth, plus fantastic support from local businesses LUSH and Saffery Champness LLP accountants.

How was the new Waste Warrior fish for Bournemouth, Christchurch Poole paid for?

How can I help?
Always carry a reusable water bottle and coffee cup. Many beaches have drinking water taps and you can find places to refill your water bottle by downloading the free Refill app.

If I put my plastic bottles in a recycling bin surely there’s not a problem?
Unfortunately, the problem doesn’t end there. Depending on where you live, a lot of single-use plastic doesn’t get recycled – even when it’s put in a recycling bin. A lot of plastic waste has been shipped abroad and even waste managed in the UK often gets incinerated, adding to the Climate Crisis in releasing CO2. Plastic is also made from fossil fuels – prolonging an industry which we urgently need to transition away from. For more information, City to Sea have some great information here: The problem with plastic

A coffee shop refused to serve me in my re-usable coffee cup because of Covid. Is it safe? 
Yes. It’s absolutely safe to get your reusable cup filled in a coffee shop. Download our easy to follow guide here which shows exactly how vendors can safely fill your cup without touching it, and check out the handy video below from City to Sea.

Tiddler

“Tiddler” is a slightly smaller fish that has been installed in Portsmouth. It is located at the Somerstown Activity Playground and has been specially designed to be easy for children to access. We are running regular workshops with the children who attend the centre, reinforcing the messaging behind the fish with fun activities that educate them about the impact of plastic pollution and the importance of choosing reusables over single-use items.