# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Art has massive power to move people to social change.

By using their art as an innovative medium for awareness, artists become advocates, challenging the biggest issues of our time. Public art, then, capitalizes on the power of socially-aware works, reaching people in their everyday environments and confronting them with social injustice that is otherwise easily ignored.

From sculptures addressing systemic racism to murals celebrating Indigenous communities, public art is making a real-world social impact that deserves to be celebrated.

Though certainly not an exhaustive list, here are 15 recent, ongoing or upcoming public art projects working to advocate for human rights and improve communities.

1. Ethnicities

Created for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, this mural depicts five Indigenous people from five continents - a concept based on the five Olympic rings. The bold, geometric mural - created by Brazilian graffiti artist Eduardo Kobra - is meant to show how "we are all connected," according to the artist. It currently holds the Guinness World Record for largest mural created by one artist.

Kobra conceptualized the 623-foot mural, called Ethnicities, or Etnias in Portuguese. More than 493 gallons of paint and about 3,500 cans of spray paint were used to complete the mural, which took more than two months to create.

2. AIDS Memorial Quilt

A traveling public art project, the AIDS Memorial Quilt was created in June 1987 at the height of the AIDS crisis in the United States. The ongoing project memorializes those who have died from HIV and AIDS through quilted panels, embellished with their names and symbolic imagery representing the person memorialized. Currently, the quilt is made up of more than 48,000 panels, with more added every year as more AIDS casualties are submitted to The NAMES Project Foundation.

The massive quilt is rarely displayed in its entirety, as it's become too large to display in many public spaces. Upcoming displays of the quilt can be found here. You can also view the quilt virtually here.

3. Field of Vision: A Garden for Others

In December 2015, artist and environmental activist Jenny Kendler was commissioned to create a butterfly garden in downtown Louisville, Kentucky. In creating Field of Vision: A Garden for Others, Kendler used reclaimed wood, ultraviolet LED lights and milkweed to create a garden in Louisville that would draw people back to an often-overlooked river, while also supporting vulnerable butterfly populations.

Kendler first designed the garden for pollinators, creating the art to primarily attracted monarch butterflies to a space where they could feed and lay eggs. All the elements are meticulously intentional - the milkweed attracts butterflies, for example, while blacklight replicates the far-superior sight butterflies have compared to humans.

4. Invisible Homeless

Homeless populations are often ignored on the street. A British artist wanted to challenge this, creating a glass sculpture of a sleeping body resting on a bed of cardboard, to represent how homeless people struggle to be seen on city streets.

The glass figure, which was on display in Bristol, England, in late December 2015, was created in collaboration between artist Luke Jerram and UK-based youth homelessness charity 1625 Independent People.

5. Stop Telling Women To Smile

These simple posters, created by New York City artist Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, carry a big message about a type of gender injustice women face regularly: street harassment. The series, called Stop Telling Women To Smile in reference to a common catcall, started in the fall of 2012 and is ongoing by the artist.

The publicly displayed posters feature the portraits of women, along with a quote relaying their experiences with street harassment. Fazlalizadeh hopes the captions speak directly to offenders by placing the posters outside in public spaces where harassment happens.

6. Untitled refugee life jacket installation

This art installation by noted Chinese artist Ai Weiwei showcased 14,000 used life jackets previously worn by refugees traveling from Turkey to the Greek island of Lesbos. The artist, hoping to highlight the severity of the ongoing refugee crisis, tied the striking orange vests to pillars of the Konzerthaus Berlin to command the attention of the general public.

The installation was debuted in Berlin in February 2016 outside of the concert hall in Berlin's Gendarmenmarkt square.

7. Breathing Lights

Concentrated in areas with high levels of vacancy in Upstate New York, Breathing Lights is meant to show society and communities that there is life still lurking in vacant properties. Artist Adam Frelin and architect Barbara Nelson conceived the temporary installation, which will illuminate windows of empty buildings with warm light that gently fades on and off to mimic breathing.

The art piece is meant to shed light on the ongoing divestment from low-income communities in the upstate region using bold imagery. Breathing Lights will premiere in Albany, Schenectady and Troy in October and November. The project received funding and support from Bloomberg Philanthropies in early 2016.

8. The Za'atari Project

The Za'atari Project is an ongoing series of public art murals that engages Syrian refugees, especially children, in art to make refugee camps less sterile and more welcoming.

Through a partnership with several nonprofits, artist Joel Artista has traveled to the Za'atari refugee camp in Jordan for the past four years to help bring life to the camp. Many of the murals hinge on social issues, like access to water and hygiene. Artista says the activity is one of few structured activities for refugee children, many of which are out of school since being displaced.

9. Bodypainting at the Library

In June 2015, photographer Substantia Jones and artist Andy Golub collaborated to confront tourists and locals with radical body positivity - on the front steps of the New York Public Library. Gloub painted three self-identified fat women with green body paint and fluid black lines. Jones, a noted activist for the fat positive movement, photographed the women, also talking to passersby about body positivity, fat visibility and sizeism.

From navigating police officers questioning the legality of the project to men sexualizing participants, the two were up against a lot of hate.

But Jones said there was no doubt: "We made some people think."

10. All Hands On Deck

This project tackling racial justice, dubbed All Hands On Deck, was created by artist Damon Davis and activist Michael Skolnik in the aftermath of the death of Michael Brown. The pair decided to tackle the issue of police violence through art, uplifting those on the frontlines of activism and calling impacted communities to action.

Davis took photos of activists involved in Ferguson protests, representing those "holding up" the current racial justice movement. Their hands were photographed in a "hands up, don't shoot" gesture, a symbol that became iconic after the death of Michael Brown. The posters were pasted on boarded buildings around Ferguson during the protests following the acquittal of Darren Wilson in the death of Brown.

11. Stand Tall, Stand Loud

The sculpture, created by artist Aaron Bell, ties the history of current racial discrimination to historical roots of black oppression. The bold work features a noose-like head on a muscular body with a captivating windmill-like part in the heart of the piece. The base of the work reads, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter," quoting Martin Luther King Jr.

Bell went through a lengthy fight to have the work publicly displayed in Riverside Park in New York City, as city officials were quoted to say the work was set to be "adjacent to an area regularly programmed with passive recreational activities such as yoga, Pilates and senior movement." The piece, however, is currently on display.

12. Inflatable Refugee

The title of this work says it all. This art project is a 20-foot inflatable refugee, hoping to focus the general public's attention on the refugee crisis. Dubbed a nomadic art project, the inflatable refugee has set out around the world to spread awareness in places like Venice, Melbourne and Copenhagen.

The work, created by Belgian visual artist collective Schellekens & Peleman, is made from the same material used to make the inflatable boats many refugees use to cross the Mediterranean Sea.

13. Non-Violence

This knotted gun, simply titled Non-Violence, was first created by Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd after the murder of John Lennon in 1980. Originally placed across the street from Lennon's home in New York City, the sculpture was moved to the U.N. Headquarters, calling for peace and non-violence.

Since then, however, it has become a symbol of the ongoing struggle for non-violence and gun control worldwide, serving as the symbol of the The Non-Violence Project, a nonprofit advocating for social change through violence-prevention programming.

There are currently 16 copies of the statue on display around the world, most of which are in Sweden.

14. Songs for Thomas Piketty

This may look like a regular boombox - and, truly, it is. But Dutch visual artist Dries Verhoeven took an innovative approach to throwback device, using it to advocate for homeless populations in the Netherlands.

The art project, Songs for Thomas Piketty, was created in response to the Netherlands implementing a ban on panhandling. The " begging boomboxes" play a song about unity and ask passersby for spare change, collecting money for those who can't. The temporary installation was in the Netherlands in March 2016, with all money collected donated to charities for the homeless.

15. Untitled wall around Donald Trump's Walk of Fame star

This wall, conceptualized and constructed by the artist known as Plastic Jesus, was placed around the Hollywood Walk of Fame Star of Donald Trump on July 20, 2016 - the same day Trump was officially nominated as the Republican Party's presidential nominee.

Complete with barbed wired and tiny "Keep Out" signs, the work played of Trump's controversial statements about building a wall on the southern border of the U.S. as part of a plan for immigration reform. The artist, known for progressive messages on social inequality, used the work to oppose Trump's comments.

"Personally, I've got nothing against Donald Trump," Plastic Jesus told The Huffington Post. "I have everything against his policies and the culture he's trying to create in America."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
15 public art projects that boldly advocate for social justice

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Art has massive power to move people to social change. By using their art as an innovative medium for awareness, artists become advocates, challenging the biggest issues of our time. Public art, then, capitalizes on the power of socially-aware works, reaching people in their everyday environments and confronting them with social injustice that is otherwise easily ignored.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
AllHandsOnDeckProject: We Stand WIth Ferguson/St. Louis

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Extreme poverty is a complex problem without a single solution. Learn more about these different high impact cause areas.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Nike Grind | More Performance. Less Waste.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Surfaces made with Nike Grind are high-performance, sustainable options designed to maximize playability and safety, while reducing environmental impact.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Cheap, fast fashion means we're spending less and buying more. But where does it end up, and what can you do to get rid of your textile waste responsibly?

The fashion industry is in the top three industries contributing to global warming, joined by the oil and commercial meat production.

And while you can vow never to drive a car, or eat meat again it is far more difficult to vow never to wear clothes again.

A staggering 80 billion pieces of clothing are being bought globally per year.

Only 10% of clothing donated to charities in the hope of being recycled or reused is sold. The other 90% ends up in landfill, creating methane gas and warming the planet.

Recycling textiles is different area to area. When searching for recycling options in Sydney at the 1 Million Women office, the majority of options were charity stores.

Read next: How Fast Fashion Is Destroying Developing Countries

Within the results, there was one company that specialised in recycling fabrics, and even they requested the clothing be in relatively good condition.

So what are your options to divest your textile waste from landfill? Well, the number one rule is shop less, buy well and make it last.

The next option is to compost it! Not all fabrics can be composted; some contain dyes that are harmful to the soil and environment, and some just won't break down.

We've put together a comprehensive guide to composting fabrics so that next time you do a spring clean maybe some of your old pieces can go straight back into the soil.
1 Million Women is empowering women and girls around the world to lower their impact on the planet. If you love what we do, please support our work by donating a couple of dollars. For the price of a cuppa, you can help us inspire millions more! (click to donate ) The quick guide: Rule of thumb
-Textiles are made from natural materials can be returned to the earth to create resources.

-Biodegradable fabrics: if something is biodegradable it just means it can be broken down naturally by bacteria. Natural, biodegradable fabrics include:

Cotton

Silk

Wool

Cashmere

Hemp

Bamboo

linen

-Non-biodegradable fabrics: Basically anything that is manufactured and synthetic. This includes:

Polyester

Spandex

Nylon

Rayon

These textiles will eventually break down, but it can take up to 200 years.

-For eco fashion brands to label themselves 'compostable' 60-90% of the product must break down into C02 within 180 days in commercial composting facility.

-The general rule of thumb: if it is natural it can compost. Try sticking to bamboo fabrics and 100% (ethically made) cotton fabrics when it comes to composting.
Read Next: We're Making The Switch To Bamboo Clothing (And You Should too)
Image source: Hearts
How to compost textiles
Shred em': Start off by getting the size down, you can cut things into little squares or just rip them into strands. They'll break down quicker, and you can scatter the pieces evenly.

Remove anything that won't biodegrade: This includes any plastics (look for tags!) metals such as buttons and zippers, and you can keep them for repairs.

Use a hot compost for faster results: Ok, hot compost involves a little more love and attention. Consider hot composting the 'levelling up', but if you're keen on textile composting it is worth it. Hot composting can break down matter within 18 days. If you're just starting off, or need a refresher check out our composting guides here and here.
Read Next: How To Upcycle Old Socks
Add worm friends to your compost: Worms are your best friends when it comes to composting. They produce some of the best fertiliser on the planet and are super efficient at processing organic waste.

When shopping, choose better: Aside from cutting down on how much you purchase, start choosing what fabrics you purchase. Be mindful of the fabrics you can pop in the compost once it reaches the end of its lifecycle, do some research and familiarise yourself with brands who actively leave out harsh chemicals and synthetic materials in their production methods.
Recycle what you can't compost:
When it comes to clothes that just don't fit, that don't suit or that you don't love anymore but are still in good condition try doing a clothing swap with a friend, take worn clothes directly to shelters or those living rough on the streets and everything else: give to charities.

Hat tip to: Hearts
Read Next: How to: Make your own Bokashi Bucket

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Cheap, fast fashion means we're spending less and buying more. But where does it end up, and what can you do to get rid of your textile waste responsibly? The fashion industry is in the top three industries contributing to global warming, joined by the oil and commercial meat production.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Interesting in installing solar or another renewable energy source in your home? Follow PG&E's steps to help you get started.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
By 2030 we aim to make all our products carbon neutral through recycled and renewable materials, clean energy, and low-carbon shipping.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Support Creative Reuse in Portland! | Donate | SCRAP PDX

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Your financial support helps SCRAP PDX to continue our mission to inspire creative reuse and environmentally sustainable behavior by providing educational programs and affordable materials to the community.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Kiva is the world's first online lending platform. For as little as $25 you can lend to an entrepreneur around the world. Learn more here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Nike Grind | More Performance. Less Waste.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Surfaces made with Nike Grind are high-performance, sustainable options designed to maximize playability and safety, while reducing environmental impact.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Bring JoyWe give kids in hospitals free crayons — and the power to face their challenges with the freedom to make art.(MORE)Join UsOver 3 million people are pitching in, including our friends at companies like Visa, Cisco, HBO and Vodafone.(MORE)Make NewsWe’ve been covered by The Today Show, BuzzFeed, NBC Nightly News, O Magazine, and People Magazine.(MORE)Our Impact We send free ... Read More

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
100% Cork | Produced by Nature. Preferred by Winemakers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Cork oak forests, referred to as montados, are the lungs of the environment, the economy and the society of Mediterranean countries. They have such an important role for nature and people that they are protected by law. In Portugal, where there is the largest cork oak forest area in the world, the cork oak is the national tree and has been protected by law since the 13th century. A growing awareness of the value of the ecosystem of the cork oak forest has led to important initiatives in reforestation and the systematisation of good practices. It is a way of ensuring the future, without forgetting the old saying: "Whoever cares for their grandchildren, plants a cork oak".
Cork and Climate Change Cork Vs Screw Caps Forest Fire Prevention Social Impacts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Good for the Environment - 100% Cork | Produced by Nature. Preferred by Winemakers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Cork oak forests, referred to as montados, are the lungs of the environment, the economy and the society of Mediterranean countries. They have such an important role for nature and people that they are protected by law.

# data[].attributes.body
Read ideas but do not sign up

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
#GlobalGoals | DoSomething.org | Volunteer for Social Change

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
On September 25 - 27 the United Nations will vote on a set of 17 Big Hairy Audacious Goals known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or Global Goals. These goals focus on a range of topics - from ending of poverty to saving the environment but ultimately aim to make the world a better place.

# data[].attributes.body
Read ideas but do not sign up

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Stop Climate Change | DoSomething.org | Volunteer for Social Change

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Take action to stop climate change and protect our planet.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
charity: water | Help Bring Clean and Safe Water and Sanitation to Communities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
charity: water is a global nonprofit organization on a mission to end the water crisis by bringing clean and safe water and sanitation programs to communities in need.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Top 20 Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Want to reduce your carbon footprint? Here are twenty actions you can take to become carbon neutral!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
environmental organizations list directory social justice human rights

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Environmental and Social Justice Organizations

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Links to environmental, human rights, and animal rights organizations.