Ocean plastic waste transforms into National Games mascot

Guangzhou Children's Park recently welcomed a "high-profile guest": a 3-meter-tall white dolphin named "Xi Yangyang", mascot for the 15th National Games, which has become a new hotspot for visitors.

Children take a photo with white dolphin "Xi Yangyang". [Photo/WeChat account: nanshafabu]

This dolphin mascot installation is ingeniously designed, with a front featuring its lively "Xi Yangyang" name, and a transparent compartment on its back filled with harmlessly treated marine plastic waste. These materials were collected during public welfare beach cleanups, underwater cleanups, and other beach-cleaning activities in the Greater Bay Area, including volunteer efforts in Nansha.

In addition to the large mascot installation, 2,025 mini mascot souvenirs have also been produced. Partially made from recycled marine plastic waste, these souvenirs come with a carbon footprint traceability QR code that allows users to check the carbon emission-reduction data, making "low-carbon" and "zero-waste" concepts tangible in daily life.

Nansha scarve. [Photo/WeChat account: nanshafabu]

As early as 2024, scarves made from plastic waste collected during beach clean-ups in Nansha had become popular. From "scarves" to "mascots", the district continues to innovate, turning marine waste into treasures and building a beautiful bay model.

This year alone, Nansha has organized over 30 beach clean-up events, mobilizing more than 500 volunteers to clean 10 kilometers of coastline and collect 2,000 kilograms of waste. These efforts by the district are advancing the construction of a zero-waste city and a beautiful bay area, moving firmly toward a green future.