‘We are drowning in trash’: How this Danish artist’s sculptures put a global spotlight on recycling

Danish recycle artist Thomas Dambo has created 170 giant wooden troll sculptures from discarded materials like wooden pallets and old furniture. The sculptures, which stand up to 40 feet tall, are part of the "Trail of a Thousand Trolls" project and can be found in over 20 countries and 21 US states. Dambo believes that one man's trash is another man's treasure and aims to show humans how to live better without destroying the planet. Each troll has its own personality and story, and they are designed to inspire people to think about their connection to nature. The trolls are critical of humans for wasting nature's resources and polluting the planet, but a group of six young trolls at Filoli in California believe they can teach people how to protect the environment. The trolls are hidden in forests, mountains, and other natural areas, and were built with local materials and volunteer help. Dambo's exhibition has over 4.5 million visitors a year globally, and he hopes to prove that recycling and reusing materials is a viable alternative to throwing things away. The trolls are meant to inspire people to think about their own impact on the environment and to take action to reduce waste. By using discarded materials, Dambo is showing that it's possible to create something beautiful and meaningful from what would otherwise be thrown away. Ultimately, the trolls are a call to action, encouraging humans to be more mindful of their impact on the planet and to take steps to reduce their waste and live more sustainably.