The Sanskrit noun mandala is often translated as "circle" or "discoid object"; however, the term is also used to define visual and meditative images.[1]

In the spirit of building environmental awareness, this Eco-Mandala was constructed during Earth Week 2014 out of nonrecyclable lids, and demonstrates just a fraction of the lids that are discarded on our campus each semester. It acts as a large-scale object for contemplation of the permanence and plethora of disposable commodities large and small that populate not just landfills but also oceans, rivers, and land. Moreover the Eco-Mandala is meant to promote consideration of the permanent effects of daily, fleeting choices and actions.

Conceived by:

    • Peter Hodum, biology and environmental policy and decision making
    • Siddarth Ramakrishnan, biology
    • Elise Richman, art and art history

Constructed and designed by students from:

    • Art 201: Intermediate Drawing and Design
    • Students for a Sustainable Campus
    • Environmental Policy and Decision Making

Supported by:

    • The Department of Art and Art History
    • Environmental Policy and Decision Making
    • Students for a Sustainable Campus

Special thanks to Professor Michael Johnson for building the mandala’s armature and Sarah Egger-Weiler for spearheading SSC support.




[1] Leidy, Denise Patry. Ed. Buswell, Robert E. Encyclopedia of Buddhism Vol. 2. New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 2003. p 508. Digital