Art with a Purpose
Trashmaid Berlin is an environmental art initiative founded by German artist Heike Krause. The initiative is dedicated to transforming plastic waste into compelling artworks. These artworks highlight the pervasive issue of pollution in our oceans and urban environments.
Operating under the moniker Trashmaid Berlin, Krause collects discarded plastic from beaches and the streets of Berlin, repurposing these materials into assemblages, collages, sculptures, and installations. Her creations serve as a poignant commentary on the consequences of single-use plastics and aim to raise public awareness about environmental sustainability.
From Pollution to Creation

One of Krause’s notable projects is the “United Star of Europe,” initiated in December 2022. This collaborative endeavor involved trash collectors and artists from all 27 European Union member states, who contributed yellow plastic waste collected from their respective countries. The collected materials were assembled into a star-shaped artwork symbolizing unity and shared responsibility in addressing environmental challenges.
A Call for Change
Krause’s work has been featured in various exhibitions, including a piece displayed at the Illuseum Berlin near Alexanderplatz. This particular artwork is a Berlin flag made entirely from plastic waste. The waste was gathered from the city’s streets. It symbolizes the intersection of local culture and environmental activism.

Raising Awareness Through Art
Heike Krause, through Trashmaid Berlin, effectively merges art with environmental advocacy. She encourages individuals to reconsider their consumption habits. She also highlights the impact of plastic waste on the planet. Her innovative approach not only transforms discarded materials into thought-provoking art but also fosters a broader dialogue on sustainability and ecological responsibility.
Discover more about the project here.
About Trashmaid Berlin:
Heike Krause is a Berlin-based artist and communication expert who works under the name Trashmaid Berlin. She creates art from plastic waste, focusing on materials collected from beaches and Berlin’s streets. Through her work, she raises awareness about the environmental impact of single-use plastics and promotes sustainability. Her art has been featured in exhibitions such as the Illuseum Berlin, where she presented a Berlin flag made entirely from street-collected plastic waste. citeturn0search2
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