How It Started
The Mother Earth Project (MEP) was founded in 2015 by internationally acclaimed sculptor and scientist, Barton Rubenstein, and his family. The initiative, based in Somerset, Chevy Chase, Maryland, was inspired by a pivotal encounter in 2006 when Rubenstein met former Vice President Al Gore, who was promoting his groundbreaking documentary, An Inconvenient Truth.
From Inspiration to Action
Inspired by Gore’s call to action—“Get involved”—the Rubenstein family began integrating sustainable practices into their daily lives, such as recycling, composting, and using solar energy. This grassroots enthusiasm led their neighborhood to become a leader in sustainability, introducing innovations like energy-efficient LED street lighting.
Amplifying Impact: Going Global!
Determined to expand their impact, the Rubensteins started engaging schools and universities with the MEP Inflatable Booth. In 2017, a significant campaign, Parachutes For The Planet®, was launched. Inspired by the HIV/AIDS Quilt’s visibility in the 1990s, MEP collaborated with 15-year-old activist Kallan Benson, who created a 24-foot parachute with an environmental message for the 2017 Climate Strike in Washington, D.C.
This initiative grew into a global movement, with communities worldwide designing parachutes that feature art and pledges for sustainable action. These parachutes are not just symbols; they are used in marches and presented to policymakers, demanding more stringent environmental protections.
Art as a Catalyst for Change
Central to the project are Mother Earth Murals, which turn public spaces into vibrant canvases for environmental advocacy. Painted by local communities, these murals are visual calls to action that emphasize the importance of sustainability. Each mural represents a collective commitment to eco-friendly practices, inspiring awareness and tangible change in cities worldwide.
Mother Earth Sculpture: A Global Beacon for Sustainability
The centerpiece of MEP’s mission is the Mother Earth Sculpture, a five-meter-high monument designed by Rubenstein. Debuted in
Washington, DC in 2017, this "Symbol of Sustainability" acknowledges countries dedicated to environmental protection and motivates others to join global efforts. These sculptures are now being installed in major cities worldwide, serving as focal points for sustainability events and gatherings.
Mother Earth Project: Uniting Art and Action for a Sustainable Future
From Parachutes For The Planet® to Mother Earth Murals and Sculptures, MEP has become a global movement. It now aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), engaging over 80 countries in the quest for a sustainable and equitable future. The Mother Earth Project harnesses the power of art to drive global change, inspiring communities and challenging governments to make the health of our planet a priority.
“Art has the power to move people in ways that words and data cannot. It unites us through shared emotion and inspiration, transforming awareness into action and empowering communities to protect our planet.”
—BARTON RUBENSTEIN, MEP CO-FOUNDER
