We had the good fortune of connecting with Heather Elson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heather, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
The No More Liddering’s sustainable movement benefits the community, socially and environmentally. Our gigantic community pieces are made by Metro Atlanta volunteers. Participants collect and donate their plastic lids from all types of containers which naturally increases their awareness of their household’s plastic footprint. Many times, plastic environmental education falls flat; the research available to the public can appear mundane and repetitive at times. Our art installations grab the attention of donators, viewers and creators in a positive way. We believe every creator, lid collector, and viewer is impacted by this art. While plastics will never go away entirely, we truly hope those involved notice how together, our small changes make a big difference.
Socially, our community pieces require what I call the three C’s- Collaboration, cooperation, and compromise. Each piece requires teamwork at every step of the way. Volunteers listen to each other, present solutions to design/construction problems, and utilize perseverance when roadblocks are presented. Every new idea, every piece of feedback, is an opportunity to improve the piece. When volunteers see their art being enjoyed in the community, they get an instant feeling of confidence and pride. It is a humbling experience to facilitate alongside these fabulous volunteers.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is a passion that keeps growing with each new commission. In 2021 my first passion piece was made with kids from pre-k to 12th grade. Their natural curiosity and creativity was contagious, and kept me excited at each step of the process. Seeing the 12ft X 4 ft piece come to life prompted a deep feeling of accomplishment for all involved. It wasn’t until I realized participants who collected lids also became naturally aware of their plastic footprints, that I added an environmental and sustainable educational component. Creating and facilitating community pieces gives me so much joy and positive energy, slowing down does not appear to be an option. It’s a good problem to have.

My biggest challenge to date has been creating No More Liddering’s business model. I am a creative; making art that people love comes easy and brings me so much natural joy. While I have been a business owner for over 10 years, this business seems to have so many layers. If I remain determined and perseverant, my confidence will only grow. It’s exciting and intimidating, growth is inevitable.

My biggest lesson to date is vulnerability fosters growth. Sharing my struggles openly and with sheer transparency invites other people to support and assist in the most authentic way. I am forever learning and growing and I try my best to focus on the lessons I learn, not the mistakes I make.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spots in the city are the hidden garden spaces. Georgia Tech’s Kendeda building has 7 acres of gardens that promote sustainability and beauty simultaneously. The staff and students match its beautiful spirit and energy.
The belt line is also full of unique green spaces, impactful art installations, and access to movement. Its always encouraging to see the flauna and floura while cycling through the city. We are so lucky to live in a metro area that values beautification.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
NML’s sustainable art movement is growing because people believe in it and in me. The institutions that showed up for me also gave me the confidence I needed to keep NML’s momentum going strong. I would like to thank Georgia Tech’s Office of Sustainability, Tech Square Research Building director and staff, Cobb County Schools Visual Arts Department, Cobb County School staff and students, Pure Barre Roswell, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Smith-Gilbert Gardens, and The Blue Ghost Arcade. Every single person I encountered at the above spaces collaborated in ways that brought tears of joy to my eyes. I am forever grateful and will always remember their unwavering support and kindness.

Due to the high volume of donations, there is no possible way to thank every person by name who has collected and donated lids over the last 2 years, though my Gra’mama Nancy Gresham remains my best collector and cheerleader to date! Her card playing girlfriends are a close second! Thanks everyone!

Website: https://www.nomoreliddering.org

Instagram: nomorelidderinginc

Other: nomoreliddering@gmail.com

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.