Dhaka, July 23 -- Scattered across forests worldwide, an imaginative collection of towering wooden trolls crafted from trash is quietly encouraging humans to adopt more sustainable ways of life.

Danish recycling artist Thomas Dambo, along with his team, has constructed 170 large troll sculptures using reclaimed materials like wooden pallets, discarded furniture, and old wine barrels.

Since launching the "Trail of a Thousand Trolls" project 12 years ago, Dambo's creations have appeared in more than 20 countries and 21 U.S. states. Every year, the team builds about 25 new trolls, some reaching up to 40 feet (12 meters) in height.

"I believe we can create anything from anything," said Dambo, speaking from his farm near Copenhagen. "We're ...