Seaweed design: Kelpy commodities

In 2019, a crew at a race in London handed out drinks in small edible seaweed pods instead of plastic bottles or paper cups. This is just one example of how seaweed is being used as an alternative to traditional materials. Seaweed farms are being created to capture carbon, reduce emissions, and counteract ocean acidification. Seaweed is also being incorporated into art, design, and everyday products. Its potential benefits include generating 50% of the Earth’s oxygen, absorbing carbon, and contributing to a multi-billion dollar market. However, the expansion of seaweed production should be approached with caution to avoid harming marine habitats. Products made from seaweed include textiles, inks and dyes, and even diapers. The Department of Seaweed focuses on using seaweed as a design material, creating structures and artworks. In South Korea, female divers, known as haenyeo, have a centuries-old tradition of foraging for seaweed.