About the project
Beach Essentials addresses challenges of plastic pollution in coastal environments and practical needs of beachgoers. The project proposes three tools that could enhance beach experiences: a Beachy Bottle-Opener inspired by ocean waves; a Small Comb designed for detangling hair in sandy conditions; and an Earphones Holder that might protect electronic accessories from damage. The concept suggests using waste plastic collected from beaches—primarily food packaging and containers—connecting waste generation with practical applications. By proposing seasonal Sun Factory sites near beaches during warmer months, the project envisions creating visible demonstrations of circular economy principles while offering practical tools that might make sustainable choices convenient for coastal visitors.
About the Project’s approach
Beach Essentials explores distributed design values by suggesting a seasonal, context-specific approach to waste transformation. The project proposes making designs and production techniques available to coastal communities, enabling local adaptation based on specific beach environments and waste types. The concept envisions engaging beachgoers as both waste contributors and beneficiaries, creating tangible connections between individual actions and environmental outcomes. The proposal considers how beach waste might become solutions for common beachside challenges. The approach integrates waste management, public awareness, and practical convenience, suggesting how sustainable choices might enhance rather than detract from leisure experiences
About the collective
Claudia Silva, Iris Guedes, and Sara Ferreira are Visual Arts and Technologies students at Politécnico de Lisboa with an interest in product design and environmental sustainability. Their project represents an academic exploration of waste challenges in coastal environments. As design students, they researched beachgoer behaviors and plastic pollution to inform their conceptual solutions, approaching the work as a learning opportunity. Their collaborative process allowed them to consider both user needs and environmental impact, demonstrating how design education can engage with everyday challenges through observational research and creative problem-solving focused on practical applications.