Tourism has a significant impact on coastal ecosystems, often contributing to pollution and environmental degradation. The “Sea-Friendly Beach Accessories” project by Maya Goralczyk addresses this issue by developing biodegradable beach sets that decompose naturally without harming the environment. This initiative encourages eco-friendly behavior through play, demonstrating that sustainable solutions can be both functional and engaging.

The Environmental Challenge: Tourism and Coastal Ecosystems
Tourist activities on beaches frequently result in waste accumulation, including plastic objects that persist in marine environments for decades. This disrupts local ecosystems, endangers wildlife, and contributes to the broader issue of microplastic pollution. By focusing on materials that biodegrade naturally, the project aims to reduce long-term pollution and encourage responsible consumption.

Biodegradable Beach Sets: Materials and Innovation
The “Sea-Friendly Beach Accessories” collection is developed using biomaterials derived from waste streams. The design process focuses on creating functional beach accessories, such as shovels and buckets, that retain durability during use but decompose once discarded in natural environments. The materials used include biomaterials sourced from organic waste, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint. Crushed mussel and oyster shells, repurposed from the seafood industry, provide natural reinforcement to the material composition. Algae-based biopolymers offer structural integrity while maintaining full biodegradability, while recycled natural fibres reduce reliance on virgin resources and enhance material resilience. These innovative materials not only decompose without releasing toxic substances but also promote circularity by repurposing existing waste. The project aligns with circular design principles, demonstrating how waste can be transformed into functional, eco-friendly products.

Sustainability and Circular Design in Product Development
A core principle of this project is to integrate sustainability throughout the product lifecycle. From material sourcing to end-of-life decomposition, each element is carefully considered to ensure minimal environmental impact. The materials used originate from renewable sources, reducing dependence on petroleum-based plastics. Unlike conventional plastic beach toys, these accessories break down naturally, eliminating long-term pollution risks. The products are intentionally designed to degrade within coastal environments, ensuring they leave no lasting footprint.

Recognition and Future Potential
The “Sea-Friendly Beach Accessories” project was a finalist in the Young Design 2024 competition, highlighting its innovative approach to sustainable product design. The initiative was developed in collaboration with the Polish Designers’ Association and the Faculty of Chemistry at the Gdańsk University of Technology. This project exemplifies how design and material innovation can contribute to reducing environmental harm while enhancing user awareness of sustainability. It serves as an inspiration for designers working in product design, fashion accessories, and sustainable packaging, encouraging the adoption of bio-based, circular materials in various industries.

Source: DDW
Photos: Maja Góralczyk