Algareum - PRESENT FUTURE

PRESENT FUTURE

This booklet is part of the Algareum Exhibition, by Susan Moreno, selected and funded by ArtePraia 5th Edition Announcement. It was accomplished at Mucuripe’s Beach, in Fortaleza - Ceará, Brazil, in September of 2023.

symbiosis noun 1. [Biology] Reciprocal association of two or more different organisms that allows them to live with benefit.

you feed on my breath

what if cities were more integrated with living organisms?

Urban Algae Canopy - ecoLogicStudio

The design studio ecoLogicStudio (England) creates architectural structures integrated with cyanobacteria, exploring biodigital futures. Whether in urban areas or indoors, cyanobacteria can absorb CO² from our breath, oxygenating the environment. Furthermore, they provide food rich in proteins and can also be used as biofuel.

living architecture

the textile industry is the second most polluting industry in the world.

textile production requires lots of water and land to grow cotton and other fibers.

35% of microplastics in the ocean come from washing synthetic clothing.

To manufacture a single cotton t-shirt, it is estimated that 2,700 liters of fresh water are needed – the average amount of water a person drinks in two and a half years.

A single wash of polyester clothing results in the discharge of 700,000 microplastic fibers that can enter the food chain.

Pollution generated by clothing production has a devastating impact on the health of local populations, animals and the ecosystems where factories are located.

@phycolabs

Phycolabs is a Brazilian biotechnology startup that is developing textile fibers from seaweed, which could be on the market as early as 2024. The fibers are developed from clean processes and promise to revolutionize the textile industry. Thamires Pontes, founder of the startup, has won international awards for fiber, such as the Global Change Award 2023 – known as the “Fashion Nobel Prize”.

the fashion revolution

Thin plastics, plastic films, packaging...

We need them so much But if we only use them once, Do they need to last 500 years?

Coscinodiscus (diatomácea) 1000x Cortesia da Prof. Hortência Barroso Laboratório de Plâncton (UFC)

time is the alchemy of nature

Lithodesmium undulatum (diatom) 400x Courtesy of Prof. Hortência Barroso Plankton Laboratory (UFC)

time of performing

time of degrading

“Algae, not plastic.”

Algae-based disposable packaging from NotPla (@notpla).

Biodegradable algaebased sachets for storing liquids from NotPla (@notpla)

Thin plastics made from algae by Sway (@swaythefuture)

(@griseabiotec) Grisea is the first Brazilian startup to develop bioplastics made from algae, which are biodegradable and can solve the problem of plastic accumulation in the environment. Grisea is developing plastic pellets that can be used in various products, such as packaging, toys, and even automotive components.

the plastic revolution

algae grow very fast macroalgae grow up to 1 meter per day!

algae do not require fertilizers or pesticides, nor do they take up land to grow

algae absorb large amounts of CO2 from 2 the atmosphere and are sources of food, energy and materials

Can algae save the climate?

When algae absorb carbon from the ocean to grow, the ocean absorbs carbon from the atmosphere as it is in constant balance. Some researchers believe that cultivating large areas of the ocean with algae could make a significant contribution to reducing the climate crisis.

Like any organism, algae can be in balance or imbalance with the ecosystem. Largescale algae cultivation for climate mitigation is under debate and involves technical and ecological challenges. It is important to ensure that algae cultivation is carried out sustainably, avoiding problems such as uncontrolled growth and the introduction of invasive species that may harm

2021-2030 The Ocean Decade proclaimed by the UN 1) Reduce marine pollution and improve the management of plastic waste in the oceans.

2) Protect and restore marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and coastal areas.

3) Promote sustainable fishing and management of marine resources.

4) Combat ocean acidification and its consequences for marine life.

5) Increase global awareness of the importance of the oceans for the health of the planet.

The future lies in the sea.

A laboratory-atelier on symbiotic futures between humans and algae.

by Susan Moreno in collaboration with Tiago Rosa and Fabienne Maia ArtePraia 5th Edition - Fortaleza, Ceará - Brazil

@susan_kairos @artepraia