Independent London creative agency Mr. President commissioned sustainable designer and owner of Benthos Surf, Niall Jones, to create an ocean waste surfboard in a campaign for Surfers Against Sewage. The sustainable surfboard called the Floater was made entirely out of ocean waste to protest water companies and the government's efforts to protect British waters.
Using recycled materials and raw sewage from the sea, Jones created resin to form the body of the board. Additionally, the design includes two transparent windows to display the two liters of sewage water contained within. The sewage was sourced after heavy rainfall in Cornwall, which caused the systems to overflow.
This awareness-raising surfboard was intentionally made to be "beautifully disgusting" to show how disruptive ocean waste is to not only surfing but also visitors who are sightseeing and locals who just want to go about their daily life.
Ocean Waste Surfboards
The Floater Surfboard is Made Out of Recycled Materials & Raw Sewage
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Surfboards - Creating surfboards from recycled materials, like the Floater surfboard from Benthos Surf, presents an opportunity for sustainability in the surfing industry.
2. Protest Art - Using art to actively protest social and environmental issues, like the Surfers Against Sewage campaign, can serve as a disruptive innovation opportunity for the art and activism industries.
3. Water Pollution Awareness - Developing campaigns that raise awareness around water pollution, such as Mr. President's campaign, is an opportunity for the advertising and marketing industries to create meaningful impact.
Industry Implications
1. Surfing - The surfing industry can benefit from exploring sustainable materials for surfboards like Benthos Surf's Floater, as it allows for environmentally-friendly practices.
2. Art - The use of protest art as a form of activism presents opportunities and challenges in disrupting traditional art practices.
3. Advertising and Marketing - Developing socially conscious campaigns like Mr. President's initiative can result in positive impacts that resonate with consumers.