# Broccoli-Colored Coastlines The Qingdao Beach Has Visitors Swimming in Algae By Jason Soy | Published 2011-07-22 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/qingdao-beach References: [visboo](http://visboo.com/chinese-bеаch-turns-green.html) & [qingdaochinaguide](http://www.qingdaochinaguide.com/news/outdoor-adventures/qingdao-beaches.html) These Qingdao beach photos look as though the visitors are swimming in patches of lettuce. But don't be fooled. The green plant-like substance that's overtaken the waters is in reality [algae](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegan-slippers) that's worked its way up the coastline of the Shandong province. Though Qingdao beach looks more like a soccer field than an actual beach, none of the local residents and tourists are being deterred from taking a dip in its refreshing waters. And why should they? [Algae's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bebe-m-follow-on) just a vegetable after all, right? **Implications** - As a direct response to the world's saturation of technology, consumers are choosing to remain closer to nature. This offers them a sense of fulfillment as they aren't overwhelmed by technological advancements. Corporations may capitalize on this consumer desire to embrace the naturalistic by offering consumers products with [organic-looking textiles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kelp-clothing). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.2/10 - Popularity: 67% | Activity: 81% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Naturalistic Experiences:** As consumers seek fulfillment in nature, businesses can innovate by offering products and services that cater to this desire. - **Organic Aesthetics:** As the trend for embracing natural-looking fabrics and materials grows, businesses can find opportunities to design products that cater to this aesthetic. - **Algae as a Resource:** As the world searches for more sustainable solutions, businesses may find opportunities to utilize algae as a renewable resource for a wide range of industries. ### Where This Applies - **Eco-friendly Fashion:** As consumers seek organic-looking textiles, businesses focused on eco-friendly fashion have the opportunity to innovate with new materials and designs. - **Sustainable Agriculture:** As algae becomes more commonly used as a renewable resource for a variety of industries, businesses focused on sustainable agriculture can innovate by incorporating it into their processes. - **Renewable Energy:** As the world looks for more sustainable solutions, businesses focused on renewable energy can find opportunities to incorporate algae as a source of biofuel or other energy sources. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Algae-Tinted Blue Beers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blue-beers.md) - [Algae-Infused Wellness Juices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wellness-elixir.md) - [Seaweed-Boosted Body Washes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/undaria-algae-body-wash.md) - [Cleansing Seaweed Body Washes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/osea-malibu.md) - [Organic Water Quality Testers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colores-del-rio.md) - [Algae-Infused Dumplings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/too-good-to-be.md) - [Kelp-Based Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/offshore-greens.md) - [Indulgent Seaweed Bites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daily-seaweed-bites.md) - [Algae-Based Illuminators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chandeliers-sconces.md)