Sargassum, a golden opportunity

Sargassum, a golden opportunity

by Cdr. Bud Slabbaert

Yes, a golden opportunity for those who are smart. The key is to transform into treasure what most consider to be a nuisance and litter that is wrecking the region’s tourism-centered economies. Where others see it as a problem, the brainy and wise ones see it as an opportunity to turn it into a sustainable solution and treat sargassum as a resource to benefit fromrather than just trash left to rot or dispose of. What smells likerotten eggs can be smelled like something else: opportunity of harnessing the power of sargassum and shaping a world that thrives on nature’s bountiful offerings.

Sargassum can be upcycled it into some of the most effective products that support various industries. There are ways to curb the sargassum conundrum into a crucial and vital opportunity.

Many will think “Stop the nonsense right here, it stinks and ruinsour beaches”. Few will think: “wait a minute I see an opportunity to make good money, tell me more about it”.

Sargassum contains a number of beneficial components that can be extracted and used to create other products. You’ll be surprised. How about a cosmetic emulsifier? You know, a cream lotion that feels great on the skin and performs beautifully over time. Sargassum-based products offer natural antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that nourish and revitalize the skin with its moisturizing and anti-aging properties, “I’m not going to put that stinky stuff on my skin!” No, neither are you putting crude oil into a fuel tank. It has to be refined first. Sargassum that touches coastlines and crude oil brought to earth’s surface can both be worst environment polluters, but they can be put to valuable use. Crude oil; black gold it was called. Sargassum itcould be called brown gold.

Sargassum building block and bricks. A suggestion for smart entrepreneurs in the construction industry inspired by the memory of adobe houses of natives. The block’s high potential in thermal conditions is favorable to be included in constructionsto reduce heat due to its fibrous structure. It can also be a useful element for sustainable and low-cost building. The seaweed is washed, dehydrated to demolish it, and, finally, powdered. The raw sargassum material, 40%, is joined with 60% of other organic materials in a mixture. A machine can turn out 1,000 blocks a day, and after four hours of baking in the sun, they are dried and ready to be used.

Leather-like and non-wovens from sargassum can be transformative achievements presenting a cruelty-free and eco-conscious alternative to traditional leather and textiles. An opportunity to write the future of fashion by providing less costly, vegan material alternatives. “How about more crazy suggestions?” Seaweed snacks! “What kind of medication are you on to suggest this?” In China and Japan, a popular way to enjoy ‘Sargassum Horneri’ is in the form of seaweed snacks. These snacks are made by roasting or frying seaweed to create a crispy and flavorful treat. They have a unique taste and nutritional benefits. They are often seasoned with various spices and can be enjoyed as a healthy alternative to traditional snacks.

So, instead of complaining start thinking of gaining. It would be wise to consider what else can be done with sargassum here than bringing it to the dump. To become smarter, think harder! Put some thought into the prospect of bio-material processing. Itcould be economy diversifying and offering new employment opportunities of a different kind. Not forgetting some export chances. It is an art to live sustainably and benefit from resources that nature provides us with. Finding ways to curb the sargassum challenge is a crucial and vital opportunity andbringing forth even more ingenious applications of seaweedupcycling while keeping the good elements of sargassum intact throughout any extraction process. Considerations for the future development of the sargassum industry.

Researchers are exploring the use of seaweed in the production of bioplastics as more sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics. Seaweed-based bioplastics are biodegradable, renewable, and have a lower carbon footprint compared to conventional plastics. It holds promise in reducing plastic waste.The pharmaceutical industry is increasingly recognizing the value of this seaweed in improving human health.

And talking about education opportunities for the youth of the islands. How about establishing an educational institute to research what the Caribbean has to offer from sargassum to aloe vera to hydrogen fuel generated from seawater. A breeding of young innovators and ingenious applications of Sargassum upcycling. Maybe just a humble start with a research laboratory financed by a philanthropist who enjoys visiting the islands and wishes them well. 

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