2021 / OUR SAND SCARCITY
We are running out of sand.
"Isn't sand basically everywhere?" you might wonder.
Well, yes and no. Not all sand is the same. Some types aren't suitable for industrial use. Surprisingly, sand ranks as the second most utilized resource on our planet. It's in everything from concrete to toothpaste to computer chips. In fact, our annual consumption is so staggering that it could blanket the entire United Kingdom!
Enter a concept for a playful interaction designed to educate younger generations about this vital resource: sand.
Beaches and islands vanish, natural habitats crumble, and species fade away due to unregulated sand extraction. The demand is so high that organized crime has infiltrated the industry, leading to bribery, child labor, and even murder — all for the sand in your child’s bucket!
This urgent issue isn't receiving the attention it deserves. It's time to reimagine how we view sand and treat it as the precious commodity it truly is.
I believe the key to change starts with understanding, especially among the younger generation. That's why I'm focusing on making this complex topic accessible to children through supervised pop-up events in playgrounds.
At these events, kids can explore hands-on infographics that explain how sand is formed and its industrial uses. The goal is to educate while sparking a fascination for sand.
A visual billboard illustrates the consequences of sand extraction, while magnifying glasses allow children to compare different sand grains. Models demonstrate erosion by wind and water, challenging kids to differentiate between them.
Parents are encouraged to join in, fostering a deeper understanding and potentially gaining new insights themselves. QR codes provide access to additional research for those eager to learn more.
As a pop-up event, this initiative can travel to various locations, from playgrounds to schools to city centers, spreading awareness far and wide.
Click here for some of my sources.