Airport
I don't see the ocean in the airport. Where is it?
Reimagined
In the building
Building and operating an airport requires enormous amounts of materials, energy and other resources that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The ocean absorbs more than 90% of the excess heat trapped by those emissions, making it a part of the airport we often don't notice
Portland International Airport (PDX)
The new main terminal at Portland International Airport features sustainably harvested mass timber, abundant natural light and other design elements inspired by Oregon’s forests, creating a terminal that celebrates both people and place
In the luggage
Most suitcases combine plastics, textiles and metals that are difficult to recycle, leaving many to end up in landfills where some materials can eventually reach the ocean
Reimagined
Adrian Solgaard and his team create luggage using ocean-bound plastic recovered before it reaches the ocean, turning discarded plastic into durable travel gear
Learn more
Davis Smith and the Cotopaxi team create backpacks and travel gear using high-quality leftover fabrics that might otherwise go to waste, giving each bag a unique design
On the airplane
Flying requires a tremendous amount of energy. The jet fuel that powers an aircraft contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, and the ocean absorbs more than 90% of the excess heat trapped by those emissions. The more efficiently an aircraft moves through the air, the less fuel it needs
Reimagined
AeroSHARK. Inspired by the microscopic texture of shark skin, AeroSHARK is a special surface film that reduces drag on aircraft. Less drag means less fuel is needed, making flights more efficient
