From Lobster Traps to Lamps: Designer Turns Seafood Waste into Stunning Furniture

Rhode Island artist Marco Castro’s workshop smells like the ocean for a reason—he’s pioneering “Shell-crete”, a revolutionary material made from:

🦀 Crushed oyster/mussel shells (diverted from landfills)
🌿 Plant-based binders
💡 LED lighting for ethereal glow

His creations—from tables to entire wall panels—are being used in high-end hotels and eco-homes. “Every piece tells the story of New England’s fishing heritage,” Castro says. With 40 tons of shells recycled so far, this is sustainability you can touch.