This article outlines a research study that investigates identity practices related to the environment, specifically focusing on marine debris. Although not the original focus, this subject inspired an artistic endeavor that led to the creation of the AquaPlay installation. AquaPlay, an ongoing collaborative project, seeks to promote awareness about the increasing plastic pollution found on beaches and in waters in Portugal. Through fieldwork, various identity dynamics were observed in different contexts, such as immigrant integration in Portugal and Portuguese migration, covering emotional, ecological, political, and institutional aspects. AquaPlay points to an experimental collaborative installation that uses interactive play to underscore the importance of marine litter, surpassing boundaries and bringing attention to contemporary issues like plastic pollution in the oceans. User participation in multiple exhibitions has impacted the project’s development, underscoring the significance of incorporating user experiences in the design process to achieve effective results.