#Zero waste practices

[ecopunkbeginner]

I really want to learn how to sew, but I'm very overwhelmed. I'm afraid of practicing on most things for fear of messing them up and wasting them. I'm really the kind of person who needs someone teaching me and available to answer my questions, but I don't have anyone for that and there's several reasons I'm apprehensive about finding a class (the most rational of which are my lack of income and COVID, but social anxiety is also a factor).

I know there's guides and videos online, but I always get so overwhelmed and usually don't know where to start because all my ideas are abstract, abstract to me specifically (because I don't know how fabric construction works), or difficult and/or risky enough to scare and/or confuse me out of wanting to do it.

Does anyone have tips for teaching yourself to sew? How do I practice without being wasteful?

[bats-and-anarchism]

A little low waste diy:

Since crocheting is already a hobby of mine and i had this cord made of jute around i crocheted some "sponges". I strongly believe they will last me longer than those throwaway plastic sponges and will work just as fine

Another alternative could be crocheting them as little bags like those soap bags every zero waste influencer got so obsessed with, but that would've used much more cord for one piece.

I think other materials would work too, like cotton yarn maybe. It would be softer tho, obviously, and might not work for tougher stains (like a crusty pan) or just any other rougher yarn without plastic

[pastafossa]

how long did it take for your fanfiction to start getting some recognition? did you "advertise" it or "promote" it in any way?

i know that people say this doesn't matter, but i feel like even if you love writing the feeling that you're just talking to yourself gets pretty exhausting at some point. so i'm not talking about having thousands of readers but rather like. what's your advice to have readers at least?

- someone who hasn't even started writing their ideas yet...

LONG POST INCOMING.

First I want you (and everyone else reading who may be struggling with this) to know I'm absolutely with you and generally think 'it doesn't matter' is a horseshit answer. It's this weird thing we do in fanfic that we generally don't apply to other artforms that I've seen. If you're a painter, a playwriter, a novel writer, and you say, 'I want at least a few people to love my paintings, I want some people to come see my play, I want my novel to be published and do at least ok' we all support them, we nod, we agree, we talk about how they can do that successfully. It's considered normal to want some amount of success. But hold up fanfic instead and it becomes, 'how dare you want that praise, you're being egotistical, you should be writing only for yourself'. I'm not saying you can't do that - there are some who do - but it's definitely this bizarre switchup to say there's this single artform in which we can't want attention on our work and that there's something wrong with us if we do. That can be an absolute creativity killer depending on what kind of writer you are (hi, extrovert writer here who only gets writy writy juice from social interaction - aka comments and discussion. So I totally get it being exhausting just doing this on your own).

So let me say this categorically: you're allowed to want things. You're allowed to want kudos, comments, and hits. You're allowed to want messages and asks. You're allowed to want some readers you can talk with about your story.

You. Are. Allowed.

Ok, now that that's out of the way.

Edit: more below the cut cause I didn't realize the length of this on mobile

TRT definitely didn't get popular overnight. The first four chapters were sporadic, and then I took a hiatus due to life things for a couple years. During that time, it kept slowly ticking up bit by bit on AO3, with occasional comments. Iirc it was hovering somewhere around 700 kudos by the time I came back in Jan 2021 - and that's a awesome! It's big! But it's also a number that was gained over a few years, to put it in perspective. It absolutely took off after I came back though, and over the past 2 years both TRT's popularity and the stats of my one-shots in the fandom have grown. Part of that's just the time frame (TRT's been up about 6 years), but it's also due to a couple things that I think built up TRT's popularity.

Building a tumblr presence was huge. Ironically I didn't really intend to do it for advertising; I just wanted a place readers could ask questions or we could all freak out about Matt or I could post some drabbles or updates on the fic. But considering the fact that AO3 and tumblr are the top fic sites online, I wound up promoting my fics unintentionally just by being a friendly, happy tumblr user and fandom goer. All I did was follow the courtesy rules I knew - post stuff regularly, reblog, comment, make friends with other writers, just be friendly in your neighborhood because you love the lady with the gif flower shop on the corner or the wise old pizza maker who serves hot fandom takes all day long. I built familiarity with my writing and name by posting short fics, and by taking part in challenges and prompt lists and short requests for drabbles if I saw them, though that's something that's hard to do if you don't have time (I've got less time now, but I started this blog in the early pandemic so I had aaaaall the time in the world to write and was using it to stay sane). I tagged religiously because I LOVE tags, but that helped, too. Tumblr's search system is half broken but the half that works means people CAN find your writing even if they aren't following. Doing all this over here got me a huge boost over on AO3.

I will say that if you can have a fandom tiktok presence, there's a lot of fic reviewers, edits, and good stuff that can get your fic some readers (I've had some people do this on tiktok for TRT and it sent a surge over). I personally haven't done anything there yet, in part because while I'm on tiktok I try to keep my actual, real person accounts separate from my fic/fandom accounts and i haven't bothered to make a second account solely dedicated to the Pasta name yet.

Longfics on AO3 have the advantage in fic stats in the sense that every time you add a chapter, it gets bumped to the top of the front page and you get seen again. Eventually a lot of people will click out of curiosity. They may not, however, give you a lot of user subs or add to your other fic stats at first, whereas if you do a bunch of oneshots you're more likely to get user subs but less hits on each fic. This is a decision you'll have to make, and I know folks in both camps who built their followings using different methods on each. Either way, it helps if you're posting regularly, either in a long fic or one-shots. I call this the Stephen King method, who said he just writes a ton and throws it all at the wall, and eventually you get enough good despite the bad that you start building a following.

Learn learn learn. This is standard fic advice I always give, but it's still relevant. I think one of the reasons imo TRT has done so well is that I've spent a lot of time over the years learning how to write and edit - I read a ton of books (sometimes just to figure out HOW good authors structure their stories), I took a lot of English classes, I've taken some creative writing courses in my spare time. That two year hiatus was heavily spent doing a lot of research and practice around an original novel I want published one day. And I used ALL of that in TRT, just to see what it was like to put it all together. Be hungry for knowledge, be hungry to learn. The more you learn, the better your fic will be, and the more people that will click.

That learning also includes a looooong string of fanfics that started at a very novice level (hello 12 year old me), to fics that were ok and did moderately well but weren't anything huge. Hell, I had a tumblr account for my previous fandoms before I wandered over to Pastafossa, and while those fics did decently, I never had the huge reaction I've gotten here. But I used each and every one of those fics to learn and grow and adapt. Treat your own fics the same way. If it doesn't get hits, try to learn from it before moving on to the next idea a little wiser and a slightly better writer than before. There will always be people who start to follow you along the way.

A small one, but important: I swear to god, do not shit-talk yourself. Not in the summary, not in the tags, not in the A/Ns. I'm not talking, 'this is my first fic!' That's fine. I mean trashing your own work. Shit like, 'ha ha this sucks, it's terrible but oh well' will absolutely lower your stats, because people will believe you and will ditch your fic. On top of that, it's just mean to yourself, and as I said above, you want to be a good person in the fandom neighborhood. That means not breaking the windows of your own house.

People generally think of summaries as a side note, but a shitty summary can absolutely tank your stats. Treat it like the rest of your fic - this is the trailer before the movie, and it's a huge element of what gets people interested in the first place.

Lastly, like I said at the top, the biggest factor is time. There are people who post one fic and explode in popularity, absolutely. But far, far more little followings are built on the bones of time, of abandoned fics, of muttering and highlighting phrases in books in the middle of the night, of trying and trying and trying until we have at last have a breakthrough and then drag that breakthrough forward with us to the next fic. TRT is absolutely one part lightning in a bottle - the biggest success I've ever had anywhere with my writing, a confluence of fandom factors and world events that gave people (and me!) time to write and read. But it's also standing on the back of whole lot of fics I wrote that look like everyone else's: ones with no comments, low interaction, insults; ones where I had precisely zero idea of what I was doing, but wanted to try anyway. And the way I got through that, as a writer who needs interaction in order to create, was by building friendships in fandom so that even when a fic didn't do all that well, I still had friends I could talk to about the characters, the world, the fandom itself. I asked friends to look them over and give advice. I had friends being my cheerleaders. And if you're an extrovert like me, or just a writer who needs that to create, then those connections are vital as you build up a following.

That's a lot of what I've done. I know there are other ways to build a following, but this is generally what I've done, what I've learned to do, and it seems to have worked. Just remember that there are no bad fics - just learning opportunities. Learn something, and that fic's a success, and work as hard as you can to make those fandom connections to carry you through the process.

I absolutely hope to see your work around one day, so that I can be on of those followers!

[the-solarpunk-activist]

We did a lot of zero waste stuff today cooking Sunday dinner! We peeled carrots and the peelings/ends went into the stock bag except a few tops, those went into old oui jars with a little water to sprout for some fresh salad greens since it's winter, we rinsed our vegetables in bowls of water which we used to water house plants, saved the leftover broth from a roast for turning the leftovers into stew tomorrow as well as some in jars in the freezer for rice/noodles in the future. The real highlight was the potato skin chips! They take way longer than the recommended twenty minutes but we also peel with knives so there was a lot of potato left on the skins. They turned out delicious though! And reheatable, just toss in the oven at 425 for a few minutes, we did it for 7.

[attheideality]

50 Zero Waste Tips Passed Down By Your Grandparents

[sad--tree]

@ my brain stoooopppppppp !!!!!! thinking about !!!!! going back 2 college !!!!!! in an entirely different field !!!! than our current UNFINISHED (!!!!) fucking program !!!!!!

[ratwitchworld]

stop buying cleaning sprays just mix a little dish soap and water in a spray bottle

[greentekkid-blog]

How to Integrate Bioplastic Utensils into Your Zero-Waste Lifestyle: Tips for Restaurants

ByHemp Blogger

August 5, 2024

Blog

As more restaurants strive to adopt eco-friendly practices, integrating bioplastic utensils into daily operations is an effective way to minimize environmental impact. Here’s how your restaurant can seamlessly incorporate these sustainable utensils into your zero-waste lifestyle.

Understand the Benefits of Bioplastic Utensils

Bioplastic utensils, made from renewable resources like cornstarch, offer several advantages:

Compostable: Unlike traditional plastic, bioplastics break down naturally, reducing landfill waste.

Eco-friendly Production: They are produced using fewer fossil fuels, which lowers the overall carbon footprint.

Assess Your Current Usage

Start by evaluating your current usage of plastic utensils. Identify areas where bioplastic alternatives can be introduced. Common areas include takeout services, outdoor dining, and catering events.

Educate Your Staff

Ensure that all staff members understand the importance and benefits of switching to bioplastic utensils. Provide training on how to properly dispose of these utensils to ensure they are composted correctly.

Partner with a Reliable Supplier

Find a reliable supplier that offers high-quality bioplastic utensils. GreenTek Planet provides a wide range of compostable products, ensuring your restaurant can maintain its commitment to sustainability without sacrificing quality.

Update Your Customers

Inform your customers about the switch to bioplastic utensils. Use signage, menus, and social media to highlight your commitment to sustainability. This not only educates your customers but also enhances your restaurant’s eco-friendly reputation.

Implement Proper Disposal Systems

Set up clearly labeled compost bins for disposing of bioplastic utensils. Educate customers on how to use these bins correctly to ensure utensils are composted rather than ending up in general waste.

Monitor and Adjust

Regularly review your usage and disposal of bioplastic utensils. Gather feedback from staff and customers to identify any areas for improvement. Adjust your practices as necessary to maximize the benefits of using bioplastic utensils.

Integrating bioplastic utensils into your restaurant’s daily operations is a simple yet impactful way to support a zero-waste lifestyle. By understanding the benefits, educating your staff, partnering with a reliable supplier like GreenTek Planet, and engaging your customers, you can significantly reduce your environmental footprint while maintaining high standards of service.

For more information on bioplastic utensils and other eco-friendly products, visit GreenTek Planet.

[nicolanlang]

Did You Know You Can Save $1000 a Month with These Sustainable Living Tips?

Introduction Sustainable living is all about making conscious choices that are kinder to our planet. By adopting sustainable living practices, you not only help the environment but also enjoy the added benefit of saving money. Why Adopt Sustainable Living? Environmental Impact: Reducing waste, conserving resources, and minimizing pollution have a direct positive impact on our planet. Personal…

[townpostin]

Jugsalai Pushes for On-Site Waste Management by Bulk Generators

Municipal Council Meeting Emphasizes Composting and Sustainable Practices Local establishments urged to handle wet waste on premises in line with Swachh Bharat Mission goals. JAMSHEDPUR – The Jugsalai Municipal Council held a crucial meeting at its office auditorium, focusing on improving waste management practices among bulk waste generators. "Our aim is to make Jugsalai a model for sustainable…

[openintegrative]

Are your skincare products sustainable? 🌍

Key Highlights

Sustainable beauty focuses on products that are good for the planet and consumer health

Ingredients, manufacturing practices, packaging, and cruelty-free practices all contribute to the sustainability of beauty products

Sustainable beauty brands prioritize non-toxic ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and ethical sourcing

Consumers can identify sustainable beauty brands through certifications and by researching their values and practices

Greenwashing is a concern in the beauty industry, and consumers should be cautious of vague or misleading claims

While the beauty industry still has progress to make, the shift towards sustainability is gaining momentum

Understanding Sustainable Beauty

Environmental sustainability is now a priority in the beauty industry, with brands adopting greener practices due to demand. Sustainable beauty benefits both skin and planet, focusing on eco-conscious choices and ethics.

Sustainable Beauty Practices

Sustainable beauty goes beyond natural ingredients, involving sustainable sourcing, eco-friendly manufacturing, ethical packaging, and social responsibility.

Brands aim for a positive impact, ensuring fair wages, using eco-friendly packaging, and minimizing waste.

Importance of Sustainable Beauty

Conventional beauty products contribute to pollution and resource depletion. Sustainable beauty minimizes environmental harm and promotes ethical practices, addressing plastic waste and the negative impacts of ingredient extraction.

Conventional Products and the Environment

The beauty industry has a significant environmental impact, with conventional beauty products contributing to pollution and resource depletion.

Plastic packaging: Most beauty products come packaged in plastic, which contributes to the global plastic waste problem. Plastic packaging often ends up in landfills or pollutes our oceans.

Carbon footprint: The production and transportation of beauty products contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. The extraction and processing of raw materials, as well as the energy used in manufacturing and distribution, all contribute to the carbon footprint of conventional beauty products.

Resource depletion: The beauty industry relies on the extraction of natural resources, including water, minerals, and plants. Unsustainable sourcing practices can lead to the depletion of these resources and harm ecosystems.

Identifying Sustainable Beauty Products

Credit – amazon.com

Consider the ingredients used, the brand’s commitment to sustainable practices, and the packaging materials, including refillable or reusable options.

Key Characteristics of Sustainable Beauty Products

Natural ingredients: Sustainable beauty products prioritize natural and non-toxic ingredients. This means they are free from harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.

Sustainable practices: Sustainable beauty brands adhere to ethical and sustainable practices throughout their supply chain. This includes fair trade sourcing, environmentally friendly manufacturing processes, and responsible waste management.

Eco-friendly packaging: Sustainable beauty products often come in eco-friendly packaging materials. This can include recyclable, biodegradable, or reusable packaging options that minimize waste and reduce the environmental impact.

Labels and Certifications to Look For

Label/CertificationDescriptionFair TradeIndicates that the brand supports fair wages and working conditions for ingredient suppliersOrganic cottonIndicates that the brand uses organic cotton, which is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizersSoil AssociationIndicates that the brand meets the organic standards set by the Soil Association

These labels and certifications provide assurance that the brand is committed to sustainability and ethical practices. They can help you make informed choices and support brands that align with your values.

The Beginner’s Guide To Sustainable Beauty

Credit – amazon.com

What You Will Need to Get Started

To get started on your sustainable beauty journey, there are a few essentials you’ll need:

Sustainable skincare: Look for skincare products that prioritize natural and non-toxic ingredients. Avoid products with harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.

Beauty routine: Assess your current beauty routine and identify areas where you can make sustainable swaps. This may include replacing single-use products with reusable alternatives or opting for products with eco-friendly packaging.

Reusable packaging: Consider investing in reusable containers for your beauty products. This can help reduce waste and limit your use of single-use plastic packaging.

Step-by-Step Guide to Transforming Your Beauty Routine

Transforming your beauty routine to be more sustainable doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Assess your current beauty products: Take inventory of your current beauty products and identify which ones align with your sustainable values. Consider replacing products that contain harmful ingredients or excessive packaging.

Prioritize products with minimal and eco-friendly packaging: Look for products with sustainable packaging options such as glass, metal, or biodegradable materials. Avoid products that come in single-use plastic packaging.

Opt for multi-use and refillable beauty products: Choose products that serve multiple purposes, such as a lip and cheek tint or a moisturizer that can be used on both face and body. Look for brands that offer refillable options to minimize waste.

Support ethical and cruelty-free brands: Choose brands that prioritize animal welfare and do not test on animals. Look for certifications such as Leaping Bunny or Choose Cruelty-Free to ensure the brand is cruelty-free.

Incorporate DIY beauty solutions: Explore DIY beauty solutions using natural ingredients like essential oils and staples. This can help reduce your reliance on store-bought products and minimize waste.

Step 1: Assess Your Current Beauty Products

Credit – amazon.com

The first step in transitioning to a sustainable beauty routine is to assess your current beauty products. Take inventory of the products you use regularly and consider the following:

Ingredients: Look at the ingredient lists and identify any harmful chemicals or synthetic additives. Consider replacing products that contain these ingredients with natural and non-toxic alternatives.

Packaging: Evaluate the packaging of your beauty products. Look for excessive plastic packaging or single-use containers. Consider replacing products with eco-friendly packaging options or brands that offer refillable options.

Environmental impact: Research the environmental impact of the beauty industry and how certain products contribute to pollution and resource depletion. This knowledge can help you make more informed choices and seek out sustainable alternatives.

Step 2: Prioritize Products with Minimal and Eco-friendly Packaging

Credit – amazon.com

Look for brands that use sustainable packaging materials such as glass, metal, or biodegradable materials.

Avoid products that come in excessive plastic packaging or single-use containers.

Consider purchasing products in bulk or larger sizes to reduce packaging waste.

Choose products with refillable options to minimize waste and encourage reuse.

Step 3: Choose Multi-use and Refillable Beauty Products

Incorporating multi-use and refillable beauty products into your routine is another way to make your beauty routine more sustainable. Here’s how you can do it:

Look for products that serve multiple purposes, such as a lip and cheek tint or a moisturizer that can be used on both face and body.

Choose brands that offer refillable options for their products. This allows you to reuse the packaging and minimize waste.

Consider investing in reusable containers for your beauty products, such as refillable compacts or magnetic palettes.

Step 4: Support Ethical and Cruelty-Free Brands

Credit – amazon.com

Look for certifications such as Leaping Bunny or Choose Cruelty-Free to ensure the brand is cruelty-free and does not test on animals.

Research the brand’s sourcing practices to ensure they prioritize ethical sourcing and do not contribute to environmental or social harm.

Consider brands that give back to causes or organizations that align with your values, such as those that support environmental conservation or community development.

Step 5: Use DIY Beauty Solutions

Explore recipes for homemade beauty products using natural ingredients like essential oils, coconut oil, and baking soda.

Consider making your own face masks, hair treatments, or body scrubs using pantry staples.

Experiment with DIY beauty recipes to find what works best for your skin and hair.

Implementing Sustainable Beauty Practices

Reducing Waste in Your Beauty Routine

Choose products with minimal packaging or packaging that can be recycled or composted.

Opt for reusable alternatives to single-use items, such as makeup remover pads or cotton rounds.

Use products sparingly and only purchase what you need to avoid excess waste.

Consider DIY options for beauty products to reduce packaging waste.

The Role of Upcycling and Recycling in Sustainable Beauty

Upcycling: Upcycling involves repurposing beauty product packaging or containers for new uses. This can include using empty jars as storage containers or turning old lipstick packaging into a DIY lip balm container. By upcycling, you can extend the life of beauty product packaging and reduce waste.

Recycling: Recycling helps divert beauty product packaging from landfills and reduces the need for raw materials. Look for recycling programs or facilities that accept beauty product packaging, such as TerraCycle. By recycling, you can contribute to a circular economy and minimize the environmental impact of your beauty routine.

Overcoming Challenges On Your Sustainable Beauty Journey

Finding Affordable Sustainable Beauty Options

One challenge many people face when transitioning to a sustainable beauty routine is the perception that sustainable options are expensive.

However, there are affordable sustainable beauty options available.

Look for budget-friendly sustainable brands that prioritize affordability without compromising on quality or sustainability.

Consider DIY options for beauty products using natural ingredients that are cost-effective and accessible.

Choose multi-use products that serve multiple purposes, reducing the need to purchase multiple products.

Shop for sustainable beauty products during sales or special promotions to take advantage of discounted prices.

Staying Informed About Greenwashing

Greenwashing is a common challenge in the beauty industry, where brands make false or misleading claims about their sustainability practices.

Staying informed about greenwashing can help you make more informed choices and support brands that are truly sustainable.

Research brands and look for certifications or third-party verifications that validate their sustainability claims.

Read reviews and testimonials from other consumers to gauge the authenticity of a brand’s sustainability practices.

Follow reliable sources of information and stay up to date with the latest news and developments in the sustainable beauty industry.

The Future Of Sustainable Beauty

Credit – amazon.com

The future of sustainable beauty looks promising as more brands and consumers embrace eco-friendly practices.

Innovations Shaping the Future of Sustainable Beauty

Biodegradable and compostable packaging materials: Brands are exploring alternatives to traditional plastic packaging, such as biodegradable and compostable materials.

Sustainable sourcing and manufacturing practices: Brands are increasingly prioritizing sustainable sourcing and manufacturing practices to reduce their environmental impact.

Refillable and reusable packaging: Refillable and reusable packaging options are becoming more popular, helping to reduce packaging waste.

How Consumer Demand Influences the Beauty Industry

Increased availability of sustainable beauty products: As more consumers seek out sustainable beauty options, brands are expanding their product offerings to meet this demand.

Transparency and accountability: Consumers are demanding transparency from brands, encouraging them to be more accountable for their environmental and social impact.

Shift towards clean beauty: Clean beauty, which focuses on non-toxic and natural ingredients, has gained popularity as consumers become more conscious of the products they use and their potential health effects.

Conclusion

Small changes in your beauty routine can have a significant impact. Start by assessing your current products, opting for refillable items, and staying informed about greenwashing. The future of sustainable beauty lies in innovation and consumer demand, shaping an industry that prioritizes both beauty and responsibility. Let’s nurture beauty that goes beyond skin deep, for a healthier planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes a Beauty Product Sustainable?

A truly sustainable beauty product considers all aspects of its production and lifecycle. This includes using sustainable ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, ethical supply chains, and demonstrating social responsibility.

Can Switching to Sustainable Beauty Products Make a Difference?

Switching to sustainable beauty products can make a significant difference in reducing your environmental impact. By choosing products with sustainable ingredients, packaging, and manufacturing practices, you can contribute to a more sustainable future.

How Can I Identify Greenwashing in Beauty Products?

Identifying greenwashing in beauty products can be challenging. Look for certifications, research brands’ sustainability claims, and be cautious of vague or misleading information. Responsible sourcing and transparent practices are also indicators of genuine sustainability.

[the-solarpunk-activist]

Zero waste garden update 1

Added an egg carton as a seed starting tray, covered in plastic from clearance orchids i impulse purchased. Currently sprouting two heirloom tomatoes, two heirloom cucumbers, dill, cilantro, and purple basil

Two celery ends I'm regrowing in an old cat treat container

Two clearance cacti i also impulse bought using peanut butter lids as saucers and an old aloe plant i found tucked away by a windowsill that we all forgot about (oops) also with a peanut butter lid saucer

My moss terrarium i dug up out of the woods once that had moss in it, watered like twice, and let keep growing. Going on like three or four years now

Found a sprouting onion in the fridge so like any logical person i ripped it apart, kept the usable parts, composted the rest, and am now rooting in oui jars

And then an actual update: got some carrot greens finally, once they all sprout I'll transplant them to more oui jars but with dirt

[learningnewstuff]

VIVA - GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART // MASTERS OF RESEARCH - DESIGN INNOVATION

A viva voce is a long-established part of the examination process for a research degree. The main focus of the assessment is on the written thesis/dissertation (and other outputs, for a Practice as Research students). However, the viva gives you the opportunity to defend your thesis and is used to inform the examiners’ final assessment decision.

Examiners // Dr Janet McDonnell: Professor of Design Studies at Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, University of the Arts, London, UK & Dr Brian Dixon: Head of Belfast School of Art

AIM // The intention of this practice based research is to catalyze a critical turn in the sustainable fashion design field through the proposal of an inventive method for dealing with textile waste.

This proposal is realized through critical making and this study puts forward critical making as a method that can contribute to the mobilization of systems change within the fashion industry.

WHY? // Fashion is under scrutiny for its wastefulness – the current fashion system perpetuates continuous consumption driven by speed, change, planned obsolescence, artificial newness and aesthetic trends

The fashion industry is very slow to adopt more sustainable practices. barriers towards implementation for change exist with limited practical, viable and production-minded scalable examples of ways to shift forward within academic research as well as industry.

As design and consumption are inter-related – design can proactively influence and begin to realize this change.

HOW? // Holistically connecting the designer back towards the processes of manufacturing can open up a much-needed critical dialogue between designing and making where generative and constructive design-led insights can begin to unpack the complexities of fashion’s sustainability issues.

MAKING SPACE TAKING TIME // THE STUDIO

The process in which the study is undertaken is through the primacy of the studio process claiming that critical making is a constructive and generative process where visual and embodied links can be made that might otherwise be overlooked or unrealized through language-based approaches.

​​An investigation of PRACTICE AS RESEARCH is highlighted through an exploratory case study;  studio practice, drawings, assemblage and textile studies are used as tools that aid to synthesize, analyze and further develop new ways of thinking about the design making process.

CRITICAL MAKING acts as a means to connect our technologies with our lived experiences offering up social and conceptual critique of the assumptive making processes that we employ.

Matt Malpass (2017) Critical Design in Context

VISUAL ARTS KNOWING

Thinking in a Medium gives structure and physicality to the work in the studio,

Thinking in a Language frames the practice through reflective dialogue and

Thinking in a Context through embodied ways of making situates the practice to become research.

Graeme Sullivan (2009) Art Practice as Research

WHAT? // 1 + 1 = A Propositional Pattern Cutting System

1 + 1 is a zero-waste, negative-waste and additive pattern cutting and clothing design system that scales a single block shape into a variety of silhouettes by repeating and assembling that block shape to create the complete garment. The system can be used with regular lengths of new cloth, end rolls of fabric and textile waste materials.

SO WHAT??

Leading the design enquiry with a holistic view puts the waste up front and centre.

This way of designing encourages the designer to gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of the whole process pulling production back into the initial stages of design development.

The designer can be instrumental in determining how waste materials are used in the creation of the design through pattern cutting.

By creating a pattern that works within the constraints of waste material, the designer not only restricts the amount of resources used but also shapes the formation of the silhouette and the resulting outcome.

This process of making and un-making establishes a circular ethos that embodies an approach that places an emphasis on the criticality of message within its aesthetics and incorporates re-formation through a multiplicity of design in its function.

WHAT NOW?

Opening up the 1 + 1 Pattern Cutting System beyond the individual studio practice and extending its processes into a master class framework, a workshop format or through open source access would further promote a deeper engagement to reveal significant insights and critical feedback.

Such collective working sessions would setup a platform to increase the body of knowledge around the 1 + 1 system’s viability, transferability and scalability extending the research within the zero and negative-waste design and sustainable design fields.

The 1 + 1 not only offers an alternative technology for sustainable design but it also explores the process that it took to get there. it is through the critical making process where a multiplicity of re-directive and alternative approaches can be put forward. 

I // MRES > 1 + 1 AS A DESIGN RESEARCH OUTPUT

IT // SHARE THE DESIGN & PROTOTYPING PROCESS

WE // BUILD A COLLECTIVE SYSTEM

ITS // CONNECT THE SYSTEM TO A NETWORK

[kindacreepy-kindaugly]

I mean I'm not goin back to him I'm not(!!!) but at this point I got no idea why

Literally just screaming into the fucking void

He already broke me to the point where all the shit he's said are my only core beliefs n even if I try to shut down the voice in my head repeatin it all I still believe every damn word

So no matter how long I cut him off for it's always there just the same. But no one else can always be there to make it go away. W/ him I at least go from a total waste of oxygen to the one thing I'll ever be any good for. It's an upgrade I can almost live with.

So what's the point? What do I or anyone gain from me stayin away?

I've been tryin so fucking hard n it's just not getting any easier. I don't know where to put all this fucking self loathing, I can't keep pouring it onto other people. I always need to keep so damn much inside n some of it still spills out n that's already bordering on too much. I don't wanna be a burden. I know everyone is, to some extent, but not like this. Not all the time. Plus they have something to give in return, I only have things no one else wants, just Val's happy to take em if offered.

I still feel the pull all the fucking time. It's like the chain he used to have around my neck but I know he's not doin the pulling, he doesn't care if he has me or not anymore. It's all me now. I'm the one who keeps wanting to go back. The rational part of me is screaming no cause I know he'll just hurt me n find new ways to cut even deeper but. What's left that he hasn't already done?

Maybe this time he'll make the feelings n the noise go away. Maybe this time he'll make it all quiet.

[the-solarpunk-activist]

Definitely worth a read even though it says 1950s housewife, definitely some useful tips in there

Zero Waste Housewife tip!

For more see:

https://playing50shousewife.wordpress.com/2019/06/22/the-zero-waste-housewife-in-the-kitchen/