This speculative design project, done in support of Waste Free Edmonton, was is to create a social awareness campaign for waste reduction. As the world generally moves towards a more eco-cognizant approach, reusable items are on the rise. However, there are many misconceptions around product materiality that don’t allow them to reach their sustainable potential (and thus, may be doing more harm than good). This campaign thus encourages users to rethink their recycling/encourage upcycling habits.
Scope: campaign, system design
Dimensions: n/a
Materials: vinyl on repurposed plywood
Installation is comprised of a two-piece wall, 2 physical artifacts, and instruction cards.
How the bag works
By tracing a certain pattern of cut lines into a flat sheet, one can make a “mesh” bag from what would ultimately become textile waste. The “mesh” bag is created from lines cut out from a flat sheet. This method of flat pack bags are commonly used in east Asian convenience stores.
Instruction card, front & back. 4″ x 6″.
Physical bag, flat and expanded
Bag template: cut lines on an 8″ x 11″ sheet.
Street Section & Placements
The two-wall system physically allows for more flexibility in terms of placing it within a variety of venues. Modular components also allows for easier transport, construction, and future scalability.
Details
Body copy paraphrased from “Your cotton tote is pretty much the worst replacement for a plastic bag”, by Zoë Schlanger.