Final Prototype - detail - RISD partnered with the NGO Waste-for-Life as an opportunity for students to help a struggling group of people in Argentina called cartoneros -people who collect recyclable garbage for a living. We built a hotpress to thermo-form recycled plastic bags, and then designed high-end products made from the new plastic material. I chose to create a new way of making plastic watch bands.
Respond Design "It's in the Bag" competition finalist
photo credit: Mark Johnston
Final Prototype - photo credit: Mark Johnston
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Waste For Life
2010 - RISD Studio
RISD and the NGO Waste-for-Life teamed up to design high-end products made from plastic shopping bags - an underused commodity. The design should be creative, yet simple to make, so that the cartoneros in Argentina, who collect recyclable trash, could create products using their own hot-press and their other minimal resources.
The watch band I designed appeals to users who care about the environment and helping the cartoneros. However, it is a fashion accessory first and recycled material second. This product helps start up conversations about the cartoneros in social groups that may not normally buy into "green design" products.
