The difference between recycling and upcycling while it may seem indifferent, is actually quite large. The concept of recycling means to take items that are made of reusable materials and send them back to either a facility or some other location where those materials can be broken down and used in new products. Whereas upcycling refers to the process of taking used materials and repurposing them for something outside of their original purpose, the latter part distinguishing it from reusing. My choice of animal was inspired by the philosophy of “Build then Design”, and as such, after having built my functional sculpture, I stepped back and took a look at what creature the design may lend itself to, and decided on the Portuguese Man o’ War, as size of my contraption fit the name. This creature, interestingly enough, actually benefits from plastic polution in the ocean, because such waste creates large garbage patches which can serve as breeding grounds for jellyfish and creatures similar to them such as the Portuguese Man o’ War. Because of this factor, it is fitting that I had already chosen to use solely plastic for my structure to show the upsides of this forever material, namely its durability. This characteristic I am trying to show is a double edged sword, as it is perfect for industrial and consumer purposes, but that same strength becomes its downfall when released into the natural environment. My design incorporates several sustainability features, first and foremost of which is the upcycled materials used to construct it, saving them from landfills. Secondly, it helps conserve portable water resources by purifying existing non-potable water for use.
Welcome to our sustainable design adventure! In this studio, we're diving into the world of eco-friendly creations by transforming items from our backyard with bioplastics. Get ready to unleash your creativity as we explore the possibilities of mycelium, potato starch, and gelatin bioplastics!
Your mission? Choose an item from your backyard made of plastic and redesign it using one of three bioplastics: mycelium, potato starch, or gelatin. Whether it's a football, wind chime, gardening tool, or plant pot, let your imagination soar! Use the unique properties of bioplastics to enhance functionality, aesthetics, and environmental impact. Craft your prototype, experiment with shapes, textures, and colors, and share your insights with peers.
By transforming plastic items into eco-friendly wonders, we're not just creating beauty - we're making a statement about our commitment to a greener future. Let's celebrate creativity, innovation, and sustainability one design at a time!