Couture from the Curb: How to Make Stylish Pieces from Trash

Every year, the world produces over 2 billion tons of solid waste. In the United States alone, the average American produces about 5 pounds of trash every single day. Even our attempts to recycle are disappointing. Only 32% of that trash is actually recycled. That's only 94 million tons. We have more trash than we know what to do with or can handle.

What happens to the rest of that trash? It has to end up somewhere. Often ending up in landfills, polluting cities, and polluting communities. The truth is, no one is truly innocent. The fashion industry is one of the world’s largest polluters. Over 100 billion garments are produced each year, and 87% of those garments end up in landfills, where only 1% of all discarded clothing is recycled. 

But where some see waste, some see raw material. Trashion, where yesterday's trash becomes today’s statement piece.

Sure, you can staple a bunch of newspapers together and make a skirt, but it’s also about creating items that last long, feel good, and most importantly, look good. 

Trashion makes us question what we value. What is trash? It also proves that style doesn’t have to be at the planet's expense. We can be creative while being conscience. 

So next time you are about to throw away a bleached towel or ripped plastic bag, ask yourself: Is this junk… or is this couture?

Plastics account for roughly 12% of the solid waste in the U.S, after paper and food, meaning it’s a great place to start when thinking about ways to create your own trashion looks.

Ideas:

1. Trash Bag Corset: https://www.tiktok.com/@dummythiccdemonthot/video/6987208195760524550?q=trashion&t=1748834366740

2. Bottle Cap Necklace:  https://www.tiktok.com/@annamo.1/video/7158665099534765354?q=trashion&t=1748834366740

3. Trash Bag Jacket: https://www.tiktok.com/@stupid.stitch/video/7225045935557004587?q=trashion&t=1748834366740

4. Plastic Dress: https://www.tiktok.com/@angemariano/video/7276122063868300587?q=clothes%20made%20from%20plastic&t=1748834898706

5. Bottle Cap Dress: https://www.tiktok.com/@blueclarice/video/7506195470554025262?q=clothes%20made%20from%20plastic&t=1748834898706

6. Plastic Tote Bag: https://www.tiktok.com/@bribriscraftycorner/video/6978211713833356550?q=bags%20made%20from%20plastic&t=1748835010077\

7. Plastic Hair Clips: https://www.tiktok.com/@i_d/video/7439718547930074401?q=diy%20plastic%20assesories&t=1748835107948

8. Plastic Earrings: https://www.tiktok.com/@450.sg/video/7253380924258258194?q=diy%20plastic%20assesories&t=1748835107948

9. Plastic Yarn- For when you have other ideas/projects not on this list: https://www.tiktok.com/@maker_bakery/video/7392299829092715806?q=plastic%20yarn&t=1748841758886

Honorable Mentions:

1. Leaf Print Shirts: https://www.tiktok.com/@sagesmokesurvival/video/7367423307781573930?q=plants%20into%20clothing&t=1748842158908

2. Dye from Plants: https://www.tiktok.com/@plantyou/video/7432400263803194629?q=dye%20from%20plants&t=1748842204702

3. Sun Dyeing: https://www.tiktok.com/@undrgrnd.collective/video/7355971271902924075?q=sun%20printing%20clothing%20&t=1748842381386

Content Creator of the Week: Annamo.1 on Tiktok!

Outside Sources: 

1. https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/national-overview-facts-and-figures-materials#:~:text=Created%20with%20Highcharts%204.2.7%20Total%20MSW%20Generated%20by%20Material,Inorganic%20Wastes:%201.39%25

2. https://www.earthday.org/campaign/sustainable-fashion/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17889254791&gbraid=0AAAAAD6eNE6PO1bICvUeiAuEiLBOcRFRc&gclid=CjwKCAjwl_XBBhAUEiwAWK2hzuPsopAtxaacwcRWSqpdxaWaUhEb3LJiXnZ38ttSw51KrYPtLPRNIhoC5C8QAvD_BwE

3. https://www.dumpsters.com/blog/us-trash-production