Tuesday, September 28, 2010

This is Trash Hugger's granddaddy

This is actually a very inspiring interview with George Post the founder of a little gem called The Exchange. The Exchange is an Orcas Island, WA staple. It might be part of the local dump but it has nothing to do with your unwanted trash. This institution is where people go and find what other people want to get rid of and at the same time get the chance to rediscover someone else's trash as their treasure.
Its a quite long video, but please watch! Its worth it!


When you go to the "dump" on Orcas Island, you get a bonus. Along with dropping off your recyclables and trash, you can leave your re-usables and pick up what you need at The Exchange. This thrift + building materials + appliance + home furnishings + sporting goods store has no set prices; you pay "what it's worth to you". Founder George Post recounts how The Exchange grew out of the scavenging of useful "stuff" that occurred all the time at the informal dump of days gone by.

Other great things that you can do with your pile of un-recycled clothes.

Mark Borthwick, Alleged, 2001.


»Sammlung Stegemann«, 2007 by Thomas Kratz.


»Venere degli stracci (Lumpen-Venus)«, 1967 by Michelangelo Pistoletto.




PLEASE READ THIS!

The New York Times published this great article this past summer. To share a secret with you, it has been one of my inspirations for this project What is great about the text is that its not just a good read but also names many good clothing recycling resources for New York City.

You ask: "What is Trash Hugger?"

The concept of Trash Hugger came from reading multiple articles on the issue of un-recycled clothes in New York City. Trash Hugger is an initiative that encourages a heightened awareness towards the things we own and wear. Instead of adding new bought clothes, Trash Hugger’s philosophy promotes a rethinking and reevaluation of clothes already owned. Students, Alumni and friends of The New School are invited to participate in a clothing swap and workshops that will be held by Parsons IDp/Fashion students. By attending these workshops participants will be able to exchange old clothes for new “second-hand” ones as well as learn how to rework their unwanted clothing.

Please join Trash Hugger’s first clothing swap and clothing workshop installment, during New School’s sustainability week, October 25 – October 29.

Bring your unwanted clothes and swap them with other students.