For the FLEX project, we will be working in collaboration with TED, a Textiles Environment Design research group. The aim of this collaboration is to 'look through the lens of sustainability' for this project. We must choose one of TED's Ten Strategies to help us as designers and developers to be more considerate of sustainability.
I chose;
3. Design to Reduce Chemical Impacts
The majority of environmental damage occurs post-purchase, how can this be changed?
How can the use of harmful chemicals at each stage of a product's life be reduced?
How can appropriate material, origin and production choice minimise environmental impact?
Consider ways of making whole products ultimately biodegradable, use of organic dyes and processes and non-chemical decoration such as laser cutting.
6. Design that Looks at Models from Nature & History
In many ways nature's designs are perfect, it is important for us to go back and reflect on that, to inform innovation in textiles and design.
How has biomimicry and nanotechnology already informed future technology?
What systems from nature are already used as models for design?
How have people in the past found alternative resources from nature?
Many of the strategies will cross over with this project, as I plan to contemplate the issue of sustainability in each process of design, consumers don't often realise how much work and waste goes in to a fabric, garment or collection.
