Artist Statement:
I created this work because I wanted to experiment with creating a usable object out of “waste.” I created a tote bag made completely out of fabric scraps left over by a variety of people, including my roommates and myself. Oftentimes, when people alter or “crop” their own clothing, there are pieces of cloth left over that end up in the trash, and ultimately, the landfill. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 17 million tons of textile waste end up in a landfill per year (Brown). I wanted to create a bag that was sturdy enough to hold things such as groceries (no plastic bag waste!) and lessens my negative impact on the environment. I also feel that this project is replicable and can be created by anyone. Making a tote bag can also eliminate the need to buy one which saves money and prevents contributions to the negative environmental impacts of producing fashion.
Source:
roadrunnerwm.com/blog/textile-waste-environmental-crisis