Sustainable Design: Design to Reduce Chemical Impacts & Reduce Energy and Water Use

During the period of studying textiles design, I found that chemical impacts and use of energy and water are two serious problems in producing textiles. After exploring many sustainable designs in lecture, I deeply realised the importance of reducing chemical impacts.

Earth dyeing[1]

Chemical dye is most common dye material, but it might cause many environmental problems for our earth. Designer Hyun Jin Jeong noticed dirt can be used a material for dying. She collected 45 different soils so that she could develop a vivid colour collection. The colours of her works are natural and pure. As described by Jeong, "There are many different natural materials that were once used but are now forgotten. I think rediscovering these materials and using them wisely is essential for a sustainable future."[2] I think it might be not easy to discover some objects that we didn't notice before. It requires chariness and enthusiasm for life. Besides, it is hard to translate those natural elements into dye material. So I believe that is what I need to improve in the future.

Blond Bieber's Algaemy project[3]

Designer Essi Johanna Glomb and Rasa Weber also devoted to study eco-friendly dye materials. They chose algae as base to create a colour collection, which are totally harmless to the earth. They claim that you can even eat them. 

Blond Bieber's Algaemy project[4]

Dying yarn is an essential step in knitting. As a knit student, I'm inspired by those designers. What surprises me most is that the colours from nature are beautiful and bright. There are abundant eco-friendly materials I should learn. I could do some more research for natural dye, apply them in my works.

References

[1]Hyun, J. (2011) Earth dyeing. [online image]. Avaiable at: <http://www.ecouterre.com/soil-as-fabric-dye-earth-dyeing-hits-pay-dirt/> [Accessed 25 October 2014]. 

[2]Kelly, E. (2011) Soil as Fabric Dye? Earth Dyeing Hits Pay Dirt. [Internet]. Available

from :<http://www.ecouterre.com/soil-as-fabric-dye-earth-dyeing-hits-pay-dirt/> [Accessed 25 October 2014]. 

[3]Blond Bieber's Algaemy project (2014) [online image]. Avaiable at: <http://www.dezeen.com/2014/10/14/blond-and-bieber-algaemy-coloured-dye-algae-lodz-design-festival-2014/> [Accessed 25 October 2014]. 

[4]Blond Bieber's Algaemy project (2014) [online image]. Avaiable at: <http://www.dezeen.com/2014/10/14/blond-and-bieber-algaemy-coloured-dye-algae-lodz-design-festival-2014/> [Accessed 25 October 2014].