What is Sustainability? We come across this term so many times, and use it ourselves, but understanding what it truly means is crucial. Sustainability is the capacity of our human race to continue indefinitely within natural cycles of this planet. However, we humans continue to disrupt these natural cycles. We do so by taking too much, creating too much waste, and blocking the natural way of things. While all things in nature are balanced, as humans, we take a very linear approach to materials. We take, make and dispose, not caring about where our trash goes. However, we can change this by rethinking and redesigning products and packaging such that they will replenish and give back resources.
If products go back to their makers, and each part of the product is reused, or composted, there is a circular flow of resources. This way of circular economy is sustainable and very much doable if efforts are made by all of us. We humans have only been around for less than 0.01% of Earth’s timeline. This time period is called the Anthropocene, the age of the humans. However, within such little time, we have changed the planet completely. From altering more than 50% of the surface of the planet to changing the atmosphere and affecting the other species, we have done a lot. This shift on Earth is different than any of the previous changes. One species is essentially controlling these changes, while knowing that we are making them. This is very important, as we can decide what the future of this planet will be. With creativity and innovation, we can truly rethink and redesign our future.
Some material explorations of bags using materials such as paper, newspaper, yarn, waste, and fabric.
Technique development: Macrame, Crochet
Who is carrying?
Male Solo performing musicians. Vocalists, Keyboard players, Guitarists.
What are they carrying?
Tablet Cables Earphones Processor Microphone
Where are they carrying it?
To music gigs and shows, transporting equipment.
To music gigs and shows, transporting equipment.
Why are they carrying it?
To keep all tidbits organized. So that everything can be portable and easy to access.
To reduce the total number of bags carrying on a person.
To reduce the total number of bags carrying on a person.
The bag started out with the jute base that I had crocheted, and the crochet straps from cotton yarn. Canvas cloth was used to stitch the base onto the body of the bag and the flap was added.
Following that, the straps, inside and outside the bag, handle, buttons were attached onto the body of the bag. The button hole was made. After finishing all the edges, the bag was ready to use and wear!
At the end of this course, there are many things I have learnt. Sustainability is something that has to start at a very personal level, from refusing to use synthetic material, to reusing everything that can be used again. Only then, will we be able to reduce the monstrous impact we are leaving on this planet and the future.
India has a rich history of sustainability, which was pushed forward by Gandhi. It is essential for us to revisit the past and get inspired for a better future. We have to use our local natural materials, process our thoughts, use our own hands to create a product that will be used by us, without harming the environment. By creating something with your hands, there is a humane touch to the product, and adds value. While circular economy is crucial, circular humanity is just as important.
Be the change you wish to see in the world. When we decide that certain things have to be done so that the resources on this planet continue to support our future generations, we have to keep in mind that our own actions need to reflect this. Each individual drop of water makes the vast ocean, and each and every one of us has to contribute towards changing the fate of our planet.
While informing ourselves about the current state of things, we must initiate changes towards the better, so as to influence those around us to do the same. We must hold responsibility, and take responsibility towards our planet.
