Our sole purpose is to understand our consumer

      The concept Waste=Food is a concept from the reading: Cradle to Cradle that is so simple yet so accurate and relevant today. Society today often over consumes. Throwing away a product that is deemed “finished” will soon be a thing of the past with this simple concept. Within this concept of cradle to cradle there are two “metabolisms” which are discussed: biological metabolism and technical metabolism. Biological metabolism seeks to design a product that once the consumer is through with it, can be safely put back into the soil to biodegrade. Technical metabolism, on the other hand, is up cycling a product to be used again and again for three to four more life cycles.

      According to the other reading this week, C2CAD: a sustainable apparel design and production model, in order for a change to be made, designers must understand the needs of the consumer. After some research, thought, and consideration I have come up with a design concept that deals with the biological metabolism. Shoes are an everyday necessity for humans. Because we know that humans need these products without a doubt, I have come up with a solution that allows humans to bury parts of their shoes when they are done. The other part of the shoe that cannot be buried will be recycled and can be used again for another pair of shoes.

      Just like Marcia Ganem from the reading by Bradley Quinn: Textile Futures, I will utilize worn out tires as well as inner tubes. These materials will be the sole of the shoes. The fabric for the greater part of the shoe (the part covering the foot) will be made from 100% organic materials that can be stripped from the sole of the shoe and then buried to go back into the soil safely, without harm to our environment. There can be different varieties of the shoe as well. Shoes will be offered in the form on sandals, ballet flats, full coverage flats (like those of the TOMS brand shoe), etc. I believe that because we understand that humans need shoes and are looking for environmentally friendly alternatives to ordinary products, that these shoes will do very well in the apparel market.