High school students show skills at Trashy Fashion Show

Posted December 04, 2014 10:00 pm

Submitted by SWANCC

Single-use plastic bags create waste and the "Don't Feed the Bag Monster" outfit raises awareness that an average American uses approximately 500 plastic bags per year. A solution to reducing waste would be to take a reusable bag to the store. Designer Kristen Newby and model Karen Rumps are students at Fremd High School, Palatine. Photo by Thom Lodge of Lani Kai Photography

The Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) hosted an Educational Expo and its eighth Trashy Fashion Show last month in recognition of America Recycles Day.

This inspirational community-based program showcased 34 outfits, representing more than 50 designers from a variety of member communities, including Arlington Heights, Barrington, Hoffman Estates, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Palatine and Skokie.

Ninety percent of each outfit was made with items destined for the trash can, or recycling bin.

This year's theme, "My Solution to Pollution" raised awareness about how to be a better steward of our Earth, while showing that repurposing materials can be fun.

Designs were made from materials such as tablecloths; sheets; curtains; bottle caps; aluminum cans; shopping bags; textile and paint samples; stained clothing; news/wrapping/tissue papers; wine bottle nets; and blankets.

"This unique show gives individuals of any age a platform to create high-quality, one-of-a-kind works of wearable art, which is a testament to being resourceful and respectful by utilizing existing resources rather than buying new products," said Mary Allen, SWANCC recycling and education director.

Residents strolled around the expo to talk to representatives from environmental organizations and businesses for reusing or processing special materials, such as pharmaceuticals, sharps, shredded documents, holiday lights, salvaged resources from homes, bikes and textiles.

Matt Ryan and Lali Watt with The Talking Farm in Skokie, gave a presentation about the benefits of reducing organic materials in the landfill through composting, and the benefits of growing and buying food locally.

The Kids Corner offered children a variety of crafts, games and a special reading of "Recycling with Arnie and Bing" from local author Ann Wagner.

For other SWANCC programs and resources, visit swancc.org.

This kaleidoscope "Painted Lady" sundress modeled by designer Rachel Dever is made entirely of paint samples to raise awareness about using up, drying out, or safely disposing of old paint. Co-sesigners include Rebecca Bora and Aly Ferry. They are students at Fremd High School in Palatine. Photo by Thom Lodge of Lani Kai Photography

"Material Girl" is a flapper-style ensemble made from building materials found at a job site in the neighborhood by Mount Prospect designer Laurie Roubitchek, worn by model Lizzie Nielsen. Photo by Thom Lodge of Lani Kai Photography

Designer and model Stephanie FitzSimons from Palatine graces the runway in her "Sweeny Todd Revisited" dress made from used table linens, torn lace table runners and castoff upholstery trim. Photo by Thom Lodge of Lani Kai Photography

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