About this campaign
Artist Minga Opazo's practice focuses on the intersection of fashion, textiles and science. Working exclusively with discarded fabrics, Opazo is researching mycoremediation as a potential response to the environmental impact of textile waste.
Mycoremediation is a form of bioremediation where fungi are used to break down contaminants in soil. The process has been studied for its potential to break down pollutants such as petroleum or diesel.
Opazo applies mycelium (the root-like structure of fungi) to her textile waste sculptures and layers the mycelium-coated fabrics with soil. This is part of her larger search to find a solution to the growing textile waste crisis.
In 2018, an estimated 11.3 million tons of textile waste was generated and sent to landfills in the United States, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Research from McKinsey & Co. has estimated that garments are often discarded after only seven or eight uses.
The project aims to increase public understanding of textile waste while documenting emerging approaches to material reuse and degradation. It highlights the intersection of art and science as a means toward large scale change.
Donations will be used to help support development, research, and creation of the documentary.