A visit to... the LANDFILL.

That's right! On Wednesday, we traveled to Milam landfill across the river in Illinois. As a group, we've been learning about the impacts our actions have on the environment. Turns out, when running a business, there are even more things to think about - and even more ways we can reduce our impact! 

Where things go when you throw them "away" -- Milam Landfill .
This is why the studio has a recycling bin!

Sew Aware visits with William Humphrey

Young designer William Humphrey of EyeKon Productions visits the studio

Eco-entrepreneurship Presentations

During our first week the youth prepared lively eco-entrepreneur presentations. Some of which included characterizations and mock commercials. Brian Pelletier (Kakao Chocolate), Rachel  McCalla (Lucky You Productions), and Terry Winkelmann (Home Eco) were the inspiring business owners studied. 


After several challenging days of group work, interviews, and research the youth finished the work moments before the presentations were due, Much to their surprise our interviewees showed up to watch the presentations! Afterwards everyone munched on delicious Kakao chocolate engaging a round-table dissuasion in which the entrepreneurs shared their joys, struggles and their memory of their first dollars.

First product of the summer- Recycled Magazine Buttons!!!

Sew Aware youth made buttons for the first time EVER using  Firecraker Press's button machine! Yeah Firecracker! Through a series of small group exercises the youth discovered which methods work best to produce quality buttons while concidering worker happiness. So far we've sold 8 buttons just out of the studio! A button machine is tops on our wishlist (hint, hint). Eventually we hope to become a local bulk button producer for local bands, artists, events, and organisations. All proceeds, of course, will be going to Sew Aware youth and program.  

Looking for trends, learning from another entrepreneur, and licking chip crumbs off our fingers

This week the group reviewed a case study of an entrepreneur making a niche for himself in the recycling business. A so-called "Garbage Mogul," Tom Szaky is a leading player in this growing industry as the co-founder of TerraCycle, which makes a variety of products from recycled material: fertilizers from worm poop, backpacks from juice pouches and reusable tote bags from plastic bags. 

 According to Tom, it's all about  looking at things people don't value, which might not be just physical garbage -- it could be people, ideas or objects. But the most important innovation is being able to re-think the resource.

As a result of studying the Terracycle business, young designers at Sew Aware are avidly collecting chip bags, cookie wrappers, and drink pouches for the EarthWays Center, keeping those items out of the landfill. Mmm.... sustainable snacks ... 

Upcycle Exchange

Throughout the summer Sew Aware will shop regularly at the Upcycle Exchange, a recycled craft supply market located in Dutchtown. Due to the convenient location of Upcycle the youth will have an opportunity to learn about fabrics simply by crossing the street. How fantastic is that?!

Take a Peek at Sew Aware's Summer Studio in Dutchtown!

We're very excited to announce that we just received the key for our summer studio on Meramc! This summer's Dutchtown Youth Employment Program is starting a DIY design collective. Over the course of the program the youth will start a collective business while developing design, crafting, marketing and general business skills with a focus on both environmentally sustainable and humanitarian practices.

When the summer's over we'll be transitioning into an after school program. The youth will be given the opportunity to continue making products that will sell in local shops, DIY craft shows and on Etsy.com. A percentage of the sales will go towards the collective as well as the youth designers.

Co-program builders of Sew Aware- Emily Hemeyer (Artist/Designer), Katy Mike Smaistrla (Earth Ways Center) and Sandra Marks (Entrepreneurial Guru) will be guiding the curriculum throughout the summer. Steven Hall (Roosevelt HS Coach/Councilor) and Jasmine Stocking (Designer/Botanical Gardens Intern) will be providing additional work site support.

HUGE THANKS to everyone who's donated fabrics, sewing machines, tables, tools, books, and supplies. We wouldn't be in operation without you!