About

We give new life to reclaimed materials that would otherwise be discarded. Ultimately, we wish to act as a hub for creative artisans who are already producing items from used materials, as well as encourage others to see the benefit of creative problem solving by way of example and education.

Discardia began as a way to extend the fun of the Bloomington Trashion/Refashion Show, an annual fundraiser for the Center for Sustainable Living, to the rest of the year.

Discardia’s goal is to find new life for textiles and other reusable materials, thus spurring creativity while reducing the flow of these materials to landfills. According to the EPA Office of Solid Waste, textiles account for nearly 6.3% of annual municipal solid waste in an average city, and Americans on average throw away over 68 pounds of clothing and textiles per person per year.

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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Upcycle, Refashion

Discardia is all about finding creative ways to redirect unnecessary waste into artistic expression. From fixing what still has use to celebrating design on the runway, Discardia has something for you.

Trashion/Refashion

Designers make fashion out of materials otherwise destined for the landfill.

Hosted by Discardia and The Center for Sustainable Living each year at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, the Trashion/Refashion Runway Show is open to all skill levels—anyone can submit their design and any model can walk our runway regardless of body type or experience.

We work with a variety of people, ranging in age from elementary school to senior citizens. With such a wide demographic of designers, our entries have become more challenging to waste and inspiring to reuse each year. Even the giant-scale stage sets are made from discarded or unwanted materials every year!

Mending Day

We bring sewing machines and other basic materials and equipment like needles and thread, so just bring your clothes to mend or fabric to make something new.

Don’t throw away that favorite sweater or comfy pair of pants! Instead, bring your projects to Mending Day where we will help you mend your clothing. People of all skill levels, ages, and abilities are invited to use our sewing machines and basic supplies to learn how to sew or work on any other project involving clothing.

We provide mutual support and teaching in something that’s becoming a lost art—so feel welcome to learn and ask questions. Join us on the second Saturday of every month.

We give new life to reclaimed materials that would otherwise be discarded. Ultimately, we wish to act as a hub for creative artisans who are already producing items from used materials, as well as encourage others to see the benefit of creative problem solving by way of example and education.

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