Brainstorming – What do we have? Where do we go?
Our homework from last class was to get together in groups and brainstorm products. The following ideas emerged: bags, toilet seat covers, guitar picks, plastic Armstrong bracelet, book covers, floor mats, pencil cases, baskets and totes, flippers, floor tiles.
However the PROBLEM is that all these products are cheap and relatively easy to make. We need something with a greater value added that does not reflect the item itself but how the product is made. So we went back to brainstorming and this time also took into account the product thickness and potential toxicity. It was recommended that we look at Bailey’s Green Composite book.
Now our next focus is expensive items but first we must find a market. Claire (who spent the previous year studying abroad in Argentina) is our resident expert. She suggested “craft fairs” or open-air markets that are a hotspot for tourists. It is apparently very easily to be a vendor and just requires a license from the city. We are now seeking a product idea that will have the following criteria: crafty design, value imbedded in product design not product use, luxury item, minimal thickness, and low regard for potential toxicity (i.e. not involved with foodstuffs). For advice, we look to ideas already in use by Waste for Life (chair, sunglasses, buttons, doll, wallets, rain boots, bag, wine holder (great idea!), clock.
After some more brainstorming, we come up with the following product ideas: jewelry, belts, buttons, aprons, sailboat sails, umbrellas, Frisbees, hammock, jump rope, headbands, beads, picture frame and suite case.
This is a great starting point but we want to come up with more ideas. This weekend’s goal is for each group to prepare five products. However, the clock is ticking and we have a presentation to the college this Saturday, April 17th. We really need to have product ideas finalized and sketches by this Tuesday’s class.
As a side note, would the city of Buenos Aires be willing to provide a contract with the cartoneros to create picnic benches/ park furniture out of the recycled plastic?
As of now, we have the following questions and would love feedback:
– What is the toxicity of these plastics?
– How do you cut them? Can you use something resembling a cookie cutter?