In this episode of "Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid," hosts and Planet Aid Communications Content Specialist, Monica Johnson and Communications Manager Haley Chitty sit down with Ericka Leigh, a sustainability project manager and founder of Sewn Apart. The discussion dives into the innovative practice of composting textiles and its potential impact on the fashion industry and the environment.
You can dive into the conversation’s highlights below, or immerse yourself in the full podcast experience on platforms like Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or directly on Planet Aid’s website.
Ericka Leigh's Journey to Upcycling and Textile Composting
Monica opens the conversation by expressing her excitement about Ericka's work in composting textiles. She received a video of one of Ericka’s textile composting experiments from former podcast guest and mutual acquaintance, Dr. Zaida Darley, which sparked her interest to learn more about how textile composting fits into the sustainability puzzle.
Perhaps, the biggest inspiration behind Ericka Leigh's upcycling company, Sewn Apart, was her grandfather. The company, which sells bow ties and accessories made from scrap textiles got its start with Ericka's desire to honor her grandfather, who was known for wearing bowties.
For her grandfather's funeral, Ericka decided to make bowties for her family to wear. Instead of rushing to the store to buy fabric at the ninth hour, she and her mother grabbed old pillowcases and started making fun and ornate bowties. The experience not only sparked a creative venture but it also ignited a great passion for sustainability, especially the problem of textile waste.
Ericka explains her role at Sewn Apart, where she collaborates with various organizations to lead research projects focused on composting textiles. This endeavor aims to create circular design solutions and reduce waste and pollution in the clothing industry.
Ericka recounts her journey into textile composting, which began during her master's program at the University of South Florida. Inspired by the use of compost in land amendment projects, she was intrigued by the potential of utilizing compost more broadly. Recognizing cotton as a crop within the agricultural system was a pivotal realization, prompting her to experiment with composting fabric scraps.
From Backyard to Research Projects
Ericka's initial experiments in her backyard led to larger efforts, partnering with community gardens and small farms. Her journey eventually brought her to Rosebud Continuum, where she conducted extensive research on composting textiles. Her collaboration with Patel College of Global Sustainability at the University of South Florida further enriched her work, providing a platform for students to engage with sustainable fashion and waste management.
When Monica inquired about the potential for scaling textile composting to industrial levels, Ericka cited success stories and examples of large-scale textile composting projects. One of the projects currently happening in Australia involves denim pants. She emphasizes the untapped potential of composting as a climate solution, noting that 50% of landfill waste could be composted.
The Science and Experiments of Composting Textiles
Ericka's composting experiments are lots of fun, but when the rubber meets the road, it’s all about the research. She explains one of her more notable composting experiments involving her old Birkenstock sandals. She said, "I threw a pair of my old Birkenstock sandals in my compost pile and the cork has completely broken down." She also noted that the treated leather and rubber sole remained intact. This experiment underscores the complexity of composting treated materials, a challenge that requires further exploration.
Ericka discusses the lessons learned from her composting research, highlighting the regenerative power of compost, and likening it to a multivitamin for the earth. She advocates for resource regeneration, emphasizing the need to replenish degraded topsoil with nutrient-rich compost.
The Costs of Fast Fashion
As a passionate advocate for sustainable fashion, Ericka’s experiments, which she shares on social media, are powerful pieces in legitimizing the detrimental effects of fast fashion. She states, “Fast fashion consumes a tremendous amount of resources without giving back."
In a follow-up question, Haley asked about the costs of composting in comparison to landfilling textiles. Although Ericka wasn’t aware of the specific costs, she suggested how compost costs could be financed. “On our utility bill, there's a line item for sewage or trash hauling. I think you can add another line item for organics pickup and that could be all of your food waste or yard waste to get the green matter or the nitrogen that you need for composting because you can't compost clothes without also composting food.
She adds, ” I don't think we need to collect clothes from individuals. I think we can go to where clothes are at thrift stores for compost input.”
Ericka's work in textile composting offers a glimpse into a promising avenue for waste reduction and environmental sustainability. By transforming textile waste into a resource for soil enrichment, composting holds the potential to revolutionize the fashion industry and contribute to a healthier planet.
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