Element-0

Element-O is a modular garment kit that is adaptable to all situations. All of the garments in the kit are designed with zero pre-consumer waste, so that in the process of mass producing supplies for people in need, we are not harming the environment further.

The kit includes a bag and garments necessary to face a variety of climates, including cold weather, hot weather, and rain.

I was originally inspired to make a multi-functional garment to give out to people without shelter, but realized this is a temporary solution. If you donate a coat to a homeless individual, it will help them through the winter, but come summer time it is too hot and heavy to lug around. This leads to the disposal of the coat, which will end up in a landfill, and also leaves the individual in need again next winter. By making a compact kit with lightweight fabrics that can still keep the body insulated, as well as layerable items that can be used year round, we can increase the longevity of the garments.

The zero waste aspect of this project is the most obvious step towards sustainability, but to be truly circular the after life of the product must be addressed.  Element-0's material choices not only benefit the user by being effective, lightweight, washable, and inexpensive, but they are also able to be fully recycled or composted.  

Material Process:

The material choice, versatility, and compact design also make this kit perfect for campers and hikers as a secondary purpose.