Learning Journal
The inspiration for writing and researching into my topic of sustainability within the textile industry and how much waste is produced and goes to landfill came from watching the documentary The Secret Life of Landfill. This documentary filmed by the BBC uncovered shocking truths about the vast amounts we throw away and how the fabrics were not decomposing in the landfill sites. The documentary was so insightful into lots of topics surrounding what we waste and the greenhouse gases that were being created in landfill. It also highlighted what is currently being done to try and turn the harmful gases and waste into other products. Being part of the textile industry and knowing this I felt that I needed to research it in detail to then ensure that within my practice I could make changes allowing me to not contribute as much waste to landfill. Whilst researching into different areas it allowed me to understand where each individual could make change to stop what would end up in landfill. This inspired me to think about how I could make small changes within my own lifestyle and in my textile practice.
Whist conducting my research I found that there were certain challenges that I needed to overcome, I learnt that I would need to change my own fashion habits to then be able to feel that I was not adding to the ongoing climate problems surrounding the textile industry. These challenges included not buying from high street stores as often and perhaps not wanting to follow new trends as closely, allowing me to not contribute to fast fashion. At first, I thought that this would result in me not being stylish and able to keep up with new trends and styles but after continuing my research and learning about the second hand market I realised that not contributing to the fast fashion market was easier than I thought as the second hand market is just as stylish and better for the planet.
I also discovered that it is not just the vast amount we throw away, but it is also how we create the textiles through the plants that are grown to make fabrics and how we dye them is so damaging. Changing what fabric’s I use in my practice would allow me to be more sustainable however, the types of fabrics available may have limitations being style or texture resulting in me having to factor in the end result being different to perhaps desired. This is an area that I researched but did not go into detail as I was focusing on waste that ended up in landfill. However, this is a huge factor in making my own practice more sustainable and ethical.
There was so much information on my topic area I felt that I needed to be selective with what I decided to use as it was very easy to go off piece. I wanted to outline the issues with the textile industry as whole but also not losing site of my research question. I found this difficult at times as there was so many important factors that I felt needed to be included.
When it came to the actual writing of the dissertation, I felt that I was completely in the dark, I had no idea where to start or what the structure needed to be. This left me doubting myself as I was not sure if what I had written was correct. After searching on moodle and reading example dissertations I felt more confident about my study and that I had structured it in a way that made sense to my topic. I feel that what could have aided me with my study would have been to have more lectures explaining the structure and the different types of dissertations.
Originally, I wanted to form a dissertation that would have been based on my own primary research through doing surveys. However, I came across the challenges of needing ethical approval. I did not understand what I needed to do or how to go about getting it. In the future maybe this could be made easier to understand or lectures could be given on the topic allowing everyone to have a better knowledge of how to go about getting ethical approval. This was definitely a challenge that I faced as I was set on what I wanted to do however after changing my ideas I feel that I have still learnt so much and achieved what I set out to do, which was to understand the issues surrounding the textile industry and how much waste products we throw out.
The artefact that I created was so enjoyable to do, I had been researching into different upcycling methods and there were so many easy quick tips and tricks that meant you did not need to throw your clothes away. The idea to create a rag rug came from a conversation I had with my parents as my grandma used to make them. This felt like my dissertation was becoming more personal to me. The making of the rug was simple, and I felt proud after I had created it. The idea of having an artefact and piece of writing paired together for me made my research easier as I always had the rug as a reference to why I was looking into this area and the importance of expanding my knowledge of the waste culture that is within the textile industry.
In conclusion to my thoughts on writing my dissertation and creating my artefact I feel that I have learnt a lot about how to research a topic in depth and relate that to my own practice. There were different struggles along the way such as not being able to browse books in the library and understanding ethical approval however I feel that this process has been a learning journey that I will take forward into the future. Not only have I expanded my knowledge on how to write a formal piece I have taken away information that will stick with me forever within my practice and influence how I work and conduct my practice of textiles. This research study has changed my opinion and actions for the better.
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