09.11.2022 – 10.11.2022
During week 8, the class was focusing on the book Vibrant Matter by Jane Bennett. At first glimpse, it was already difficult to grasp the overview of the chapters. There was a lot of philosophical text, theoretical explanations, and references which made it harder to understand what my reading is all about. However, during the reading class, we had some discussions to understand more about the book. From my point of view, I was able to grasp one of the points which are human being are not always the dominant living things on this earth. Past philosophers tends to emphasize human being the dominant, which made other non-human things seem on a lower level. I believe Bennett tried to tell that human relates to the living and non-living things, which means both has a shared reality. For example, without materials (chairs, table, etc. ), humans are not able to bring values to the world. It pretty much sums up that everything revolves around us. I would also like to clarify that this might not be a clear explanation on what the book is about. But that is all on my reflection of the reading group class.
Book cover of Vibrant Matter : A Political Ecology of Things by Jane Bennett
Thanks.
Love, Aliah
WORKSHOP – RECYCLING PLASTIC
In this class, we had worked on a mini project of upcycling plastic bottles. It made us look at the potential ways we can turn plastic bottles into new function. It may work or not work. There were a lot of interesting ideas. From making lighting fixtures to water jars and beautiful floral brooches. It was quite fascinating to see more than 15 different ideas that was produced at the end of the workshop. Some students were very passionate of what they are doing and some were clueless and just getting creative with their ideas. It was hilarious to see things not working out for some but in the end a product was created.
From the workshop, I learnt that there many potential in making plastic useful again. Humans are granted with this intelligence to create things out of the box. Just imagine if this ideas were taken seriously and develop to produce more sustainable products, the world would be so sustainably diverse. In the span of an hour, many new products were created and they eventually had their own function. This can be proven that plastics deserve to have a second life instead of being in a landfill.
The picture above shows my product which a ‘sweep’ or floor sweep. It only need a pole to be connected to it and it can be used to sweep floors. It was originally a juice bottle and only need scissors or paper knife to cut it into shape.
Thanks.
Love, Aliah
