Alteration Annie addresses the large environmental impact of the textile industry by reusing and repurposing discarded materials to create unique outdoor goods. By reusing scraps and parts from old backpacks and pants, Annie reduces waste, conserves resources like water and forests, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions compared to producing new materials. Annie also offers repair services to extend the lifespan of broken clothing and gear. Her one-of-a-kind products made from reused materials appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers in the outdoor goods market.

1. Alteration Annie’s
Altering Unused and Discarded into Reused

2. Problem
My idea addresses the incredibly large issue of material waste and how unsustainable the textile industry is. The
manufacturing of textiles like rayon, made of wood pulp, has resulted in many old-growth forests being cut down, and
cotton, one of the most water-intensive crops, is used frequently on an everyday basis. The manufacturing of new
clothing and gear we use every single day has a massive impact on the environment, though many don't realize it.
According to a recent industry report, footwear and apparel companies account for 8 percent of global greenhouse gas
emissions currently. Monumental amounts of materials are also wasted everyday in the forms of fabric scraps and
discarded broken products. The amount of harmful substances, like mercury and lead, used to dye fabrics is dangerous to
humans and the environment.

3. Solution
My solution to the above problems is to reduce the production of new materials and rely more heavily on reused and
repurposed materials, like scraps and old backpacks, to build my products. Reusing materials that would have otherwise
been thrown out reduces waste and the many harmful effects of producing new products. Reusing excess fabric and
other materials would conserve an immense amount of water, protect the environment from harmful pesticides and
chemicals, reduce the amount of old-growth forests that are cut down, and reduce fossil fuel emissions from
manufacturing synthetic materials. Whether it involves piecing together many small segments of discarded fabric to
transform it into a functional and fashionable commodity, or taking apart backpacks and pants to obtain the usable parts,
like webbing, and then using them in a product. I personally design and sew all my products from discarded products,
and ensure they are sturdy and reducing landfill waste. In addition, I offer repair services for broken clothing and gear to
extend their lifespan and keep them out of the landfill. Repairing products is both sustainable and economically smart
because it is significantly cheaper to repair items than to buy new ones.

4. Market
My products fall in the outdoor goods industry. The main consumers for this market are people who use a lot of gear and
clothing to explore the natural world and have outdoor adventures, but anyone can use the repair services and buy the
products that speak to them. I am unique in this market because every one of my products are one-of-a-kind and and
made of reused materials that are already circulating in the clothing & gear world. My work stands for a strong mission
and cause, and that is important to consumers when choosing one product over another. My products are also very
personal since I am the only one that makes them, and I try to connect with people through the colors, patterns, and
materials I use.

5. Prototype