How Does An Artist Start An Eco-Conscious Business?

Basically, all my Art has been developed using discarded material, turning waste into beauty out of material that no one could believe was once absolutely and completely garbage.

After a few years in NYC, feeling and perceiving the changes of the climate, I began to source new exciting materials to create. At this time, I was conscious about looking for sustainable design material to do a new Art Work or Art Project.

While searching, I was very impressed and surprised to find Recycled Plastic PET bottles as a fabric. At that moment I thought "WOW! What should I do with this? How can I engage with this material?"

As an artist who believes in transforming, in giving a second life to discarded materials and objects, I did not want to just collect bottles and turn them into a fabric. I wanted to make every single person a collector of art. Art should change perception. I wanted every single person to carry bottles on their shoulders. I decided to have a functional art project. I knew I could design functional products just as beautiful and as well made as brand name designers.

Luxury as durability? Durability as Luxury. Five years ago, I asked myself why wasn't there an option for sustainable upscale and everyday goods that are part of our on-the-go lifestyle? Then I did something no other company had done – I designed products that were the same or of better quality than what was being offered by established brand names. However, I designed these products with what would normally be considered waste, taking recycling paper and plastic bottles and turning them into durable, fashionable goods. With this, I proved that beauty arises from imagination about what could be, not what is, turning waste into luxury.

Developing Engage Green made me feel surprised that, in 2012, there are still some adults who lack empowerment to help maintain a better environment for our future generations. Yet at the same time I am very happily surprised to see the new families and the little future generations taking a very active and conscious role in preserving the earth.

I see the new LEADERS with GREEN blood running in their systems. I’m most energized by the belief that using sustainable materials and recycling is an effective way to conserve our resources, minimize waste and protect the environment. We turn consumerism into something positive.

WE BELIEVE NATURE IS BETTER THAN PLASTIC, BUT RECYCLED PLASTIC IS BETTER FOR NATURE. So, how about if YOU ENGAGE WITH US, Engage Green, to help to continue to create sustainable, functional, and wearable art?