Role: Campaign Strategizing + Art Direction
Team: Clare Miflin, Claire Weisz, Samiha Meem, Zach Tesler, Rob Daurio, Tom Rehulka
Timeline: November 2021 - February 2022
“Put Waste to Work” is an advocacy campaign and vision plan developed in the fall of 2021 by the Center for Zero Waste Design and WXY Studio. The campaign outlines strategies for the circulation of materials before they are disposed of, city-wide containerization of waste, and composting discarded food scraps for use in city greenscapes.
Why
The campaign launched in response to New York City’s long-standing waste problem. 40% of the city’s sidewalks are often piled with trash bags filled with food and organic waste that gives off foul odors, and attracts various pests and rats. It is clear that NYC’s waste system needs a redesign, so that New Yorkers can enjoy cleaner sidewalks and more vibrant neighborhoods.
Beyond raising awareness on NYC’s trash issues, the campaign provides concrete waste management strategies that can be implemented and adapted into the city’s current systems and spaces. Focusing on three main pillars:
The visual identity of the campaign uses bright, vibrant colors and bold graphics - to echo the campaign’s mission and embody a sense of optimism and a reimagined cleaner and greener NYC.
We also built a website where supporters can learn about the campaign, the three strategies or sign-on to become part of the coalition. It also has a blog section that showcases various zero waste management case studies and projects that have been developed and implemented by the Center for Zero Waste Design throughout NYC.