Reclaim Planter
Completing the Cycle
After completing Guardian Orbs, it was time to compost and recycle the materials to create something new. This project demonstrated that with careful consideration of material use and construction methods, zero waste can be achieved.
Worm Composting
To prove the compostability of my hemp bioplastic composite, I created a worm compost bin. The worms were able to fully break down the material in only 2 weeks. This composting method results in great fertilizer that can be used to grow future plants. This inspired me to recycle the PLA 3d printed parts into a planter for succulent propagation.
Worm Composting Video
PLA Recycling
To recycle my 3D printed prototypes and support material, I broke the parts down into smaller chunks and placed them in a foil covered tray. I heated the PLA scraps for 30min in a toaster oven at 270 degrees Fahrenheit. The result was a marbleized sheet material. This new material was used to create the final Reclaim Planter.
Making Reclaim Planter Video
Reclaim Planter Photos
Installation
The final installation displayed the Reclaim Planter with a QR code that linked to the virtual gallery webpage. The quarts crystal, dragon stone, and soil mixture were also on display so that all materials used in the project were present in the installation.
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Reclaim Gallery
Material Research
