Elizabeth Chapman modeling her recycled fashion ensamble in last year’s Next Big Idea Recycled Fashion Show. Photo by Greg Kendall/ladailypost.com

Staff Report

Trash fashion, or recycled fashion, is clothing made from materials that would have otherwise ended up in the trash or recycling bin.

It is the act of utilizing products society would commonly label as waste to create wearable art that inspires individuals to think more about the items they throw away. It is eye-catching fashion that makes a social and environmental statement.

Register today for the Second Annual Los Alamos Trash Fashion Contest to be held at noon Saturday, Sept. 14 as part of the Next Big Idea Festival on the lawn in Central Park Square adjacent to the roundabout on Main Street. Stop by to see some creative, innovative and inspirational fashion. 

The Second Annual Los Alamos Trash Fashion Contest is free and open to all ages. All garments entered into the contest must be made of at least 75 percent recycled or reused materials. The goal is to produce eye-catching garments from items that would have otherwise ended up in the trash can or recycling bin. Chamber Checks will be awarded to the top designs in three age groups: child, teen and adult. Registration forms and more information are available at the County Sustainability website, www.losalamosnm.us/getgreen and the Next Big Idea website, www.nextbigideala.com.   

“The Trash Fashion contest last year was one of the highlights of the Next Big Idea Festival and we are excited to have it back this year,” said MainStreet Executive Director and Community Projects Coordinator Suzette Fox.

The Los Alamos Trash Fashion contest is sponsored by the Los Alamos County Environmental Services Division and Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation. The contest reflects the County’s mission to create a more sustainable community by promoting creative reuse of our materials and providing an innovative venue to promote the three R’s of waste management: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

The Next Big Idea is the signature event of Los Alamos. It is coordinated by Los Alamos MainStreet, a program of the Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation. The festival is a family-friendly event, highlighting Los Alamos’ unique, creative and scientific heritage. This free event, is designed to inspire, illuminate and educate through science, technology, arts, food and music.