Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/515487
www.CTGreenGuide.com SUMMER 2015 • Connecticut Green Guide 17 ing in performing arts with this environmental activism," Merli said. "It's been this journey to blend ev- erything together, using the arts to inspire awareness of global issues. There's something very interesting about seeing someone in some - thing that you thought was trash." Designer Rachel DeCavage, founder of East Hartford print and design shop Cinder + Salt, has worked with Merli as a contributing designer since the beginning. DeCavage's fashions have been made from colored drinking straws, VHS tapes, plastic Easter eggs, bottle caps, granola bar wrappers, and popcorn bags. "I'm sourcing, saving, hoarding materials all year to be used to create fashions and displays for the show," DeCav- age said. "The Trashion Show is important because it's a fun, exciting, creative way to get the message across." For the submissions, Merli encourages participants to avoid textiles and be as creative as possible in avoid- ing any non-waste stream items. "We look at how resourceful they are, how innovative they are, and the quality of the designs," Merli said. "We try to push the boundaries to these avant-garde materi- als. We require all the designers to really think about how they get the material, so no one buys anything, and what they'll do with it afterwards." Merli's event supports companies that upcycle and use recycled materials, including a company that uses old fire hoses to make brief cases and another that uses old conveyer belts to make luggage. Merli works virtually, and has a team of eight people assisting her in Hartford, Washington D.C., and New York City to put on Trashion Fashion shows. She plans to expand to Toronto and is looking to partner with larger brands to create custom, wearable advertising. Merli has worked with Foxwoods Resort Casino to use excess promotional materials and rewards cards to create a fringe dress, and made 40 paper dresses for the Hartford Courant's 250th anniversary gala. DeCavage said it's about creating a global impact. "As environmentalists, it's really important to engage the audience in a positive light, rather than scare them away with doomsday facts about why the world will end if we don't all do our part to recycle," DeCavage said. Green Fact: Connecticut disposes of 2.4 million tons of trash annually, an estimated 1,370 pounds of trash per person per year. SOURCE: DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Celebrate the achievements of someone you know! Nominate Today! Nominations accepted year round Go to: HartfordBusiness.com/nominate Have a friend or colleague whose successes deserve recognition? Hartford Business Journal award winners are highlighted in print, online, and at a corresponding special event. HigHligHting tHe acHie vement s of area business leaders