WasteWorks
Our Mission
WasteWorks combines traditional handcrafts and new technology at the WPI Maker Space to make socially relevant art out of trash. Using materials gleaned from Worcester Polytechnic Institute's waste stream, student-driven projects aim to challenge the campus community's assumptions about trash, recycling, and the global garbage crisis.
Sustainability on Campus
WPI's campus has many environmentally conscious groups that are constantly striving to make the school a more sustainable place. Though this seems to be a never-ending goal, students are making changes all around you. Small or large, they make an impact that matters. There are so many aspects of campus life that needs to be altered and the waste stream is a tangible one.
Current Project: WasteFlowers
WasteFlowers are hybrid flower forms made from found and repurposed materials: cereal boxes, aluminum cans, Amazon Prime packaging, etc! Some WasteFlowers are ‘sensitized’ in that each WasteFlower is equipped with a motion sensor, small computer processor, and motor. Sensitized WasteFlowers are kinetic and designed to respond to disturbances in their environment.
Aluminum Sensor Wall Flowers
These flowers were laser cut and constructed in the MakerSpace. They are made from recycled materials and include sensors that cause movement when activated.
Covid-Testing Waste Wall Flowers
These flowers were made from clean covid testing waste. The campus community tests twice a week and each test kit includes a zip-lock plastic bag and printed instructions.