It is surprising to realize how recently plastic entered our daily lives. Before the 1950s, it was hardly present at all. Everyday life looked very different, slower and repair-oriented. People repaired what they owned: clothes were sewn, tools were sharpened, and household items were mended. The idea of disposability was unusual and often disapproved of.

Everyday Things is a project designed to engage with participants and reflect on the role of plastic in their daily lives. It uses speculative design as a tool to nudge their imagination and inquiry by asking questions such as:
What would our days feel like if disposability had never become the norm?
What gestures of care and creativity might guide our lives instead?

Our workshop takes participants through an exhibition of “everyday things” across centuries and geographies and culminates with participants designing more sustainable alternatives for everyday objects in their daily lives.

Written report

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Compilation of 10 objects from the exhibition

Exhibit and workshop on-site description

Worksheet design

Participants going around the exhibit

Project bibliography by type of source