My home is brimming, both metaphorically and physically, with a plethora of items and memories accumulated over the years as I've navigated through life. These objects have accompanied me through various stages, from favourite dresses and t-shirts to bookmarks of past escapades repurposed into bags and cushion covers—a loving tribute to cherished moments. While I'm not a hoarder, I deeply appreciate the value of each possession, carefully chosen to accompany me on my journey. Every item finds its place in my meticulously organised space, readily accessible when needed.
Among the items strewn across the streets, certain themes emerged, with mattresses, sofas, and chairs recurring prominently. Despite their exposure to the elements, these pieces remained fully functional, albeit showing signs of wear from their outdoor stint.
The aim of these images is not to assign blame but to offer a visual portrayal of the widespread nature of this issue. Like textiles, furniture production is often overlooked as part of the fast fashion industry. While there are numerous avenues for recycling and rehoming these preloved possessions, the unfortunate reality is that illegal dumping remains prevalent due to its perceived ease. My hope is that by illustrating the magnitude of this problem, we can encourage greater consideration of our possessions and the integration of recycling and sustainability practices into our daily lives.
I grew up with few possessions; my childhood was defined by hand-me-down clothes and toys from my parents' friends. Our furniture, always second-hand, bore the marks of previous use but remained functional and cosy. Waste was a luxury we couldn't afford, a principle I continue to uphold today. I take great care of my belongings, ensuring their longevity and reluctant to discard them when I envision countless ways they could be repurposed. When seeking something new, I favour the old, scouring platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, charity shops, and Freecycle. However, I've noticed an increasing trend of items discarded on the streets.
As I strolled through my current neighbourhood, I couldn't help but notice a sudden surge in abandoned furniture left out in all weather conditions, seemingly without a designated recipient. Many of these items appeared fully functional, with plenty of life left to offer a new owner. It dawned on me that this occurrence hadn't happened overnight; rather, I had only recently become attuned to it. These objects strewn across the streets had seamlessly melded into the urban landscape, becoming as commonplace in our daily routines as lampposts and post-boxes.
I was struck by the apparent carelessness of people, observing this 'out of mind, out of sight' attitude at a time when recycling is crucial to address our ecological crisis. I wanted to give the benefit of the doubt; perhaps the issue wasn't as significant as I initially perceived. To explore this further, I decided to document it using some expired film I had tucked away in my drawer.
As I sifted through the rolls of film, I began to grasp the staggering extent of waste present in just one small area. Understanding this scale can be challenging, so I sought to convey it in a relatable setting: a home. Throughout my documentation process, I discovered enough discarded furniture to fully furnish a home.
