Bloom

"Bloom" is an interactive web project using EPA data to represent the U.S. 2018 municipal waste stream. Each waste category is symbolized by a distinct flower motif, which is primarily composed of the most discarded items within each material category, representing its proportion in the waste composition. Interaction with these "flowers" triggers a depiction of objects from each category descending into a virtual landfill, thus illuminating the decomposition timeline and enhancing understanding of waste lifecycle and its environmental impact.

"Bloom" invites its audience to confront the often unacknowledged consequences of our consumption-driven society. By juxtaposing the inherent beauty of flowers with the harsh reality of waste production, the design approach aspires to illuminate the delicate equilibrium between beauty and destruction, evoking introspection and inspiring positive change.