“We are often told we are materialistic. It seems to me, we are not materialistic enough. We have a disrespect for materials. We use it quickly and carelessly. If we were genuinely materialistic people, we would understand where materials come from and where they go." - George Monbiot
daydreaming of a future where those who craft our built environments are empowered, knowledgeable & caring materialists
about
August Rust is a sustainability advocate for healthier designed futures. As a materials researcher, writer, and designer, they work across built environment projects to help integrate healthier material practices.
While studying sustainability, design, and material science at The New School, August joined Parsons Healthy Materials Lab as material librarian, developing resources including theHML Textile Guides and healthy material collections. After four years with HML, they began working full-time with designers and manufacturers on implementing sustainable material practices. They’ve taught their workshop "How Designers Can Start a Healthy Material Library" at Parsons School of Design, Utah State University, Business of Home and you can catch 2026 workshop dates here: @future_materialist.
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