PESTI: Pollinators in Manufactured Landscapes demonstrates the catastrophic decline of pollinator populations in North America. Our native habitats are increasingly being manipulated, fragmented and destroyed by industrial agriculture, urban sprawl and lawns, all of which require the aid of toxic chemicals in order to keep these landscapes on a form of synthetic life-support. These small-batch naturally dyed and printed scarves act as conversation starters and reminders about the importance of protecting our native ecosystems. Each scarf is accompanied by an essay and a list of action steps anyone can take to help rebuild pollinator populations.

PESTI: Pollinators in Manufactured Landscapes is a series of small-batch naturally dyed and printed silk scarves created to spread awareness and information about human impacts on our declining pollinator populations. These textiles are made through a layering of traditional and contemporary techniques, using plant dyes, both sourced and locally grown. PESTI is as much about the concept of spreading environmental awareness, as it is about the process of utilizing natural dyes, and its ability to harmlessly and completely biodegrade in its afterlife. This work reflects the focus of the conference as it serves to promote environmental, social and economic justice through its concept and imagery, accompanying essay and production process. Its utility as an accessory is a tool for public outreach, spreading information about the process of sustainably creating with natural dyes vs. synthetic dyes, and what we can do to restore, protect and thrive within healthy native ecosystems.