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Mapping Michigan’s Ecosystem For Regenerative Textile Futures
Michigan, USA
Project Description
Michigan Fibershed is a community-based organization dedicated to fostering a regenerative natural fiber economy within the state by building connections between farmers, artisans, makers, and consumers. As an affiliate of the broader Fibershed movement, which aims to establish localized fiber systems that support climate-beneficial agriculture and sustainable textile production, Michigan Fibershed emphasizes the soil-to-soil cycle—where fibers are grown, processed, used, and returned to the earth through composting. (Which ) This initiative seeks to create a resilient regional supply chain by engaging stakeholders across the fiber ecosystem, including flax growers, spinners, weavers, designers, and garment makers. The Michigan Fibershed has spearheaded projects such as the Flax-to-Linen Community Grow Project and conducted feasibility studies to map contributors in Michigan's fiber network. Through workshops, events, policy advocacy, and resource-sharing platforms, Michigan Fibershed works to preserve traditional crafts while advancing sustainable practices that address climate change and promote local economies. The project of building out a fibershed in Michigan aligns with this vision by creating infrastructure for local fiber production and processing, empowering communities to reconnect with the land and fostering a circular economy that reduces waste and supports ecological health.
Project Objective:
The goal of this project is to assess the current and future potential of a natural fiber and textile economy in Michigan, while identifying opportunities for research and investment. The team aims to pinpoint the challenges, gaps, and barriers to developing a regional, regenerative textile future that aligns with Michigan Fibershed’s mission. To achieve this goal, we conducted interviews with stakeholders across the supply chain: fiber farmers, millers, textile manufacturers, retailers, and a textile recycling business. From these case studies, we compiled a qualitative report, developed a quantitative survey template to facilitate future research, and a policy, grant, and funding options tool.
Year
2024-2025
Project Status
In Progress
Client Organization
The Michigan Fibershed
Students Involved
Alex Bissell | Kelly Egusa | Tosin Lawal | Tien Vo | Macy Zalud
SEAS Faculty Advisor
Final Report
Specializations
Team
Alex Bissell
Alex Bissell is pursuing a Master's in Environmental Justice at the University of Michigan. With over a decade of experience working in local and sustainable food systems in Michigan, Alex is passionate about advancing climate-smart agriculture and food sovereignty. He looks forward to applying his SEAS knowledge to drive real-world change.
Tosin Lawal
As a graduate student at the University of Michigan pursuing an MBA/MS in Sustainable Systems, Tosin Is focused on optimizing supply chains, particularly in raw materials management and sourcing for the agricultural and climate-tech industries. My background in Health Sciences provides a unique perspective on how efficient supply chain practices impact human health and community resilience. Tosin is passionate about leveraging technological advancements and market dynamics to develop sustainable supply chain strategies.
Kelly Egusa
Kelly Egusa is a master's student at SEAS in the ecosystem science and management track. She received her undergraduate degree from Westmont College where she did research in immunology, followed by several years spent in the healthcare industry. Her draw to the impact of food systems on not only human health, but on everything from our environment to perpetuating inequitable human systems led her to shift careers. She now works to affect change in textile and food systems through research, policy, and education.
Macy Zalud
Macy Zalud is pursuing her Master’s in Environmental Policy from the University of Michigan. With a strong foundation from her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy and Decision Making from the Ohio State University. She is passionate about helping the community and the environment, and has been able to demonstrate this through work at past jobs at the Cleveland Metroparks Planning and Design Department and the Ohio House of Representatives. In the future, she hopes to continue helping the community through political analysis. She is an avid sock knitter, and her passion for knitting is what drew her to this project initially.
Tien Vo
Tien Vo is a master's student studying ecosystem science and management and environmental justice at the University of Michigan. As an undergraduate, Tien studied geography and environmental studies. Now, Tien is interested in supporting sustainable agriculture, equitable food systems, and healthy communities.
Client: Melissa Duhaime
Melissa Duhaime, an Associate Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, has applied her expertise in microbial ecology to address pressing Great Lakes issues such as microplastics pollution and biodegradation, algal blooms, avian botulism, and oil pipeline risks. As an active community scholar, she has testified before the US Senate on microplastics pollution in the Great Lakes, trained as a Science Communication Fellow, and has hosted and participated in numerous community science events in Detroit and Ann Arbor. Currently, Dr. Duhaime is supporting the Michigan Fibershed through research, advocacy, and curriculum development to promote regional regenerative alternatives to fossil carbon-derived plastics.