Published by Midcoast Villager on March 19, 2026.
Island Institute Fellow Elizabeth Dyer has been busy teaching area children fun lessons in sustainability since she began her position in the summer of 2025. Dyer has worked on a variety of energy-related projects with several organizations during her fellowship.
“Over at the ICC, I have been getting to know many of the wonderful young people in the Islesboro community,” Dyer said. “About once a week, I lead an environmental science-related game or lesson at Kids Club to help connect us to our local ecosystems and engage with them mindfully.”
At the Dec. 1 Kids Club and during the Dec. 13 Holiday Market, Dyer offered a Sustainable Gift Wrap Workshop.
“Kids got to experiment with block printing on fabric that could then be used to wrap gifts in lieu of single-use paper,” she said. “The block printing materials were graciously donated by the Burkes, and through our project we celebrated the memory and legacy of Maddie Burke.”
To celebrate Earth Day, the Islesboro Community Center will be hosting a Trashion Show — a fashion show featuring outfits made from only recycled materials — at 5:30 p.m. on April 14.
“Leading up to this celebration, we ask for community members to participate by donating materials, and for young artists to consider attending our Trashion Tuesdays workshops,” she said.
Workshop participants aren’t required to participate in the show. Dyer said those who do not wish to attend or participate are still more than welcome to come experiment with Trashion Fashion from 3:30 to 5 p.m. each Tuesday.
“Thus far, we have already had a successful Trashion Tuesday workshop in collaboration with the Sewing Circle,” Dyer said. “During the January workshops, we worked with fabric scraps donated by the circle to make reusable napkins. Kids got to pick their own patterns and practice measuring, using a needle and thread, and utilizing a sewing machine. This activity helped kids think about how they can repurpose different materials and give them a second life, which will segue into how they begin to design and create their Trashion Show outfits.”
Anyone with questions, ideas, or interest in volunteering or donating for the Trashion Show can email Dyer at edyer@islandinstitute.org.
(You may encounter a paywall).
