Southwest Colorado-based installation artist Riley Wanzek interrogates the complex relationship between humanity and synthetic polymers by converting regional plastic waste into functional and artistic installations. Through his experimental project Scavenge Plastic, Wanzek intercepts feedstocks like discarded hardshell kayaks, domestic jugs, and agricultural irrigation waste, transforming them into physical commentaries on local material lifecycles. By prioritizing hyper-local waste over virgin polymers, his work directly challenges modern manufacturing paradigms. This dedication to regional environmental stewardship extends to his professional role at Timber Age Systems, where he assists in fabricating panelized Cross-Laminated Timber systems to expand sustainable, affordable housing throughout the Southwest.