The folks at Unconsumption are working to raise awareness about consumerism in a fun, unique way!

Rob Walker first used the term Unconsumption in 2006, but it was only recently that Clifton Burt designed the Mr. and Ms. Cart logos and Unconsumption launched a new phase in their branding experiment and are getting some crafty superstars in on the action! The idea is to use the Cart logos to rebrand items that you've already bought, rather than buying something new. The folks at Unconsumption encourage you to stencil, screen print, paint, embroider, and draw the logo onto existing items to give them a brand new life. If you don't know how to stencil, screen print, paint, embroider, or draw, they encourage you to put the logo on your stuff in whatever way speaks to you.

They don't want to sell you anything. Heck, they don't want you to buy anything at all. That's the point! Mr. and Ms. Cart are tools to help you take a fresh look at the things you own and reconsider the way that you consume goods.

It's a unique take on upcycling, and I think Unconsumption "branding" is a fun way to build some solidarity in the DIY community around the idea of using what you have. Artist Tiffany Threadgould recently shared some projects with the Unconsumption team, including how to make those recycled plastic shrinky dink earrings pictured at the top there. I also really dig her use of glass etching cream to turn old glass bottles into art pieces:

You can check out more examples of Unconsumption re-branding over at their new Tumblr site.

Images via Unconsumption. Used with permission.