A non-profit from Boston, the Newbury Film Series, launched a series of documentaries this Earth Day. The series is comprised of web vignettes profiling people who derive innovation from excess, who are redefining what we consider waste – recyclers, architects, musicians, retailers, and artists.

"When we started this project, we knew it would be interesting – but that’s an understatement. We met people who convert waste water into fuel, people who make musical instruments from scrap metal, and people who build homes out of used tires. There’s a virtual underground of those who are changing the way we use and repurpose our resources." - Dave Rizzotto, Newbury Film Series founder and director of “Waste?”

Check out the trailer for Waste?:

Features so far include New Belgium Brewery, Michael Reynolds' Earthships, Patagonia clothing, and a musical "Junkman". Webisodes are available for viewing at What is Waste, and there are plans for a blog, as well as discussion forums where viewers can post comments.

Follow along on Twitter: @NewburyFilm

Become a fan on Facebook: Waste?

Check out the Flickr page: Newbury Films

"I am amazed at the amount of interest and support the project has already generated. I’ve had people step forward to volunteer their time without even seeing the trailer. People recognize that this is a timely project – and they want to be part of it. Perhaps that’s because these webisodes are not preachy; they really serve to inspire." - Shantel Hansen, producer

Donate to the project here: Help support the production of future "Waste?" webisodes.

Image: jim orsini at Flickr