Plarn is plastic yarn made from shopping bags (or any pliable plastic refuse) that has been cut into loops, girth hitched together into longer strips, and woven or knitted into a plastic fabric. This is a perfect way to upcycle any of those plastic bags that may be lingering in your life. This “fun bangle” we found on Etsy is a perfect example of creative and appealing upcycling. Here, plastic bags along with cassette tape innards were crocheted into a bracelet. Purses, satchels, and other carrying devices can also be easily knitted using plarn. It may seem silly to make a bag out of old bags but the added value of craftsmanship and the durability is worth the effort. The possibilities are limited only by your knitting skills, although I don’t fancy a pair of skivvies made from plarn.

Read On…

This simple plastic egg carton was transformed from trash to treasure by Brazilian Designer Patricia Naves.  Naves founded Oiti, a furniture and object design studio that creates beautiful and unique designs for the home that are meant to accentuate your personality.  This egg vase, made from a recycled egg carton and silver grommets, exemplifies beauty in simplicity and recycling.  You can contact Naves to find out where to get one or you can endeavor to make this yourself. [via: Modern Urban Living]

Reusable shopping bags are getting used more and more, but what about the other plastic bags we use.  I used zip lock bag the other day to hold some popcorn.  When I was done with the popcorn the bag was virtually brand new and it seemed silly to throw it away.  I just put the bag back in my bag drawer crumbs intact, but even if I had put something messy in the bag I could just wash it out.  That’s where this cool plastic bag drying rack comes in handy.  The one on the left is available from GAIAM for $20.  The one on the right I made with with stuff I found around my house in less than three minutes and the one on the bottom I made with stuff from my kitchen in less than 20 seconds.  

Read On…

Update 4/22/08: Check out our Mottainai Furoshiki Video

Yuriko Koike, Japan’s Minister of the Environment, unveiled what she calls “Mottainai Furoshiki” at the Senior Officials Meeting on the 3R Initiative held in Tokyo.  Furoshiki (furoshiki) are a type of traditional Japanese wrapping cloths that were frequently used to transport clothes, gifts, or other goods.  Mottainai  comes from the Buddhist term meaning “to indicate regret at the waste or misuse of something sacred or highly respected”.

Read On…

These rain chains are not eco-friendly on their own but they are a great way to beautify your water harvesting system using this ancient Japanese links.  Use rain chains in lieu of traditional down spouts and have them divert rainwater into your rain barrel, or underground water tank.  By harvesting rainwater you can greatly reduce you conventional water consumption, and with rain chains you can do it in style.

Read On…

When you buy an LCD or Plasma TV you are also burdened with a menacing mound of non-biodegradable packaging.  Some companies packages their wares in biodegradable packaging, but designer Tom Ballhatchet has taken it up a notch and has created a packaging system that won’t have mother nature cringing.  Ballhatchet’s design is TV packaging that simply converts to a stylish TV stand with built in cable management.  This has mother nature rejoicing because not only does it keep wasteful packaging out of the landfills, it takes the place of another piece of clutter.  Plus when you have to move, you don’t need to go get more packaging, simply throw the TV in the stand and you are on the road. 

Read On…

Well god help anyone that has to pay shipping for this tank of a couch but man is it sweet! Constructed from an antique, solid iron, claw foot bathtub of yore is the Sofa Max. You get to personalize the fabric used to upholster this reused behemoth and have the peace of mind knowing that you are practicing one of the three R’s…reuse!! (Perhaps the all too ignored R). With room to comfortably seat two this tub is authentic, eclectic, and durable. So next time you’re on a date ask if they would like to come back to your place and just relax in the tub and watch a movie.

Read On…

I was doing a little spring cleaning of my office and I came across something that I come across ever year… Floppy Disks.  I am not sure when the last time I used a floppy was, but I keep saving them just in case.  Well I decided this year it is time to let them go, but rather than just throw them in the trash I did a quick Google search for "recycle floppy disks" to find the best way to dispose of them.  What I found was a bunch of great ideas of how to finally put them back to work.  Here are the best recycled floppy projects I found…

Read On…