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| Trashcan Couture | | By Tracey Kennedy for Screenager Central |
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Can you, and the things that help define you -- your "stuff," do good simply by looking good? Are "fashionably fly" and "eco-friendly" compatible? Yes. And you don't have to look like a flower-power throwback or a dumpster diver in the process. Here are some cool companies that are transforming trash into wearable treasures, and at reasonable prices, so you won't be throwing your dough away, either. Waste not, want definitely! |
 Resource Revival began in 1991 when founder Graham Bergh got a flat tire while biking to his recycling job. After learning that most bike shops throw away around 1,000 inner tubes a year, and that there are 7,000 bike shops in the U.S., Bergh realized that there were thousands of bicycle tubes, sprocket sets (called "cassettes"), chains, and cogs waiting for a new use. There are several fantastic, fun finds at this online store, many on the cheap (at $12). Make an '80s rock star statement with valve core earrings and a bicycle chain bracelet. Proudly display pics of friends, family, or your own magnificent mug inside your locker with a chain magnet picture frame. Be a part of a chain gang with a keychains made of (what else?): chain. Your friends can join you -- you get three keychains for $12.
 All good TVs, phones, and computers (well, their circuit boards, anyway) go to Motherboard heaven. Motherboard makes a motherlode of nifty retro-futuristic gear -- from journals to mouse pads to cufflinks -- all from salvaged printed circuit boards. Check out their three B's (binders, bookends, and bookmarks) -- all Grade A in our book. Other notables include a nightlight ($10), CD storage book ($14), and computer chip key rings (another great deal at three for $7.50) You'll be sure to impress with these cyberpunky fashion finds.
 Our heap of trashchic continues with Eco-Artware, which offers a mix of recycled and new "earth-friendly" creations from a number of companies and artisans (including Resource Revival and Motherboard). Monogramming is a big fashion trend right now. Why not do your own unique take on it with letter tiles recycled from Scrabble games and turned into necklaces and earrings, or earrings and cufflinks made from manual typewriter keys ($25-$40). An important insider tip on Eco-Artware: be sure to visit their clearance page for deals. For instance, you can save $11 on Resource Revival's cog bookends ($25).
Don't let Green Earth Office Supply's no-frills (read: boring) Web site fool you. There are many great finds here. Our favorites are the items made from 100% post-consumer rubber. They offer rubber purses ($24), backpacks ($60, oh-so-pricey, but oh-so-cool), and keychains ($4, more like it). They also have belts made out of soda bottle caps and car seatbelt buckles ($30).
 Ducti shows entrepreneurial teen spirit in action. Two years ago, Shea Hickok, then fourteen, made a duct tape wallet for a friend. That wallet created such a buzz that her friend's dad launched Ducti. Ducti makes its products out of a special duct tape, created exclusively for Ducti, that lasts forever, looks great, and is glue goo free. And with the "Ducti Never Dies" program, all you need is five bucks to cover shipping and handling and they'll replace any Ducti item. Teen People just chose Ducti's duct tape watch as one of its hot new trends. Sixteen-year-old Shea still exerts influence on the company -- all products are tested out by her and her high school friends to gauge their cool factor.
These hip recycling retailers give a whole new meaning to "taking out the trash." Instead of walking it to the curb, they're strutting it on the runway. So the next time you're doing the weekly recycling, give it a hard look. Your next fashion statement might be lurking there amongst the bottles, cans, and cereal box cardboard.
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