Bet you didn't realize what you could recycle!
All the gifts found here are recycled items given a new life. You'll find rubber wallets and belts, bike chain jewelry and CD racks, and even a hummingbird chandelier made from recycled glass!
Love what you see here but not sure your friend will? No problem! Gift certificates are available from Uncommon Goods to buy anything your heart desires.
Recycled Glass Jewelry
Recycled Wine Bottle Jewelry
Three pieces of recycled wine bottles, from Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and red wines, create a beautiful necklace as they hang from three layers of sterling silver chain. And you can complete your look with these elegant and contemporary earrings made of Chardonnay (amber), red wine (green) or Pinot Grigio (blue) bottles. Because each piece is handmade, expect slight variations that add to each necklace's unique character.
Recycled Traffic Light Jewelry
This fun fashion is sure to stop traffic. Red, yellow, green hanging in a row...prior to the mid-1990s, traffic lights were made of glass, and the smooth, sea glass-like pieces of red, yellow and green on these sterling silver pieces are recycled pieces of real traffic lights that had become obsolete. They'll surely stop passers-by and get conversations going. The unique sterling silver chain closes with a lobster claw clasp. Handmade in Pennsylvania. Necklace and earrings sold separately.
Cobalt Recycled Glass Jewelry
Recycled glass is smart as well as stylish, and this jewelry set from designer Kathleen Plate uses recycled glass bottles to create its distinctive look. Set in sterling silver and silver solder, the gems have a cool cobalt hue that looks fantastic in the most elegant of occasions.
Necklace and earrings sold separately.
Moss Recycled Glass Jewelry
Handmade in Atlanta, Georgia, this jewelry from Kathleen Plate combines sterling silver, silver solder and recycled glass bottles for a delightful look. Each piece is individually selected, with variations in shape and texture in the glass ensuring that every piece is a one-of-a-kind original. The moss shade of the glass gems in the necklace and earrings is a dashing hue for all occasions.
Necklace and earrings sold separately.
Recycled Rubber
Rubber Bifold Wallet
When the tires of 18-wheelers get sent to the Great Landfill in the Sky, the lucky ones actually get rescued and recycled - and are then transformed into handy and handsome wallets like this bi-fold model. Created from 100% reclaimed inner tubes, this bi-fold wallet has a billfold pocket and two slots for credit cards on one side and an additional slot on the other side - in addition to a hidden pocket behind the card slots. It's embellished with decorative white perimeter and pocket-edge stitching. Surface designs are smooth and textured, but no two are alike because the inner tubes vary.
Recycled Rubber Belt
Wearing this belt may not help you set any land speed records, but it will definitely jumpstart your favorite pair of jeans! Created by Boulder, Colorado based designer Heather English, this street-smart belt is made from recycled truck tire inner tubes. A unique way to reduce, reuse and recycle, this silver buckled belt also makes a special gift for your stylishly environmental friends. What other traffic stopping looks are truckers hiding from us?
Recycled Rubber Purses
Yes, these cutting-edge bags are actually made of recycled tires - real retreads, rescued form the tires of trucks and tractors from a landfill. So if you're a conscientious consumer, then these purses are an absolute must - the ne plus ultra of recycled goods. The "Mini" (right) is accented with Army Green twill tape handles, decorative cutouts, and metal grommets, while the larger "Model T" (left) comes with actual seat belts for handles and three outer snaps for added security. The "Model T" also features an inside security pocket. Buy two, because everybody needs to have a spare tire!
Recycled Bike Chains
Bike Chain Frame
Graham Bergh and his team of gifted artisans in Mosier, Oregon make an amazing range of funky household items from tons of recycled bike parts. Each month they collect 3,000 pounds of used parts, drawing from 150 shops in 17 states. The pieces that still have life in them are donated to a local non-profit group that teaches bicycle repair to children. The ones that are beyond repair are polished and made into cool things like this bike chain picture frame, a treasure you can hardly tell is made of recycled material.
Bike Chain Bottle Opener
Graham Bergh and his team of gifted artisans in Mosier, Oregon make an amazing range of funky household items from tons of recycled bike parts. Each month they collect 3,000 pounds of used parts, drawing from 150 shops in 17 states. The parts that still have life in them are donated to a local non-profit group that teaches bicycle repair to children, but the ones that are beyond repair are made into cool things like this bike chain bottle opener. It's hard to believe their stuff is even recycled at all.
Chain Bracelet
Show your strength and style with these bike chains from Graham Bergh and his team of artists from Mosier, Oregon who create new uses for discarded bicycle and auto parts. This chain link bracelet wraps around your wrist as easily as it used to spin around sprockets. The metal chains close with a secure clasp. If you're a biker, you'll never have to leave your sport behind. And if you're just in for some fun jewelry, we've got you covered. Choose from two lengths.
Recycling is for the birds
Hummingbird Chandelier
Treat yourself to a feast for the eyes and your feathered friends to a feast for the beak with this extraordinary hummingbird feeder. Blue recycled glass from Mexico set in black powder-coated steel wire mixes with bright red (a hummingbird's favorite color) as faceted glass drops to catch the light. Fill the feeder with nectar and become the most popular house on the block. Made in Mexico.
Polka Dot Hummingbird Feeder
Add color and life to your yard with a handmade creation that'll do it two times over. First, the soothing hues and playful polka dots of this terrific feeder give a festive feel outdoors on their own. And with all the flitting hummingbirds that will flock from afar, your yard will really be a sight to behold. Each feeder comes ready to hang with a 7" black metal hook. Handmade in Mexico of recycled glass.
Trellis with Hummingbird Feeder
Set this trellis in a potted plant and you'll have a splendid centerpiece for an outdoor patio. Watch the plant curve its way around the trellis as hummingbirds frolic to sample the feeder's wares. Or place on a garden table for close-up hummingbird viewing. Black, powder-coated metal folds flat for easy storage. Features a hang tag with instructions. Handmade in Mexico with recycled glass.
Recycled records
LP Snack Tray
No matter what you serve in these vinyl LP snack trays, it's guaranteed to be a hit! New York artist Jeff Davis creates these gems from actual 12-inch vinyl records. Complete with an original classic record label that has been laminated to protect against damage and moisture, these trays are sure to put a cool spin on entertaining at your next house party. Use them to serve up your top ten favorite snacks like chips, popcorn, and pretzels. Deejays, audiophiles and anyone around before CD's took over are sure to be impressed by these nostalgic trays. Made in Brooklyn.
Record Coasters
Made of labels cut from the center of classic vinyl records, these hi-fi home furnishings will be a hit with any music lover. The discs are sealed so moisture won't seep through to the surface. Comes in a set of six assorted labels packed in a clear, round case. Designed by Jeff Davis. Made in Brooklyn. Because these coasters are made from real recycled records, each set will contain a different assortment of albums.
Record Bowls
Set the party spinning with these classic LPs turned into bowls. Artist Jeff Davis created these bowls by sealing the label and the spindle hole in the center with a Mylar coating. If you've still got your old record collection, bring it out and revisit the Rock n' Roll classics. Have your guests check their CDs at the door and live in the good old days. Choose from Rock & Roll, Showtunes, Crooner, Diva or R&B bowls. Made in Brooklyn. Featured in New York Magazine. To be used for serving dry goods only. No liquids or hot items. Not dishwasher safe.
Record Cuff Bracelet
A little bit Earth-friendly, a little bit rock n' roll, this unique cuff bracelet is all style. Made by designer Jeff Davis, the record cuff is the result of smart design combined with his commitment to give new life to cast-off albums. Rescued from landfills, yesterday's top 40 hits are recycled into this sleek vinyl and rhodium-plated brass bracelet. An unusual gift for music aficionados and vinyl collectors, the cuff lets your favorite rocker know you think she's solid gold. Made in Brooklyn.
Recycled Shelving
Recycled Bicycle CD Rack
This arching aluminum recycled rack from Graham Berg has survived more than supporting discs in its day. Made of bicycle chain rings and a polished aluminum wheel rim, this rack puts the standard to shame: it displays 40 of your discs with style, and its sturdy construction will go the extra mile. In fact, it'll last longer than some of your discs--even the classics. CDs not included.
Recycled Bags, Purses, and Totes
Recycled Wave Market Bag
With its comfortable straps, ample size and bountiful pockets, this tote might just be the perfect bag for everyone from city dwellers to country moms. Made from recycled rice and feed bags, the tote's unique patterns and printed languages add a dash of cultural style to your day. One interior and five exterior pockets, reinforced handles and 100% cotton lining feature magnificently durable design, while the quality craftsmanship is the work of village women in Cambodia.
Recycled Messenger Bags
Hand dyed and hand crafted by Cambodian women out of recycled bags carrying commodities like rice, each of these accessories is one of a kind. The durable, cotton-lined messenger bag has lots of pockets so you can use it to carry books, a change of clothes or extra diapers. Lined in 100% cotton, the bags are durable, sturdy, and practical. Designs will vary, but all will feature indigenous designs and language. Choose from light green or light blue.
Recycled Wrapper Clutch
This cute clutch is made from crisscrossed shiny and graphically great candy wrappers. The rainbow checkerboard effect instantly glamorizes any getup and shows that you love the Earth just as much as fashion. The clutch is perfectly sized for going out with just the essentials like phone, keys, glasses, some cash and makeup. Features a nylon zipper closure and recycled rubber grab loop.
How much are you loving these awesome finds?
SemperFidelis wrote...
Nicely done recycling lens. A 5 to ya! Perhaps you can stop by and take a look at my Recycling lens. Keep up the good work and kindest regards to you.
Posted September 11, 2007
Before you go...
I like recycled gifts, but you might like Elvis memorabilia, or vintage photo frames, or something entirely different. Did you know you can create your own lens, for free, AND earn money for yourself or charity? Get started today! by KimberlyDawnWells
I AM: Kimberly Dawn Wells
It's fun knowing you're saving the environment one landfill-filling item at a time. Plus these gifts are fun fun FUN!
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