Creative Recycled Goods – An Art Form

From dazzling jewelry to eye-catching household décor, an increasing number of artists, entrepreneurs, and other companies are producing some of the most resourcefully creative recycled and reclaimed goods. While all of the pieces mentioned below serve a purpose, it's pretty hard to ignore their artistic value. Hopefully, if more people embrace the attitude of breathing new life into "old things" – we can all place less strain on the environment by decreasing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Recycled Windshield Glass Multi-Purpose Bowl ($48) The rock that shattered your windshield seems to have robbed you of its intended use, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the road for the glass. Thanks to Colombian artisans, reclaimed glass from old car windows are being transformed into charming multi-purpose bowls with flair. A dye used to lower sun glare in the original windows contributes a striking green tint to finished bowls, which you can use to: · Decorate your home · Arrange fresh flowers · Serve punch to guests · Give your pet fish a classier home Recycled Skateboard Cufflinks ($20) Wear your wild child-at-heart spirit literally on your sleeve with a pair of recycled skateboard cufflinks. Stylish and full of color, these cufflinks come from used or broken skateboards – handmade in Nova Scotia, Canada by Jan and Jeff Whidden. Uncommon Goods also features the creativity of Laura Skelton, who recycles old suits and neckties into new wallets and necklaces. Round Flip Flop Baskets (Set of 2 for $120) You'll never look at your flip-flops the same again when you come across this vibrant explosion of color of flip-flop baskets made in the Philippines. Sparing landfills of further clutter, scrap foam rubber produced by the factories that bring your summer footwear to life are being transformed into multihued trashcans and storage containers for playrooms. While the flip-flop baskets can be used inside your home and in the outdoors – make sure to keep them out of direct sunlight. Recycled Tennis Racquet Bottle Openers ($65) Calling all tennis fans and players! How would you like to open your next premium beer with a handmade bottle opener fashioned from a vintage wooden tennis racket (shown above)? Designer Ward Wallau, who also creates vintage typewriter key jewelry, is responsible for this one-of-a-kind work of art – a must for any tennis buff. Ammunitions Case Wine Bar ($300) Seeped in nostalgia, this Vietnam-era weaponry case visually speaks to military enthusiasts, but also doubles as a decorative wine bar – complete with spaces to hold three bottles, six glasses, and spare room for tools. To find other recycled barware items at Uncommon Goods, such as a recycled ski wine rack, click here. Image Credits: Uncommon Goods