Hot Accessories: Reclaimed Fire Hose Belts & Bags

Father's Day is right around the corner, meaning thousands of sons and daughters will be scrambling to find the perfect gift for Dad. If you're tired of gifting ties, watches, and golf shirts – why not consider a sustainable gesture, like a belt or wallet made from reclaimed materials? I'd like you to consider products created by EaKo – an eco-friendly company that breathes new life into retired fire hoses. Fire Hose Belts Whether showcasing a skinny stitch or rugged durability, there is no denying the stylish appeal of an EaKo fire hose belt. Especially…when it comes to pleasing the current or retired firefighter in your life; giving a gift that represents his profession with pride is priceless. Each EaKo belt is made from reclaimed fire hose with a recycled pewter belt buckle as a centerpiece. Various styles are available in red and yellow. Fire Hose Bags Stylish and durable, this tote bag is absolutely irresistible. If it weren’t for a few quirky details of using decommissioned fire hose, you'd never know that the materials used to fashion this luxury bag once saved lives and rescued burning buildings. This classic design offers a roomy zipped pocket, compartment to hold your cell phone, two exterior pockets, and a comfortable strap for the shoulder. Other fire hose bags to consider:

• Unisex saddle bag – lined with material reclaimed from unwanted office furniture
• Wash bag (pictured below) – perfect for packing toiletries while traveling

Fire Hose Card Holder Protect your credit cards, business cards, and cash with this unisex wallet, which is built well enough for you to tote a slim iPod. Reclaimed sailing cloth from racing boats supplies the lining for the wallets. What Makes Recycled Fire Hose Products Exclusive? Created by hand, each belt is uniquely crafted in England– complete with battle scars from active fire fighting. Keep in mind that it's not uncommon to find hose batch numbers and original manufacturer's name on your belt or bag. Overall, you are guaranteed to receive a one-of-a-kind piece, accompanied by a free product story card and gift message. Also, take care in knowing that 50% of EaKo’s profits stemming from their range of fire hose products is donated to The Fire Fighters Charity. Consumers who purchase recycled fire hose bags and belts are doing their part to divert some of the industrial waste cluttering the planet. If you are interested in bringing home a truly 'hot' accessory, don’t hesitate to check out a variety of shapes, sizes and styles at Eco Emporia. Photo Credits: Eco Emporia

Men's Accessories: Cuff Link Crazy

Welcome to the world of Ward Wallau, who has made discarded and discontinued items a usable art form. There seems no end to his imaginative cuff link creations, as he transforms everyday and nearly forgotten objects into the mark of a well-dressed man. 1) Old New York City Transit Tokens When New York City finally discontinued its 'Y' cutout subway tokens in 1980, a light bulb went off in Ward Wallau's head, as he envisioned the ultimate city-inspired pair of recycled cuff links. It actually took him 11 years to petition the New York Transit Authority to grant him permission to use the outdated tokens in his jewelry making. Thankfully, Wallau was granted an exclusive license and now you can own the final product of his labor, priced between $80 and $125/pair. Click here to find other subway token cuff links by Ward Wallau, including San Francisco, Honolulu, and Chicago Transit. 2) Typewriter Keys Long gone are the days where the diligent journalist pounds away on a heavy, manual typewriter, but the beauty and allure of our literary past is not yet a closed chapter. Set in fresh base-metal findings, genuine vintage typewriter keys are handmade into a striking pair of cuff links. A set of Typewriter Key Cuff Links (2 white keys, 2 black keys, or one of each) costs $38. 3) Vintage Watches The combination of levers, gears, and jewels create striking ornamentation for any cuffed shirt. Wallau uses genuine movements from stem-winding watches that date back to the early to mid-20th century. Set in sterling silver findings, these distinctive Vintage Watch Movement Cuff Links ($130) make the perfect Father's Day, birthday, or anniversary gift. 4) Stadium Seats Looking for the perfect gift for a Yankee fan? Imagine an authentic piece of history decorating the sleeve with a pair of Yankee Stadium Cuff Links ($150) – made from recycled wood stadium seats. Aptly molded into the shape of a diamond, this priceless collectible comes from actual seating removed during the renovation of New York's infamous Yankee Stadium. Each cuff link comes with an engraving of the stadium name on back. A certificate of authenticity also accompanies this timeless gift. Wallau also designed cuff links from Chicago's old Wrigley Field stadium seats. 5) Dice Thanks to the pairing of jewelry designers Ward Wallau and Dia Kline, you can display your high-roller status or increase your luck with a pair of Lucky 7 Dice Cuff Links ($90/pair) mounted in sterling silver findings. Why is this piece eco-friendly? The cuff links are made from recycled/reground plastics that are cast and hand-drilled – not molded and produced in mass quantity like the majority of department store selections. Other Ward Wallau creations include:

• Liberty Dime Cuff Links ($60)
• Old Buffalo Nickel Cuff Links ($62)
• Scrabble Tile Cuff Links ($80)
• Motherboard Cuff Links ($128)
• Wine Barrel Cuff Links ($130)

Photo Credits and Purchase Information: Eco-Artware.com

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