From the Olympics to Sears, Wearing Recycled Bottles Goes Mainstream

From PET plastic bottles to pull tabs, tomorrow's fashion will probably be made of trash. In recent months, recycled soda bottle fashion has become increasingly mainstream.

And we certainly have the resources: According to the 2005 Beverage Container Recycling Report, conducted by As You Sow and the Container Recycling Institute, "every year in the U.S., nearly 200 billion beverage containers are sold -- two-thirds of which are landfilled, incinerated, or littered."

So let's continue the trend: Here are six examples of recycled bottle fashion.

Women's Down Sweater from Patagonia

This down sweater from Patagonia is made of recycled bottles. Photo: Patagonia

Most of us are familiar with Patagonia, a front-runner in the emerging arena of recycled bottle fashion. Much of the firm's sporty line is made of polyester fiber from recycled soda bottles.

The EcoGir Suit by Bagir, Available through Sears

The EcoGir suit by Bagir, available from Sears. Photo: Bagir

But 2008 saw a major break-through in the market, with the debut last Spring of the world's first suit made from recycled PET bottles. Available through mega retailer Sears, and manufactured by U.K. fashion house Bagir, the EcoGir suit is made from PET bottles collected in Japan.

Olympic T-shirts Made from Recycled Coke Bottles

An athlete at the Beijing Olympics in a shirt made of recycled Coke bottles. Photo: Keven Tressler

Then there's the publicity at the Beijing Olympics: Each athlete at the games was given a shirt made out of recycled coke bottles.

Handbags Made from Recycled Aluminum Pull Tabs

A clutch from Escama Studio. Photo: Escama Studio

And it's not just clothing, accessories are getting the bottle treatment too. How about an elegant clutch made out of recycled aluminum pull tabs from Escama Studio? Each bag is handmade by a Brazilian women's trade collective.

The Technicolor Dream Dress by Gary Harvey.

Photo: Christopher Sims

Of course, there have also been a few unrealistic -- though undoubtedly innovative -- attempts at recycled bottle fashion. Take the Technicolor Dream Dress by ethical fashion designer Gary Harvey. It's made from recycled cans, bottle tops, cardboard packaging, glass beads and plastic bags...and will certainly attract attention.

The Juice Pouch Gown by Naturevsfuture Designer Nina Valenti

Photo: Naturevsfuture

Or perhaps the Recycled Juice Pouch Gown by Naturevsfuture designer Nina Valenti? Over 6,000 used and misprinted juice drink pouches were used to make this creation.

Do you dress in recycled bottles? Comment below!

More From TreeHugger on Recycled Products
::Sears Sells Bagir's Recycled PET Bottle Suit on Father's Day
::Stackable Aluminum Chair Made From Recycled Materials
::Reviewed: TREAD's Recycled-Tire Laptop Case

More From Mairi Beautyman on Huffington Post
::Three Design-Savvy Recycled Salt and Pepper Sets
::Clothing Made from Milk and Bottles Made of Paper? The Eco Design Revolution
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::Five Products to Green Your Cat
::Terrorists or Heroes? Sea Shepherd Fights for Marine Life
::Does Terrorism Make us Travel Greener?
::Four Organic Ways to Kill Ants
::Two Uncomplicated Reasons to Choose Organic Eggs and Milk
::Do you Really Need a Dryer?

Comments

[Twopennygal]

continues...

#4: Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they thrive best on a diet of meat and only meat (including the organs and bones) and should not eat grains of any type. Grains are the primary cause of cat diabetes and obesity, teeth carries and gum disease, cancer, urinary issues, poor coats and skin issues, and a whole host of other illnesses. Grains also severly lower their immune systems. The only issue with raw meat is that many people mistakenly think that cooked meat is just as good. But taurine is abundant in raw meat and is essential to cats' heart health and when the meat is cooked, the taurine is cooked out too. That's why prepared catfoods all have to be supplemented with taurine. My cats have been eating raw meat for seven years and two years and they are the healthiest cats in the neighborhood!

I do, however like that cat scratcher, and I wish the bags came in a for to use for removing scooped litter rather than just lining.