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The once perfect-making pliable of the 1950s is down in the dumps. So much for Tupperware parties and that 90's era must-have accessory: the water bottle.
Want to know what happens when wasteful quick-fix concepts turn bad? In the case of plastic it's the Great Pacific Garbage Patch—a sticky mess about twice the size of the continental US, 500 nautical miles from the California coast, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Yup, this mass of goopy trash is composed mostly of plastic, in the shape of everything from bottle caps, plastic containers, scraps of plastic bags, even kayaks and laundry baskets- approximately 100 million tons worth. What we apparently never considered when mass producing our favorite pliable is that plastic doesn't biodegrade, and, as proven by the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, it floats.
So the question now is:
What are we supposed to do with all of the plastic we've already formed into some of our once-favorite household things?
Scientists have figured out a way to spin plastic into fabric(!) called EcoSpun and EcoFill. Plastic bottles are sorted by type and color, cleaned, crushed, diced, melted down to a liquid, and finally fashioned into fibers. The yarn is then spun (and sometimes blended with other yarns like organic cotton to increase its touchability- softness). Finally it is sewn into clothing—shockingly comfortable and seriously stylish clothing, I might add! A 50/50 recycled plastic bottle/organic cotton shirt requires only 5 recycled bottles to produce.
Fitness freaks will be thrilled to find out that those water bottles we once toted around have been fashioned into fitness wear. Imagine if the very same bottle you once sipped, you are now wearing as a workout shirt!
Here's to the plastic perfected again—recycled:
Bikinis
Aaron Chang finds inspiration from surfing and the environment—passions that he blends as a fashion designer. He has found a way to clean up the beaches by choosing to use fabric made from recycled bottles for his swimsuits. Urban Outfitters seems to have jumped on the eco bandwagon too, buying up the collection and selling it in stores nationwide.
Socks
Think socks must be made from cotton in order to be comfortable? Think again! Some of the most pleasing socks out there are actually made from 100% recycled soda and water bottles that not only protect your feet from blisters, but wick moisture away from your skin, and are antimicrobial and antibacterial. Ao2 Eco Anklets are performance socks that are good for your fitness program and the environment.
Board Shorts
Eco-Supreme Suede is a new fangled form of recycled plastic fabric that Billabong is turning into board shorts. But do a few reused bottles really make an impact on the environment? You bet they do! Billabong's board shorts are responsible for removing more than three million plastic bottles from the heaping piles of garbage! What was once filled with water is now being worn in the water. Way to go Billabong!
Bike Jersey
Bicycle jerseys are known for their form fitting qualities. Well now they are getting a new slimming reputation—minimizing environmental waste. Plastic bottles are taking on a new shape thanks to Re-Spun fabric made from discarded fabric scraps and used plastic bottles. Cannondale is using the yarn to knit jerseys tough enough to endure daily rides while allowing for comfortable freedom of movement. What's great about Re-Spun is it provides UPF 40+ sun protection, shielding the skin from the sun's harmful rays.
Windbreaker
"UpCycling" is another way to say that discarded plastic bottles are being transformed into something usable again. Marmot, a favorite for backpackers, is joining the UpCycle program with their water and wind resistant DriClime Catalyst Jackets—an UpCycle upgrade of their old DriClime style that’s not only a better design, but it’s better for the environment.
Backpack
If you need something to tote around your outdoor essentials, but don't want to expand your environmental footprint, opt for a recycled plastic bottle backpack. Dakine has a few new styles that are made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, and feature a few nifty details like a seam-sealed wetsuit pocket and insulated cooler pocket. Now that’s a smart backpack!
Related Content:
Are You a Savvy Cyclist?
Be a Greener Surfer
Planet Green's Biking Archive
Know your Numbers for Recycling
What Really Goes on in a Recycling Plant?
Got a tip or a post idea for us to write about on Planet Green? Email pgtips (at) treehugger (dot) com.
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