{"id":865,"date":"2018-05-30T09:14:27","date_gmt":"2018-05-30T13:14:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dflgrouptest.local\/?p=865"},"modified":"2018-06-08T20:31:42","modified_gmt":"2018-06-09T00:31:42","slug":"upcyling-cool-new-products-made-reused-materials","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/designed-for-life.org\/GMtCh34S\/upcyling-cool-new-products-made-reused-materials\/","title":{"rendered":"Upcyling: Cool New Products Made From Reused Materials"},"content":{"rendered":"

With consumers becoming more conscious of eco-friendly products and production, more companies are offering goods that have been upcycled\u2014made from byproducts or unwanted materials that have been creatively reused. A phrase coined by William McDonough in one of my favorite books<\/a> aptly titled, \u201cThe Upcycle,\u201d Upcycling is a great way to practice sustainability, and in some cases, it even results in better supply-chain methods. From home furnishings to clothing and jewelry to the upholstery on car seats, upcycled products are available in a wide range of markets, and knowing about them can help you become a smarter consumer. Here are just a few:<\/p>\n

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The Swedish design company Offecct<\/a> is passionate about sustainability, and its Lifecircle philosophy aims for a sustainable life cycle for its furniture, including complete control of its production process. Notes, the company\u2019s colorful panels that serve as sound absorbers or room dividers, are made from scraps of textile waste.<\/p>\n

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Sound panels made from textile waste by Offecct.<\/p><\/div>\n

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The company Sword & Plough<\/a>, owned by Veteran sisters, offers American-made products, many of which are repurposed from military surplus materials. A brass-bar necklace is hand-hammered from .50 caliber shell casing; the compact travel kit is constructed of 15 oz canvas and lined with the same waterproof fabric used in military patrol packs. Sword & Plough also uses recycled materials in its packaging, and 10% of profits go to veteran organizations. Supply-chain smarts: S&P accepts donations of old uniforms<\/a> for its Limited Edition Uniform Tote.<\/p>\n

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A number of brands use upcycled materials that you may not even know about. Repreve<\/a>, for example, is a material fiber made from plastic water bottles (#1 plastic\u2014like a water bottle\u2014shares the same chemistry makeup as polyester!). Ford Focus Electric and Ford Fusion cloth seats use sustainable fabric made from Repreve. Bottles recycled for the Fusion hybrid: 42.<\/p>\n

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The fabric used in the Ford Focus Electric is made with Repreve fiber.<\/p><\/div>\n

Lovesac<\/a> plans to utilize Repreve fiber in 100% of its Sactionals<\/a> upholstery before the end of 2018\u2026effectively rerouting millions of plastic bottles from the landfill, into Designed For Life furniture upholstery that can last decades.<\/p>\n

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Check out upcyclethat.com for more products<\/a> and for ideas on how to upcycle yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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William McDonough\u2019s, The Upcycle<\/a>, is amongst three books that most inspired my development of the Designed For Life philosophy. I feel absolutely inspired by not only the book itself, but by Bill\u2019s ongoing commitment to the cause, as he continues to provide consulting and design services complete with \u201cCradle-to-cradle\u201d certification. Keep your eye out for official and unofficial upcycled products. Buy less, buy better.