My last post listed the many ways tires can be recycled into cool and innovative products. The thought of useless tires becoming new sneakers, floors, swings and running tracks is exciting and made me wonder . . . what other random things can be made from the world’s trash?

Many major companies now offer recycled alternatives to their best-selling products. For example, Rubbermaid has a whole line of recycled desk accessories; while Buddy Products, a local Chicago-based manufacturer, offers a number of recycled-steel paper and mail organizers. Viva Terra sells recycled silver wine glasses. Patagonia makes our favorite fleece out of recycled bottle caps. Golfers can even buy recycled golf balls from Nike. The list goes on and on.

Of course, it’s “greenest” to simply reduce the amount of trash you accumulate by buying less stuff in the first place. Recycling uses a lot of energy (heavy machinery, large trucks transporting recyclables to the plant, production lines), and can emit toxins. That being said, however, recycling is the best option for those things that can no longer be reused such as aluminum cans, plastic bottles, and paper. As a rule of eco-thumb it’s best to follow the three R’s in sequential order. First reduce, then reuse, and as a last resort recycle. If you need to buy a fleece, basketball hoop, or even some golf balls try your local thrift store first. If the Salvation Army doesn’t have it, then check out the options listed above.

Posted on June 27th, 2007 by Olivia Zaleski