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Are You Buying
Recycled Plastic Products?

We can limit our use of plastic but we can't eliminate it completely. Recycling is our best option.

Our recycling efforts have improved through the years but when we see pictures of tons of plastic bottles, our most commonly recycled item, at garbage dumps we know more needs to be done.

There are all kinds of recycled products being made but not enough of us are either aware of the choices available or are choosing to buy recycled.

For many of us gone are the days when we went to the store and just bought what we wanted or needed with no thought to where it came from, what it's made of, if it's safe etc. More and more of us, who are wanting to have an impact on the world around us, are choosing to let our money talk through our purchases.

A good place to start is looking for recycled plastic products.

Recycling plastic into new products has presented many challenges but as they are overcome new ways to use recycled plastic are being developed.

Where To Find Recycled Products

Everyday shopping

Every time you buy almost anything made from plastic it could be made from recycled plastic.

Items like:

Garbage cans and garbage bags
Planters and window boxes
Office supplies and storage units
Cleaning equipment like plastic dustpans
Kitchen utensils and more.

It's not always easy to find but the next time you shop look to see if your items contain any recycled content.

Textiles

A large part of the pop bottles we recycle goes into making fleece clothing, t-shirts, carpeting and other textiles.

One of largest manufacturers of cloth made from plastic bottles is EcoSpun. For an interesting explanation of how plastic bottles can be turned into fabric check out their website. Eco Spun is used in making fleece for many different clothing companies.

Patagonia has implemented their own recycling program using plastic bottles and polyester to create their line of outdoor clothing. They also encourage sending in your old Performance Base layers to be recycled.

In the market for items to have printed for advertising? T-shirts, aprons, tote bags, baseball caps all can be found containing polyester made from recycled plastic. Advertise your company or non profit and help the environment too. Recycled products has a big selection of recycled plastic products at affordable prices.

Other recycled plastic products to consider are carpeting. The next time you are shopping consider looking for carpeting made from recycled content. Building for Health can point you in the right direction.



A handcrafted indoor-outdoor rug (pictured) made from recycled plastic bottles can be found at Gaiam. Cool patterns and colors make this washable rug a great addition to your patio.

Outdoor Products

Such a wide variety of choices exist in items made with plastic lumber. Any type of patio furniture you could want can be made from recycled plastic. And it has many advantages over traditional choices. Outside of the fact that it is made from recycled material, it lasts longer than wood, requires no maintenance, resists moisture, doesn't crack or splinter and can't be attacked by insects or rot.

Plus recycled lumber can also be used in decking, fencing and children's play equipment and this list will increase as more uses are developed.

You can look for plastic lumber products locally or for a great selection online at Atlantic Plastic Patio Furniture.

Fashion Accessories

Handbags are a great way to buy recycled plastic products.

Cara Taylor a handbag designer has created an interesting and beautiful line of handbags by crocheting plastic bags into unique designs.

How about a recycled plastic handbag with an entirely different look created by a craft group in South Africa?

Hip and Zen offers these bags that they call Fluffy Recycled Bags(pictured at top of page). Cool and fun.

Global Girlfriend has a great selection of recycled plastic handbags, totes organizers and cosmetic bags made by Indian women with recycled plastic bags from garbage dumps in Delhi. Layers of plastic bags are fused together and the colors come from the bags themselves without any additional dyes. Check out their beautiful designs.



Monsoon Vermont carries interesting and fun recycled plastic items from umbrellas, shower curtains, totes, messengers bags and more. Recycled plastic at it's most fun, creative, colorful and functional. They call it Trashion and it benefits the environment while helping to provide employment and a way out of poverty for many in Indonesia.



When we buy recycled plastic products we make a difference in several ways. We keep plastic out of landfills. We are creating more interest in finding new ways to recycle plastic. No new petroleum is needed and less fossil fuels are wasted when plastic doesn't end up in landfills. Plus many recycling efforts provide income to people in need. All this just by being a smart and buying recycled. Not bad.