Accessorize your ensemble with bags made from plastic bottle wrappers

accessorize-your-ensemble-with-bags-made-from-plastic-bottle-wrappers<p>My brother-in-law was volunteering in Honduras a few summers ago and brought me back a unique gift; a colorful coin purse made from the plastic wrappers of dozens of popular food and drink products woven together in the form of a small bag. I was immediately fascinated and had to learn more. Read on to witness recycling like never before.</p> <p>Trash is a major issue across the planet. Small world countries are not equipped to handle massive amounts of waste. In these areas plastic bottles end up littering important water sources or appear heaped up in makeshift and ill-constructed landfills.</p> <p>Recycling to the next level<br /> We know the guidelines and practices associated with recycling plastic bottles. What we miss is the fact that other materials can be utilized beyond single-use as well. Take the label that decorates the plastic bottle or a disposable plastic pouch for instance. Once you're done chugging your favorite soda or inhaling your animal cookies (the pink and white sprinkled ones, don't deny it, I know you love ˜em!) before you toss the packaging over your shoulder, wait for a moment and soak up the detailed design.</p> <p>That beverage or cookie company didn't get rich on the tastiness of its sugary product alone. Striking blues, clean whites, bold reds, bright greens, sunny yellows and radiant oranges helped a little along the way. Colors always add a splash of energy to any product packaged in a simple plastic bottle or pouch. So why throw it all away?</p> <p>Developing countries like Ghana and Honduras sure aren't. These people have got an entrepreneurial spark with an eco-friendly twist. Citizens are digging through mounds of trash to recover plastic bottles and wrappers, putting the recycled goods to work in ways never imagined before.</p> <p>Practical recycling = A new fashion trend<br /> Why wear a standard over-the-shoulder bag when you could rock an eye-catching tote with a label hodgepodge finish? The fashion designers and seamstresses at <a title=Visit Trashy Bags href=http://www.trashybags.org/>Trashy Bags</a>, headquartered in Ghana, create colorful bags in different styles from water labels, chocolate and vanilla ice cream wrappers and yogurt designs.</p> <p>The eclectic items range from handbags and wallets for everyday use to more professional briefcase or laptop bags, just what you need to jazz up your work ensemble. Next time the aisles stocked with plastic bottles and other packaged goods begin to call, the super eco-conscious shopper is us all will be equipped with durable and reusable grocery bags made from recycled materials as well.</p> <p>The trend has moved across the ocean to Honduras. Local people there craft small coin purses (just like mine!) and handbags from plastic bottle labels and pouches similar to those used in Ghana. Different from the other bags, these handicrafts do not follow a particular design, making each truly a one-of-a-kind item.</p> <p>Think beyond the bin¦<br /> This isn't a paid advertisement for up-and-coming international businesses, whether it sounds like one or not. Instead, it's an answer to a worldwide sustainability call, one that these countries are responding to. Sure, they may be examples of recycling to the extreme, but these self-starters have shown the world that there's more to being eco-conscious than just throwing a plastic bottle in a colorful bin.</p> <p>How are you going to push your recycling to the next level?</p>