Looking for DIY stocking stuffer ideas that don’t suck? Well we’ve got seven ideas that you (and your recipients) will love–especially since they come with a focus on green living.

If you’re like me, then being at a loss for cool stocking stuffer ideas is a yearly occurrence, which is why we’re here to mix things up. Don’t waste money and pollute the environment with a bunch of junk from the dollar aisle that will just get tossed out the following week. Instead, make some extra special from-the-heart gifts that your friends and family will actually enjoy receiving. From lip scrubs to cute hand warming sachets, you’ll have as much fun making these as you will giving them away!

1. Reusable Baggies

These cute (machine washable!) baggies are whipped up in just a few minutes with the use of a sewing machine, some velcro, and the oil cloth fabric of your choice. They’re perfect for your lunch-packing eco-friendly cohorts, and will quickly eliminate the need for all of those plastic baggies. Not only can these be used for more than just lunch food, but you can also pre-fill them with goodies before placing them in the stocking. Check out the tutorial from The Chic Site.

2. Peppermint Lip Scrub

As far a stocking stuffer ideas go, this one is a winner. This peppermint lip scrub from A Little Glass Box is easy to whip up using household ingredients, looks great when delivered in a cute glass jar, and is apparently very inexpensive compared to buying retail. Not only that, but this gift is from the heart, and your lucky recipients will know exactly what the ingredients are.

3. Hot Chocolate Spoons

I have been wanting to make these for, like, ever, and The Nerd’s Wife blog has finally sealed the deal. Who wouldn’t want to receive a hot chocolate spoon? I, mean, really? These are easy to make and they look like so much fun, too! What’s great is that you can make these with vegan chocolate and gift with vegan marshmallows, or keep the recipe as-is. As far as wooden spoons go, check out this all-natural version here, or consider going thrifting for some unique silver spoons, give them a good scrub, and dip those instead.

4. Seed Bombs

For truly unique stocking stuffer ideas, look no further than this awesometastic seed bomb DIY project from Rae of Sparkles. Beautiful, customizable, and earth-friendly, this is a handmade gift that you’ll love to receive as much as you’ll love to give. Whether you use wildflower seeds, or something that’s worthy of a kitchen window herb garden, all you have to do is mix up the ingredients and wrap with some fabric or burlap, and your favorite ribbon.

5. Mini Planter Magnets

If you (or your recipient) love wine and succulents, and we’re betting you do, then this DIY stocking stuffer is the perfect little handmade project. Round up those wine corks, and follow the instructions from Upcycle That to craft this adorable gift. Not only is it good for the environment, but it’s such an unexpected and economical stocking stuffer. I would suggest making these closer to gift giving time and then wrapping them up (plant and all) in a cute square of fabric or gift wrap just before you’re ready to present.

6. Upcycled Hand Warmers

These are attractive, functional, easy to make (no sew! woot!), and small enough to squish into a stocking. Gather up those old sweaters, unused fabric, or cruise the thrift stores aisles looking for some ugly Christmas goodness, and make these nifty hand warmers that also double as excellent stocking stuffers. Blogger Rachel Talbott uses vanilla and lavender essential oils in hers which, in my opinion, takes these DIY handwarmers to the next level.

7. Lemon Peppercorn Soap

An exfoliating bar of soap is a great way to slough off that dull winter layer of skin. These beautiful bars of soap are easy to make, can incorporate natural and organic ingredients, and fit neatly into a stocking. Burkatron has the tutorial you need to pull these off. We love the simple twine bow, but you can get as fancy as you’d like.

Homemade gifts can be elevated and awesome, so skip over the dollar aisle this year and make a few of these awesome presents for your lucky loved ones. If you’ve enjoyed these stocking stuffer ideas as much as we do, then hop on over to the EcoSalon Facebook page and share your favorites!

Related on EcoSalon

5 Impressively Simple and Chic Homemade Hostess Gifts
7 Simple KItchen DIY Ideas You Can Actually Accomplish Before the Holidays
7 Warm and Inviting Eco-Friendly Home Decor Pieces You Won’t Want to Miss

The post These 7 Easy DIY Stocking Stuffer Ideas Don’t Suck (for Gifts or the Planet!) appeared first on EcoSalon.

Whether you want to plant a few potted plants around your deck or undertake a more expansive garden overhaul, consider repurposing unwanted items into useful garden planters.

We all know that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure and that is certainly true for the creative gardener. Instead of investing money in fancy store-bought planters, reuse items that would normally end up in the landfill in your garden to make a green (and inexpensive) statement.

13 Ideas for Repurposed Garden Planters

1. Tire Hanging Garden – Have a tire swing in your yard that is no longer getting any attention? Repurpose it into a hanging annual planter for a quick way to add some color to your backyard.

2. Library Card Catalog Drawers – If you are lucky enough to come across old library card catalog drawers, turn them into retro chic tabletop garden planters.

3. Wheelbarrow – If your wheelbarrow develops holes or begins to rust, you can turn it into a planter. Simply lay down some landscaping fabric to plug up any holes and fill with soil, compost, and plants.

4. Vintage Cooler – Oftentimes it’s possible to come across retro drink coolers at flea markets. They work pretty well as garden planters for larger plants.

5. Old Rain Gutters – Instead of tossing old rain gutters, repurpose them into functional garden planters. Not only will it keep something with some practical use left in it out of the landfill, but it’s certainly a creative planter idea.

6. Teacups – Delicate teacups are the perfect garden planter for small plants like succulents or pretty annuals. Decorate your deck with pretty vintage teacup planters to make a wonderfully green statement sure to make even the Queen proud.

7. Toolbox – Whether the old wooden style or a newer metal box, a toolbox is a great planter size for planting an herb garden or some pretty perennials.

8. Kitchen Sink – Yes, everything, including the kitchen sink, can be repurposed into a functional garden planter. The only thing holding you back is your imagination.

9. Mason Jar Planters – Mason jars are pretty easily found at thrift shops and can be used as planters for a small herb garden. You can even use them to create a hanging herb garden as well.

10. Washtubs and Buckets – If you come across old galvanized washtubs or buckets, snap them up. They make for great garden planters.

11. Birdbath – While you you don’t want to steal the birdbath from the birds, you can certainly turn an extra one into a decorative succulent garden planter.

12. Baskets – Baskets of all kinds and shapes can work as repurposed garden planters. They are also ubiquitous at flea markets, yard sales, and thrift shops.

13. Filing Cabinet Drawers – Making the switch from paper to digital records? Don’t trash that old filing cabinet, but repurpose it into a clever garden planter instead.

Related on EcoSalon

6 Planter Ideas Using Funky and Unusual Items
DIY on the Fly: Mason Jar Herb Garden Planters in 6 Steps
17 Clever Repurposed Garden Planters to Add More Plants to Your Space

Tire as Planter, Wheelbarrow Decorative Planter, Herbs in Mason Jar, Wicker Basket Planter, and Red Mum in a Teacup via Shutterstock

The post 13 Creative DIY Garden Planters to Make Your Garden Green(er) appeared first on EcoSalon.

Living in the modern age, it would be difficult to imagine a life without lighting and electricity, even when it comes to choosing more eco-friendly materials and low consumption options. Fortunately, we’ve gathered some of our favorite ways to add some pizzazz to your digs with a few DIY lamp and lighting ideas that will have your ambiance on point just by using some of the more common items around your home to get you started.

Who doesn’t love good DIY project every now and then? When they inspire creativity and give you the warm fuzzies because you feel like you just conquered the world, well, that’s like icing on the cake. So whether you don’t think you have an artistic bone in your body, or you think you embody everything that is artistic, we’ve got some DIY lamp and lighting ideas for you!

1. Bottled Up

This is a no-drill approach to lighting up leftover bottles and glassware and requires zero DIY skills. The LED stopper is designed specifically for use with bottles and is USB powered. This little cork can quickly turn up a party or your everyday interior for 3 hours at a time on a 1 hour charge. Just place this cork-like light inside the opening of narrow necked bottles and you’ll have an instant light source. It looks great with colored glass. Check it out here.

2. String Along

If you’d prefer a drill-free bottle-to-lamp string light experience with minimal effort, then the Light My Bottle mini stick connected string lights are must-haves. For a simple conversion just slip the string lights into the bottle of your choice (9 inches or taller) followed by the battery compartment that fits perfectly into the neck. It even has a little on/off pushbutton at the top for easy lighting control. Check it out here.

3. Made in the Shade

No one likes a boring lamp shade, especially when minimalism may not be what you’re aiming for. To jazz one up in a jiffy, you just need a few materials. These are for the moderate DIYers with some confidence in their craft skills. Extra yarn or jute makes great shade wrapping material. With your trusty hot glue gun and about an hour’s worth of time, you can stack this string around the lamp shade for a colorful or earthy finish. Ribbon and hem tape are another dynamic duo that look great on a plain lamp shade. Add a cool new finial to finish it off. Check out the three tutorials here, here, and here.

4. Book Worm

For the avid reader and craft maven, the stacked book lamp made from scratch is a project after your own heart. With a nice stack of books, drill, lamp kit, shade, and a bulb (well, duh) you can create a custom lamp of your very own. Mark the books, drill your holes, and tread the conversion kit through (follow the directions given). Top it off with a nice shade and you’re set. Check out the beautiful example and tutorial here.

5. Go Global

Who wouldn’t like to show off their affinity for globetrotting, or at least the lust for life with a pair of unique pendant lights made from an old globe? You can opt to either hire an electrician to then install your new creation if you choose a pendant light kit – or – you can select a plug in cord kit instead. Separate your worldly find into two hemispheres, add the kits, hang, and you’re done. There is a great tutorial and finished project display here. Decoupage a shade with your favorite map for a quick and easy lamp revamp.

6. Paint that Pops

Let’s not forget possibly one of the simplest ways to transform a lamp, especially one that’s already assembled, and that’s a good coat of paint. From the shade to the lamp, paint can almost instantaneously update your light source. Whether you’re going for something feminine and geometric, like this chic pink and gold lamp found here, or a bold approach like lamp number three found on this tutorial here, it’s nice to appreciate the power of paint.

With a little inspiration from our DIY lamp and lighting ideas, you’re closer to creating some super cool fixtures for around your home or office. What did you think of our ideas? Any of these lighting ideas on your must-try list? Share your thoughts and your DIY project photos with us on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

Related on EcoSalon 

Upcycled Junk: 6 Beautiful Home Furnishings You Can Feel Good About 

4 Easy DIY Headboard Ideas to Revamp Your Bedroom (Easy and Cheap!)

10 Green and Cheap Kitchen Remodel Ideas to Revamp Your Favorite Room

Image of Colorful Bottles via Shutterstock

The post 6 DIY Lamp and Lighting Ideas to Light Up Your Life, Naturally appeared first on EcoSalon.

Turn those sweaters you’ve been meaning to drop off at the fabric recycling bin into functional and fashionable items using these repurposing ideas.

We’ve all felt that sinking feeling when something happens to make our most comfiest of sweaters unwearable. Whether its a hole developing in a super noticeable spot (I am not above mending a hole in the armpit) or whether its a stain that didn’t come out from that super stain-y yellow curry (true story), the fact of the matter is that stuff happens. Comfy sweaters are unfortunately an ephemeral  phenomenon, and every good thing must come to an end. Don’t despair though, your sweater can live on. All it takes is a little inspiration, creativity and some clever repurposing ideas to transform your favorite sweater into a useful upcycled diy project.

From hot water bottle covers to arm warmers and everything else in between, here some ingenious repurposing ideas for reusing your favorite (or not so favorite) sweaters.

9 Repurposing Ideas for Old Sweaters

1. Sweater Patchwork Blanket – Cuddle up under a super warm and cozy blanket you make from repurposed sweaters. Collect sweaters from the thrift store or ask family and friends for contributions.
2. Hot Water Bottle Cover – Whether you hurt your back or need to warm up the bed sheets, a hot water bottle is a useful thing. Add a cover using made from and old sweater to make it more presentable.
3. Cool Bangle Bag – Turn a frumpy sweater into a chic bag using this easy project.
4. DIY Sweater Pillows – Who doesn’t need a few more cozy pillows on the sofa? Make some up from those older sweaters.
5. Sweater Mittens – You won’t have to mourn the loss of your favorite sweater, instead you can turn them into your favorite mittens.
6. Boot Cuffs – Boot cuffs are a great way to add some texture and color without adding bulk by actually wearing bulky socks.
7. Asymmetrical Sweater Wrap – Turning a sweater into a fashionable wrap is a super clever repurposing idea.
8. Arm Warmers – Turn sweater arms into practical arm warmers.
9. Lampshade Redo – Add some texture and color to a boring lampshade with this project idea.

Related on EcoSalon:

Laundry Tip of a Lifetime: How to Unshrink a Wool Sweater

4 DIY Projects Channeling the Patchwork Sweater Trend…Just in Time for Winter

11 DIY Jewelry Projects for $20 or (Way) Less

Top Image: South Granville Live

The post 9 of the Best Sweater Repurposing Ideas Just in Time for Fall appeared first on EcoSalon.

Jewelry designer, Susan Domelsmith of Dirty Librarian Chains crafts handmade jewelry and elegant accessories out of second market materials from past jewelry factories on the eastern seaboard. Materials dating back to as early as the sixties have found new ways to shine through in Susan’s collections. EcoSalon caught up with Susan to discover more about her craft, upcycling process and made in NYC appeal.

Juliette Donatelli: Your line is produced in New York City?

Susan Domelsmith: Yes, by me.

JD: Do you do all the labor yourself?

SD: Yeah pretty much. I have a few assistants that come in and I teach them as well. It’s like continuing the manufacturing process and trying to keep it here.

But I also work with materials that were primarily made in the United States. I shop at factories that have shut down in Providence Rhode Island, and components from the sixties to the eighties. Second market

JD: Are all of those factories closed down now?

SD: A lot of the production has moved overseas since primarily the mass market stuff is made in China now. But I feel like there is a resurgence where people are starting to care more where their products are made and who makes them. So I feel like there are some new ones that are opening back up.

JD: When bring your handmade jewelry to a buyer or the larger public, and they find out it is made in NYC, is that an appeal to them?

SD: Yes definitely. I do a lot of markets where I am selling straight to the customer and they definitely love meeting the maker and knowing there is a nice person who made the jewelry, infusing it with good energy, rather than someone being forced into this kind of way to make a living. Which you know, some people still have to do in other parts of the world.

If they can identify with the way of life of the maker then I think that’s nice for the customer.

JD: Are more jewelers using reclaimed materials?

SD: Yes. When I first started — I’ve had my line for almost ten years — so when I first started I saw that was not really something people were doing. But it has definitely become more of a common way of designing and producing jewelry. I am really happy a lot more people are taking the more environmentally conscious route, because then it takes all the chemicals that are involved in plating and the mining of the materials as well — it takes that out of the equation, and it is still nice things that are beautiful to wear. So I am happy that that’s becoming more of a movement.

Related on EcoSalon

Hannah Jones, Nike VP of Sustainable Business: Behind-The-Scenes Interview (Part 1)

Interview: Nike’s VP of Sustainable Business Hannah Jones (Part 2)

Interview: Author Kate Fletcher On New Fashion & Sustainability Book

Author Interview: Elizabeth Cline of Overdressed The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion

Interview: Jessica Alba Is Saving The World One Chemical At A Time

images from the brand

The post Second Market Sophistication: Handmade Jewelry by Susan Domelsmith of Dirty Librarian Chains appeared first on EcoSalon.

H&M teams up with fashion students at Beckmans School of Design in Sweden to launch a one-of-a-kind upcycled collection that will be auctioned off to benefit UNICEF.

For the first time ever, H&M has teamed up with Beckmans School of Design in Sweden to work on a project to raise awareness around sustainability and the power of upcycling. This comes on the heels of the fast fashion retailer being one of few large fashion brands signing an industry agreement aimed at preventing future garment factory disasters.

One of the winning designs by Leonard Kocic

Thirteen design students were given a week to design unique outfits made from recycled garments collected through H&M’s takeback program, launched earlier this year. A jury consisting of H&M’s own Margareta van den Bosch and Catarina Midby as well as Swedish fashion industry insiders judged them on how well they pulled off a design that was sustainable, wearable and high fashion.

One of the winning designs by Jonna Ru

“It’s been a fun project and exciting to see how the students in a playful way created unexpected outfits that are very fashionable and of the moment,” says van den Bosch. “The winners have been very creative and thought of sustainability when they’ve, for example, used a maximum of two recycled garments in the creation of their design in order to avoid textile waste. One example is a bomber jacket that was turned into a dress by repurposing the lining.”

The winners were Jonna Ru, Leonard Kocic och Malin Unga, whose outfits will be exhibited at H&M’s flagship store in Stockholm for a week before being auctioned off on Swedish site Tradera. All proceeds will be donated to UNICEF, and H&M will also match the winning bids.

One of the winning designs by Malin Unga

“With this collaboration we want people to realize that you already have the very latest right in your closet,” says Pär Engsheden, project manager at Beckmans School of Design. “With just a few simple adjustments you can create tomorrow’s trends, and that’s what these students have shown with this design project.” So, next time you feel like buying something at H&M, just repurpose something from your closet instead!

Images courtesy of H&M

The post H&M Collaborates with Leading Design School to Launch Upcycled Charity Collection appeared first on EcoSalon.

SuperLove Cashmere Panties are handmade in Los Angeles out of upcycled cashmere sweaters. Cashmere is a deluxe fiber that acts as second skin, making these panties “like a hug for your bum,” as designer Theresa Roth says.

What’s the most comfortable, lavish and earth-friendly Valentine’s Day gift you could ever want or give? Read on and you’ll be adding SuperLove Cashmere Panties to the top of your list! These eco panties are the most luxurious underwear you could imagine, as their sexy cut, adjustable fit, comfort level and wearability make them the most appealing eco underwear out there. Made from upcycled cashmere, hand washable, and manufactured locally, SuperLove Casmhere Panties are the ideal green gift for any woman, or the perfect treat for pampering yourself. EcoSalon caught up with SuperLove designer and founder Theresa Roth to learn the story behind SuperLove, and hear all the reasons why these sustainable skivvies really are as lush as lingerie gets.

ES: How was SuperLove set up?

TR: SuperLove came about when my boyfriend and I were living in Malibu, which should be really warm and sunny but is actually cold and foggy, I kept saying ‘I wish I had a pair of cashmere panties.’ So I decided to make some! I took one of my cashmere sweaters that had a hole in the sleeve and made a couple pairs of panties. I started wearing them and telling people about how amazing they were and got such a good response. I made a test run of 50 pairs, which were beach themed, sold a lot of them and then decided to make a bunch for the 2012 holiday season.

ES: Are SuperLove Cashmere Panties form fitting? Are there different styles for different body shapes?

TR: They do have adjustable side ties because I really wanted to make sure that they would fit everyone. When you receive a pair of panties they are not tied, so when you put them on you tie them to your perfect size and then cut the excess string off. I do have more ideas for different styles and shapes and a lot of men want these too, so cashmere briefs are down the line.

ES: Where do you source your materials from?

TR: I buy the lace from a company in Alabama that sells all remnants and for the most part I hand dye the lace to get the colors that I want.

The cotton for the gusset is organic cotton purchased locally in LA, which I also dye myself.

I get the cashmere from various places, such as the Goodwill and a woman in upstate NY that has a barn full of cashmere. I did explore buying new cashmere but I don’t want to buy cashmere from China because I cant be sure how the cashmere was collected and what kind of manpower and processing was used, so I don’t want to contribute to that.

ES: What is the production process of a pair of SuperLove Cashmere Panties?

TR: I do everything except for the sewing. I source the cashmere, wash it, depill it, cut out the patterns that I designed. I also source the cotton for the gusset, and the lace trim, and dye them to get the colors I want. I then deliver all of this to the sewers who have the machine that works best with sewing cashmere.

ES: How durable are a pair of SuperLove panties?

TR: A cashmere sweater is supposed to last a lifetime with proper care. Most people don’t know that cashmere is washable, and most Americans take their cashmere to the dry cleaner, but my French friend turned me on to the fact that you can just wash cashmere by hand or put it on a cold, hand wash cycle in the washing machine.

ES: How would you define the SuperLove collection? 

TR: I think it is really fun since the panties are like a treat for yourself or a loved one because they feel so amazing when you put them on. When I first wore them I had this sassy feeling and a small hop in my step because I was doing something really luxurious and good for myself.

ES: Where does the name SuperLove come from?

TR: It’s pretty funny. I always wanted a great big love in my life. Before I met my life partner Bradford, I used to say I’m holding out for my “super love,” and so that’s where the name came from.

ES: How much interest have you received in SuperLove Panties?

TR: Surprisingly enough, 85 percent of my Christmas orders and Valentine’s orders are from men. When I worked in the lingerie business I would see this thing happen: a guy would come in to buy a gift for his significant other and would always go for the red lace teddy or thong. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have a red lace thong…no woman ever buys that for herself. So, a few days later the woman would come back to return the thong and the man sometimes even got into trouble for getting this sexy gift. So these cashmere panties are a sexy gift that’s really sweet and doesn’t get you in trouble! I was actually very touched by a lot of the men that bought Super Love panties this holiday season, because all these guys were just trying to get it right, which was really awesome.

ES: How sustainable would you say SuperLove Cashmere Panties are?

TR: I’m glad that I’m helping to make something new out of something old and keeping these sweaters from landfill, but on the other hand I don’t know how scalable this is. But I’m inspired to do more with less and so I think about what I can do with something that someone else has given or thrown away. I didn’t start trying to make this business a sustainable one, but through doing it this way I really learned a lot about awareness and how much people care about the Earth and things being sustainable.

Cashmere as a fabric is very strong and provides insulation without bulk, but so many people aren’t familiar with cashmere and they think it’s itchy or hot. Cashmere is kind of like a second skin. The cashmere goats aren’t harmed during harvest, because the cashmere comes from the belly of the goat, which re-grows every 4 years. The goats also eat natural shrubs in their indigenous area, so it’s really a sustainable fiber if the animals are raised well.

ES: What can we expect in the future from SuperLove?

TR: The next thing will probably be the cashmere thong because they can be one size fits all and are super comfortable. I am going to do some other items as well like a top and even a boxer short that could be worn out in the summer time. In terms of working with cashmere, there’s no end to it; a bodysuit, a camisole, a bralette…the possibilities are endless.

I’m also going to spin it off and do a t-shirt line that brings awareness to sustainable living, so I’m in the middle of sourcing materials for that. I’ll be using recycled materials and doing all my own silk-screening. So a SuperLove cotton t-shirt line is up next!

ES: Thanks Theresa and good luck with everything!

Make sure to subscribe to EcoSalon’s newsletter for a chance to win a pair of panties of your choice from the SuperLove store!

Images: SuperLove

The post Spread Some SuperLove This Valentine’s Day with Cashmere Eco Panties! appeared first on EcoSalon.

Upcycled home decor using stained Mason can be a rewarding DIY project.

Stained Mason jars are super hip in DIY home decor right now, but finding the vintage ones can be really tricky, and when you do find them, they’re often super expensive. Instead of shelling out big bucks for a genuine stained Mason jar, you can pretty easily make your own! Here’s how.

My favorite part about staining jars is that you’re not limited to Mason jars. Got an old pasta or baby food jar? A translucent coat of color makes them look so much fancier. I love the look of a cluster of stained jars on a mantle or as a centerpiece for the table.

One note about this staining method: To keep this as eco-friendly as possible, I chose white glue as my medium. White glue is water soluble, so you want to avoid getting these wet when they’re done. You can still use them as planters or vases, just be careful of any splashing, and gently dab water off of the outside immediately to avoid messing up the finish.

Ready to get staining? Let’s go!

You’ll need:

• clean, label-free glass jar
• white glue
• food coloring
• small plate or for mixing color that you don’t plan to eat off of again. (You can use this to mix paint for other projects, but the glue might not come off, and I’d hate for you to ruin your nice dishware!) An empty produce tray will work, as well.
• sponge brush that you don’t mind possibly ruining
• rag that you don’t mind staining

Method:

1. Pour a generous dollop of white glue onto your plate or tray, then add a few drops of food coloring. Use your sponge brush to mix the color well.

2. Using the same brush, paint your jar all over the outside with a coat of the dyed glue. When it’s nice and coated, turn the jar upside-down on the rag, and leave it to dry.

3. It will take a few hours at least to dry completely, and you’ll want to check on your jar periodically. The thinned glue is going to run a little, so inspect the jar a few times as it’s drying and use your brush to fill in any bald spots with a little more glue/food coloring mixture.

4. When the jar is totally dry – I’d wait overnight, especially if you had to repaint any spots – you’re ready to use it however you like.

 photos by Becky Striepe

The post Upcycled Decor: DIY Stained Mason Jars appeared first on EcoSalon.

Gorgeous red carpet-worthy dresses made from upcycled Speedo fabric, from suits worn by Olympic swimmers.

Now that the Olympics are over, and the American swimmers nabbed more gold medals in swimming than ever before, what happens to all those old Speedos? UK-based designer Orsola de Castro has been making high-end fashion from recycled materials since 1997, through the fashion label From Somewhere. One of the brand’s newest collections is made from, you guessed it, upcycled Speedo fabric.

The high tech quality and intense accent colors of the fabric lends a strange, yet very fashion forward quality to de Castro’s elegantly tailored dresses. If it wasn’t for the small logo that makes an appearance on some of the garments, you would never guess what they were made from.

De Castro runs From Somewhere with her partner Filippo Ricci, and the two are also the founders and curators of The British Council Estethica during London Fashion Week. They want to use their fashion label to further the discussion about overproduction and waste, two very urgent issues that the fashion industry needs to figure out how to deal with. To de Castro and Ricci, upcycling becomes a design solution to this environmental problem.

The label originally began their collaboration with Speedo in 2010 when a stock of their LZR Racer Elite suit became redundant following FINA regulations regarding competitive swimwear. The company contacted From Somewhere to help create something with the waste, and that’s how the first collection, which debuted at Estethica, was born.

The new colorblocked “Unity” gown is made from offcuts produced in the making of Speedo’s Fastskin3 Super Elite swimsuit, which was used by the athletes at this summer’s Olympic Games in London. All the colors in the “Unity” dress represent all nations coming together in a non-competitive way and are also a reference to water. De Castro used the stretch of the fabric to emphasize different parts of the female body, and she also utilized Pinterest to gather inspiration and visual references.

“The idea was to combine sportswear and fashion in a way that it is 100% fashion but also 100% sportswear,” says de Castro. She also wants this dress to inspire the confidence of an Olympic athlete in any woman that wears it.

Watch the video below to hear de Castro talk about the inspiration and process behind the dress.

We like, and it seems Ryan Lochte does too.

The post Gorgeous Dresses Made From Upcycled Olympic Speedos appeared first on EcoSalon.

A new collection by outdoor sportswear company KEEN turns airbags into messenger bags, backpacks, tote bags and wallets.

Outdoor sportswear company KEEN has launched a new collection called the Harvest III Series, which is made (in the USA) from pre-consumer automobile airbags. Side impact bags have been collected, over-dyed to give them a rich saturated color and upcycled into seven different styles of totes, bags and wallets.

So how do you go from airbag to messenger bag? First, left over, excess and obsolete airbags are sourced from an airbag manufacturer to a recycler in Salt Lake City and are then sorted and shipped to a factory in Chico, California. The white bags are put aside to make the white colorways and the remaining bags are dyed and laundered at a dye house.

The colored airbags are then sorted and cut into the bag pattern pieces either by hand using a rotary knife or by die-cut machine. All the pieces to make one specific style are gathered together and given to crafters to complete the product.

This process requires a high level of creativity and craftsmanship, and to celebrate this each item is hand-numbered and signed by the crafter who made it.

The Harvest III Series features five bags and two wallet styles, priced from $20 – $120.

The post From Airbags to Messenger Bags – KEEN Introduces a New Collection appeared first on EcoSalon.