Recycled! New dimensions of couture. . . .

Because our goal is zero waste, we recycle as much as possible—glass bottles, plastics, paper products. But not pizza boxes because of the grease. Many of these products are transformed into something new—office paper, fence posts or benches, martini glasses or jewelry. Fashion seems to be a more recent outlet.

Couture, often a symbol of extravagance, seems synonymous with unaffordable (and sometimes uncomfortable) garments of expensive materials shown on the runway. In contrast, the Recycle Runway Collection of eco-couture focuses clothing made from recycled products.

The Atlanta airport’s International Concourse E showcases fashion by Nancy Judd, a Santa Fe (New Mexico) artist and educator. Here, we learn about the transformation of waste--glass, aluminum cans and even cassette tapes—into something beautiful. Take this evening gown, which required 12,000 pieces of recycled glass and 400 hours to create. The origami gown is made of junk mail shaped like small fans.

The Florida Museum of Natural History (Gainesville, Fla.) is hosting the 13th Annual “Trashformations” (through Dec. 4, 2011) as a means of encouraging the use of recycled materials into works of art. A dog-like figure is made of aluminum cans, a whale out of plastic bags, a heart and dresses from Target bags as well as newspapers, coffee filters and cupcake papers.

All entries are composted of at least 70 percent recycled materials. Surprisingly, in this university town, no one tried to make anything out of a clean pizza box.

The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Exhibit, presented by the City of Atlanta Department of Aviation Art Program, runs through April 2012.

For more information, visit http://www.atlanta-airport.com/passenger/art%20program/frmPassengerInformation_ArtProgram_ConcourseE.aspx

Those Plastic Bags by Jane Tolbert

What do socks in the dryer, lazy Sunday afternoons and recyclable shopping bags have in common? They disappear.

Each time I go to France, I stock up on heavy plastic or canvas bags. My kids are perplexed. Why would I continue to buy bags! Am I becoming a “bag lady” as I age? Suitcases filled with recyclable bags may raise alarm. But it really needs no explanation. If I lend someone books or carry food to a party, I usually forget to recover the bag.

These bags are sold in all supermarkets for a couple of Euros. They bear environmental mottos like, “Act for the environment” or, “In acting together, we truly act.” They carry the logos of Carrefour, Casino or Champion, some of the larger supermarket chains. Increasingly, in the States, more of these bags have become available in hopes that they will replace the fluttery plastic bags that clog the environment.

A Wall Street Journal article (Jeffrey Bell, “Paper or Plastic?” 6-12-09) points out that these little plastic grocery bags, introduced approximately 30 years ago as the next big thing because of their durability and inexpensive costs, have an adverse environmental impact. It is not as much the problem of bags in the landfill but rather the untethered bags that float through the ecosystem, choking waterways and animals.

Although in recent years, French grocery stores have sold the small plastic bags to the unprepared customer, generally shoppers always carry their own shopping bags or a small string net. The reusable sturdy bags are in the trunks of cars and accumulate under kitchen sinks. The French also bag their own groceries. Back in the States, however, I often forget my bags in the trunk of my car and stand by as an employee fills countless plastic bags with my purchases.

As of Jan. 1, 2010, only biodegradable bags can be sold in French grocery stores. Stateside, San Francisco has led the way as the first U.S. city to ban plastic bags (2007). No legislation has been passed in Florida, but customers are starting to bring their own bags, and stores insist they have recycling efforts in place. But probably more individuals will follow this example if I continue to leave reusable bags with friends and acquaintances.
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A few interesting things can be created from plastic bags. Visit Joshua Allen Harris’ inflatable polar bear that springs to life when attached to subway grates. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-a607j2dOo