Greenzone Online

While some people shop the likes of Coach and Pottery Barn, other green thinkers are taking advantage of fashion and housewares of another sort – “trashion.”

Hailing from creative eco-designers in Inodnesia, trashion is the name given to a new trend where jewelry, clothing and home decorations are made from reused materials to create an item that is ooo-la-la, earth-friendly luxurious. The fashions are typically sold in Singapore, Australia and the United States.

And the trend is proving to be a relief for people in Indonesia who are suffering on less than $2 per day. In addition to saving money, trashion is reducing pollution and creating jobs for the poor.

One example is Plastic Works, a company based in Jakarta. The founder of the company says his employees create items that are priced between $25 and $85 at sites like Monsoon Vermont.

And the recycled products have even made their way onto the catwalks, specifically, during Eco Chic, a fashion show throughout Asia that showcases trashion designs, including dresses made from computer chips and plastic wrap.

Other eco-design companies include XS Project a group that is targeted toward raising environmental awareness through their earth-friendly couture, such as bags made from laundry detergent bottles or a wallet made from toothpaste boxes.

What’s your take on trashion and what everyday product would you like to see made into a shoulder bag or purse?

I think I need a tote made from Snickers bar wrappers. But then, perhaps, I may want to take a bite out of it.

[Source: One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Fashion]