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Things Made From Recycled Products

The concept of recycling is not new. For thousands of years, people re-used materials to make clothing or buildings. World War II saw the recycling of metals into planes and bullets. But with a world of convenience comes the laziness of disposal. People are responding to the waste that our fast food lifestyle has wrought since the latter half of the 20th century. In response, companies are now making many new products from recycled materials.

  1. Construction

    • People are now using recycled steel or aluminum for outdoor furniture and other construction projects to make frames, and using the innovation of plastic lumber. The lumber is high-grade and will not crack or splinter, and cannot be infiltrated by pests or insects. Plastic lumber lasts longer than wood since it is resistant to the elements. It is available in a wide variety of colors. Manufacturers are using this lumber to make benches, chairs, picnic tables and gazebos. It is also used to make parking blocks and the outer casing surrounding trash cans in parks.

    Clothing and Accessories

    • Recycled clothing and accessories are not only kind to the planet, but many of these products are wearable pieces of art. Recycled clothing does not mean simply buying used clothes. Manufacturers are making jeans using recycled denim. Old denim is broken down until it is again just threads. The threads mix with fresh cotton to make a brand new pair of jeans. People make jewelry, handbags, wallets, belts and other accessories out of everything from candy wrappers to old rubber tires or seat belts. Some jewelry comes from actual recycled items, so you can tell what it was, such as bracelets made from candy or soda wrappers still bearing a logo.

    Recycled Recyclables

    • Many recycled items go into making those same items again. Recycled paper is the most common and has been in general practice the longest. Mill grind paper down to pulp for it to be reborn in sheets of paper, calendars, paper plates and towels, and even in books. Aluminum is made again into cans. Plastic is re-used to again make milk cartons and water or laundry detergent bottles. Cardboard boxes, cereal boxes and egg cartons are all recycled to make those same items. Glass and steel items are also used again.

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