Presto Change-o is the Magic of Re-Imagined Products

“Making something from nothing” used to be just an expression that described someone’s creativity and ingenuity. In today’s age of environmental concerns and attention on “going green,” some businesses now literally make something from nothing, turning what most would consider trash into treasures. By reusing and re-purposing as much as possible, Shains, TerraCycle and Ecoist are a few companies that are turning the message of “tread lightly, use less and leave less” into innovative eco-business enterprises!

Green is Always in Style at Shains

Corporate mom Ewa Martinoff was inspired to become an eco-preneur while driving home in miserable LA traffic, when her laptop bundler cord wrapped about her wrist sparked an idea to create something new from something old. Shainsware is a collection of funky and fun“wearable statement accessories,” that speak to a tween’s spirit of personal expression, worthy causes and wearing one’s heart-felt sayings on one’s sleeve, or wrist!

Shains’ charming bracelets, necklaces, hair bands, key chains, and even pet collars are fad-tastic collectibles made from recycled and recyclable material. The brand also takes extra “green” steps by using recycled packaging. In addition, to put its money where its beliefs are, Shains generously donates a portion of all proceeds to environmental organizations.

The wearable fashion accessories are colorful, versatile, and powerful in making a statement for people and planet. The brand’s compelling tagline is “Say it, Wear it. Mean it.” In a more global effort to taker greener further, Shainsware has partnered with the Jane Goodall Institute to introduce a special set of licensed bracelets and bookmarks to support humanitarian efforts.

To promote the green message in your store, grow with www.shainsware.com

TerraCycle Wastes Not for What Nots

With its innovative Upcycle Program, TerraCycle encourages consumers to “be a part of their eco-revolution!” Started by a Princeton student in 2001, it is the company’s endeavor to minimize what most toss as trash. In order to reduce waste in landfills, TerraCycle establishes turn-key operations that make it easier for schools and non-profit organizations to save, collect and donate non-recyclables, and to earn cash from the donations for fund drives.

Brigade programs are sponsored and supported by leading brands of drink pouches, candy bars, snack foods and beauty products, including Oreo, Skittles. CapriSun, Aveeno and many more. The materials collected by schools and non-profits are upcycled into affordable, high quality products ranging from colorful tote bags, purses, backpacks and lunchboxes to bubble kits and kites.

In addition to its Upcyle Program, TerraCycle also works with its partner companies to find innovative uses for all of their waste streams. For example, TerraCycle packs all-natural, bio-degradable cleaning products in recycled soda containers from waste streams. By making products from these various waste streams, TerraCycle prevents 1000’s of tons of waste from going to landfills.

To learn more about this innovative “garbage-in/valuables out” program, visit www.terracycle.net

Ecoist Makes Trash Trendy!

Looking trashy is certainly not a trendy look for children’s fashions and accessories. However, making something out of discards is a growing trend. Ecoist is a highly touted eco-conscious company founded by two entrepreneurial brothers, Yair and Jonathan Marcoschamer. In 2004, the brothers visited Mexico with their mom. During their visit, the trio discovered several beautiful handbags that were crafted from post-consumer waste by Mexican artisans.

Inspired by this concept, the entrepreneurial brothers returned home to Miami, and decided to develop a business making products from waste-bound materials. Brilliantly managed, with cooperative partnerships from mega companies including Disney and Coca Cola, Ecoist upcycles waste into on-trend purses, bags, bracelets and wristlets.

Ecoist is so intent on becoming as sustainable as possible, the company just began a carbon offset program. The company invests funds from each sale into a firm called Terrapass, which manages windfarms and methane farming to offset the emissions produced by shipping companies.

To go green, go to www.ecoist.com