Tag Archives: Recycle

Recycling Sweats From The Already Recycled

The other day I was sorting out clothes for the Canadian Diabetes Association’s clothing pickup, when I came across recycled, and then again recycled, sweat shirts. Some people save egg cartons, bottles, margarine containers, and old tins, (the list is endless) for recycling. These items could be saved for themselves; curbside recycling pickup; or for friends’ projects. I save old and used arms and legs cut from sweat shirts.

Vintage Penn University Fruit Of The Loom Super Cotton Sweatshirt Size Large  - Picture 1 of 17 This material is soft, and easy to sew together in new combinations- injecting creativity into a new favorite sweatshirt .

I keep a box in the basement of sweat shirts arms, a second box for legs and the third box is for cuffs, buttons, necks, waist ties and emblems. While watching T. V., I would cut off arms at the shoulders, and legs from the belt line. I would ask friends and family for their used sweat shirt tops and bottoms. “Don’t throw them away,” I would plead. “I will come over and pick them up!” For myself, I find the cuffs on my sweat shirts become frayed quickly. I would replace them with cuffs from the third box. I would cut off the cuff and then reattach the “new” cuff I had taken from the third box by stretching the material, pinning and inserting it back into the cuff.

How to Cut a Sweatshirt for an '80s Style | LEAFtv

This whole process could also be done for replacing thinning areas on the arms. I now have created a “new/used” sweatshirt. Mixing up the colours of the cuffs and arms allows me to change the colours, and replace worn areas. Try putting white arms into a red sweat shirt. Red and white—you are truly Canadian!

You have probably had many a spill on the front of your favorite sweat shirt.

I find that these stains never come out. (Forget it. I’ve tried and tried). From the third box, I would retrieve an emblem cut from another sweat shirt like a sporting team, golfing logo, or a bit of prose. This emblem can be sewn on a front of a sweat shirt to cover up those impossible stains that never wash out. Bravo! You now have a “new/used” sweatshirt.

When you get tired of your creations, repeat the process. This recycling can go on forever.

When you think you have had it with these extra “cut parts,” drop them off at a thrift store. They can be used again by other people for their creative projects. Try giving them as gifts, or at a garage sale under “Unique Clothing.”
Now that the arms, cuffs, fronts, and emblems have been taken care of, let me address the legs. Take one old sweat pant, and cut off the legs, one inch below the crotch.

Sew them up by hand, or on a sewing machine across the bottom of both legs. From the leftover leg material, cut strips the length you need, and sew attaching them to the waist, (criss-crossing is the best way) to make straps shoulder or hand lengths. Fantastic! You now have a purse or recyclable bag for purchases depending on the size of the sweat pants used. Try sewing a change purse using a saved drawstring from a collected waist tie.

Here is a kitschy purse made from recycled denim. 

It costs nothing but your time and creative effort. Any left over leg material is now scrap material. This scrap material can be used for kitchen wash cloths, furniture dusters, or something I love to do, wrapping scrap pieces around a sponge mop. It’s a great way to get all those cob webs lurking at the top of the ceiling. It is certainly safer than standing on a chair.

It has been pointed out to me that I have been recycling from the recycled. That is true, and something I enjoy, and will continue to do. For the Silo, Blair Yager. 

Disruptive Composite Materials Developed Via Vancouver Company & University Of British Columbia

Up coming next generation of polymer materials creates more durable and recycle-ready composites

ALUULA Composites is collaborating with the University of British Columbia (UBC) Composite Research Network to develop world-first recycling applications for high-performance, UHMWPE-based composite materials. The new material has been recently featured in Air&Cosmos, Composites World, Innovation in Textiles, and Plastics Today.

“When we first revealed our work with ALUULA to the kitesurfing world, there was reasonable and valid debate as to whether the hype would really match up to the material’s potential, and to the performance levels that we were promising. Happily, as has since been proven and documented, the hype has gone beyond everyone’s expectations.” Ocean Rodeo Kitesurfing

According to a report from the FMI, the global advanced polymer composites market is projected to register an average-paced CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period. The current valuation of the market is US$ 11.12 Billion in 2022.

The value of the advanced polymer composites market is anticipated to surpass a valuation of US$ 19.73 Billion by the year 2032. The experts of Future Market Insights have recorded a historical market valuation of US$ 10.5 Billion during the base year.

Composite materials have been using the same process of gluing together different core layers and outer films to create composites used in a wide range of product applications.

“Between the interest in our materials generated from the ISPO Awards and the transformational effect our composites have had in the wind sport sector (via Ocean Rodeo Kitesurfing products), Aluula is now in co-development conversations with industry leaders for a broad range of uses and applications. It is an extremely exciting time for our entire team” said Aluula COO John Zimmerman.

The new composites are up to 50% lighter than competitive materials while delivering equal or greater strength.

This process has produced many innovative composites, but their performance has plateaued. A new generation of composite materials, using novel chemistry and innovative manufacturing techniques develops new ways to assemble and fuse high-tech fibers, and advanced space-age films together. By bonding materials at the molecular level, the next-gen of polymers is not only creating extremely light, strong, and durable composites, but materials that are recycled readily.

  • High-performance polymer composites open up lucrative growth prospects for the manufacturers.
  • Are a new way to bond high-tech fibers and advanced space-age films creates the next-gen of polymers.
  • Are more durable and recycle readily next-gen materials create unlimited opportunities for the composites materials market.

Featured image via Aluula- Panels made with recycled polymer composites reportedly are 10 times stronger than panels molded from virgin resin.

Renewable Energy Outlook for 2040 Includes Cancelling Your Print Newspapers

Hey Silo readers! This infographic courtesy of FuelFighterUK demonstrates how production could look in 2040 and what is being done to make our world a greener place. The infographic covers the projected worldwide growth in energy demand, what is being invested to change the renewable outlook and some awesome eco-friendly innovations that have been made by technology companies. For the Silo, Louis Dixon


Energy Outlook For 2040 Infographic 

New ‘Duct Tape DIY Book’ is Taking Crafting and Fashion World by Storm

From the author of the #1 best-sellers, Tape It & Make It, Tape It & Make More and Tape It & Wear It comes the fourth book in this revolutionary “duct tape craft series:” Duct Tape Bags: 40 Projects for Totes, Clutches, Messenger Bags, and Bowlers (Clarkson Potter, July 2016). With the upcoming release of her new book, Richela Fabian Morgan is continuing to take the crafting and fashion world by storm, turning the humble roll of duct tape into the trendiest craft item since glitter glue.

Rachela Fabian Morgan AuthorEveryone from trendy teens to famous fashionistas can begin exploring the infinite uses this easy-to-follow guide provides to making handbags so fashionable, you won’t actually believe they’re made of duct-tape. Part art-piece, part usable accessory, Fabian Morgan shows how each of these gorgeous handbags can be recreated one manageable section at a time.

“About eight years ago, my kids and I were in our local hardware store when we spotted duct tape with patterns and colors,” says Fabian Morgan. “Since then, duct tape has been an obsession of mine. My daughter and her friends were my excuse to break out my vast collection of tape and try out different ideas for craft projects. Out of all the projects, the bags were the biggest hit! I started making bags for myself. So, it was only natural that I turned my attention to writing a book on duct tape bags. I wrote other books on duct tape crafts with a total of 242 projects spread out over three books, everything from housewares to costumes. Duct tape bags were on my radar. I had to write this book!”

Duct Tape Bags provides DIYers with 40 fun projects using duct tape, including:

  • Clutches and wristlets
  • Hobo and Shoulder Bags
  • Satchels
  • Messenger and Flap Bags
  • Tote Bags
  • And tons of other one-of-a-kind bags!

One of Rachel's Duct Tape Bags.
One of Rachel’s Duct Tape Bags.


Read more about Richela Fabian Morgan by using the links at the bottom of this article and:

  • Reveal what inspired her to begin crafting with duct tape.
  • See finished samples of the many bags included in her book.
  • Do print or video demos and step by step how-tos not only on her bags but any of the 240+ projects found in her duct tape books.
  • Provide the perfect summer duct tape projects for girls, boys and teens.
  • Look ahead to back to school: duct tape wallets, folders, book bags, pencil cases,  lunch boxes and more!
  • Find tips to incorporate recycled items in your duct tape projects.
  • And so much more!

With detailed step-by-step instructions and primers on duct tape “fabric,” different types of closures from magnet snaps to jeans buttons, and bag accessories like bows and luggage tags, Fabian Morgan catapults this trend from the streets into the stratosphere. A mix of pop art and urban style photos of each project and a cool vibe throughout will make you want to immediately roll up your sleeves and rolling out the duct tape for a bag of your own! For the Silo, Erin MacDonald-Birnbaum

Duct Tape DIY Designs2

About Richela Fabian Morgan: Richela Fabian Morgan began her duct tape odyssey 8 years ago with a simple bi-fold wallet, before writing the best-selling crafting books Tape It & Make It, Tape It & Make More, and Tape It & Wear It. She is an indie crafter specializing in paper, adhesives, and found materials, and has taught craft projects at elementary schools, public libraries, and charitable organizations around the U.S. Her next duct tape crafting book, Duct Tape Bags, will be published by Clarkson Potter in July 2016.

Connect with Richela on:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CraftyRichela
Twitter: www.twitter.com/CraftyRichela
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/craftyrichela
Instagram: @richelafm

Duct Tape Bags will be released July 12, 2016 and can be pre-ordered from Amazon.com and all major booksellers. Contact marketingdirector@thesilo.ca for more details.

 

Harvesting Wild Leeks

The author 'hard at it'- digging Leeks.
The author ‘hard at it’- digging Leeks.

It’s coq-a-leeky time. For the past several years my friend House and I go out to our secret spot in a nearby woods and harvest wild leeks.

They grow three quarters of the way down a steep hill so the element of  danger grows stronger every year with aging limbs.  Let me tell you,  it’s damn hard using a shovel on a steep hill when you can’t balance on  one leg.  Jeanine’s advice as I was leaving “try not to fall down the  hill”  Exactly.  I had my cell phone with me but realized that if either of us went down there would be no immediate rescue.

We made a pact to leave the fallen man behind and press on should disaster strike.  The  soil was wet this year, so it was an easier job digging them out.  It  only took us about an hour to fill our recyclable shopping bags. When we had successfully dragged ourselves back up the incline we  paused to sit on a fallen tree and observe the moment.  We discussed as  we always do how it would be great to build a camping platform at this  spot and retreat here when our “other” worlds became too much.  The  annual pipe dream.

As the sun filtered through the trees we watched the  dogs for awhile as they ran around with noses to the ground.  Then, as every year we validated the ritual as something important to us that we will repeat faithfully for as long as we are able. Pause. Time to make our way back through the difficult new growth.

It takes Jeanine a long time to clean the leeks, and take off the little hairy  bits on the ends,  but she doesn’t seem to mind.  We both know what’s coming.  That night we make our version of Coq-a-leeky soup, a perennial spring favourite of many cultures including the Scottish.   We get a pot of chicken broth simmering and drop in about 8 full cloves of garlic, and a couple of cut up potatoes. We let  that simmer until the potatoes are quite soft ( about 15 min).  Next we throw in the  chopped up wild leeks (use everything) and give it about another 10  minutes.  A little pepper, or soya if want to give it an Asian flavour.  But not so much as to cover the subtle flavor of the leeks. No oil or fat is involved and we love the flavor.  Most importantly, it is an amazing spring tonic.  I notice I have  better energy the next morning.

Jeanine talks about how in France it is common for people to do a “cure” from time to time.  Short of an absolute fast which can be debilitating and potentially dangerous, they simply restrict themselves for a few days to eating small amounts of only one simple, nutritious thing .  Some use fruit, others fish or vegetable stock, etc. Currently it is not the only thing we are eating so it can’t be considered a full cure, but we have been predominantly eating just the leek soup since, and will continue until it’s gone.

By the way, we wrap the cleaned leeks in paper towels and store them in the crisper.  There are a lot of other creative and delicious ways to cook these little treasures.  I recommend trying to get your hands on some while they’re in season.  It’s worth the effort.  For the Silo, Phil Ross. 

 

 

 

Being Green Is Not Impossible

When I took my boyfriend to see a new Muppet movie, he had never seen anything by the Muppets before, and being a dedicated fan since early childhood, I felt it my right and honorable duty to share the mahna-mahna’s with him. Needless to say, it was a fantastic and heart-felt show that we both laughed the whole way through. A few weeks later, we were out shopping and found this “one-of-a-kind” Kermit shirt, and couldn’t resist buying it. Like Miss Piggy, I suddenly noticed myself more attracted to everything green.

photo:H. Richards

I realized being “green” is not impossible even though we are living in such a technologically consumed world. Yet, it is technology that has provided us so many outlets to become more ecologically responsible.  Bills, schedules, licence plate renewals, the yellow pages, and even airline tickets are available paperless. Due to the impact of the Internet, television programs, and advertising we are more connected, and more globally aware of products available to help protect the environment.

In the home, especially if you are privy to daytime television, like City Line, the Mariyln Denis Show or the Nate Berkus Show, I guarantee that at least one segment a week focuses on how and where you can buy, reuse or create products with a green-scheme in mind. They prove that you can choose a range of products that will help sustain the environment, while still providing beautiful, sleek and modern finishes. The Home Depot has a link on their website  to a section called “Eco Options,” where it is easy to locate the product type you are looking for, from flooring to appliances to décor, there is a product to help manage your carbon footprint.

Major grocery stores have become more eco-friendly as well. By providing large reusable bags/bins, made out of recycled materials and typically at a cost of $1, consumers are given a convenient eco-option. Even if you forget your reusable bags at home and buy a plastic bag for 5 cents, the plastic bag has become noticeably larger in order to try and reduce the volume of plastic bags and encourage the purchase of reusable ones. As well, food itself has taken on the green trend; I was always taught to “eat the green stuff, it’s delicious,” and now, eating green, organic food like avocado, broccoli, spinach, and kale is trendy too.

The trend in the fashion world has also become environmentally friendly. For example, H&M has created the “Conscious Collection.” It is H&M’s “action for a more sustainable fashion future.” This collection uses greener materials such as organic cotton and recycled polyester. Originally when the campaign came out in April 2011, and the colour scheme was mainly different shades of white and muted earth tones. However, one year later, they are still producing the collection but have amped up the colour pallet. Walking into the store this season, you will be bombarded—you guessed it—with green. Emerging mainly in pastel and mint, but with occasional pops of emerald, green is popping up all over the fashion world and the colour is going to be very popular this spring.

So maybe it was the resurgence of Kermit the Frog, or maybe it is because being eco-conscious has spanned to every aspect of our lives, but I am happy to say that it’s never been so easy being green. For the Silo, Hannah Richards.