Eco-Chic Trend: One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s… Trashion

Instead of being buried in landfills, used plastic containers, industrial leftovers, and toothpaste tubes are finding new lives as jewelry, shoes, wallets, and even evening bags. The fad known as “trashion” has gone mainstream as urban designers are increasingly using excess and discarded materials. These aren’t products that look like they came from arts & crafts time at summer camp, but sophisticated earth-friendly designs that could hang with the best of the designer labels.

BeGoodDesigns Leather Shoes ($76 to $96): Made from leftover leather and denim used by the auto and fashion industry, these shoes are so adorable you’ll need more than one pair.

Escama Studio Pull Tab Shoulder Bags ($39 to $240): Escama is already a recognized brand for followers of the pull tab/pop top shoulder bag. Created by a co-op of women artists in Brazil, each bag is hand crocheted.

Glass Bottle Necklaces ($60): Made by a Georgia artist named Kathleen Plate, these unique pendants are made from glass beer and soda bottles.