Today’s products are slowly turning more eco friendly as people realize the importance of using sustainably built items. But what about wearing clothes and accessories that are also sustainable? True, we have products made out of jute for bags and shoes but going a step further are items that are almost 100 percent biodegradable, made out of paper and materials that we never thought possible, including hair! Check out these trendy and functional products that designers have come up with to help you do your bit for the environment.
Biodegradable paper timepiece
A biodegradable paper timepiece? That’s right, Altanus, a Geneva-based watchmaker has created what’s believed to be the planet’s first paper watch called ‘Patch’. The innovative device with an LED display was inspired by papier mache floats paraded during the yearly carnival fest in Tuscandy.
You needn’t worry about getting it wet either as Patch is covered with a protective coating to make it waterproof. Available in 10 neon colors, it’s a trendy timepiece that’s sure to be a hit among the younger generation and eco friendly touting folk.
Biodegradable jute bag
Jute has for long been used to make various products and this biodegradable bag is just one example of its versatility. Sturdy and long lasting, jute bags are ideal for shopping and as an accessory. Exports of this eco friendly material are also said to have risen as countries try to stem the use of plastic shopping bags. Since they’re handmade, they also provide employment opportunities for artisans from developing countries.
Biodegradable watches
Eco friendly watches by Sprout are biodegradable by 80 to 93 percent, making them the perfect accessory to any outfit. Even a close examination won’t be able to tell you that they’re degradable which is why they’re popular among the masses. Looking like any ordinary watch, they’re made using bamboo, mineral crystal lenses, organic cotton, mercury-free batteries and corn resin to replace the use of plastic.
Biodegradable wedding dresses
This next item may not be too popular among brides but it has good intentions. British researchers are experimenting to create water dissolving bridal dresses which can degrade when soaked in water. To enable this process, the researchers incorporated polyvinyl alcohol (a biodegradable substance) into the fabric which harmlessly dissolves in water. Suffice it to say, your children and grandchildren won’t have to wear your old dress just for tradition’s sake.
Biodegradable sunglasses made from hair
Studio Swine has produced trendy sunglasses made out of human hair. As hard as it is to believe, the hair-based frames are 100 percent biodegradable and were made of human hair and bioresin acting as the binding agent. The glasses aren’t degradable, of course, but considering most frames are made out of plastic, these eco friendly versions show us the potential of human hair use. The green glasses were created as part of an experiment and we’re hoping that they’ll pave the way for commercial optical glass manufacturers to do the same.
Biodegradable sneakers
Dutch company OAT Shoes has devised a truly innovative pair of footwear: biodegradable sneakers that can literally be planted to grow. It achieves this by making the sole out of flexible cork that’s been embedded with seeds. That’s not to say that the sneakers will sprout leaves when wearing them; on the contrary, they go to work only when they’re planted. So instead of investing in expensive shoes that you need to confine to the dumpster once they’re worn out, opt for OAT Shoes’ ingenious and eco friendly footwear.
Biodegradable flip flops
Indonesian company PaperFlops has designed biodegradable flip flops made out of old newspapers, palm tree roots, 100 percent natural rubber and coconut shells. Aside from benefitting the environment, the flip flops are hand made by physically and mentally disabled people, generating employment for the underprivileged. Considering it takes about a kilo of newspapers to create a pair of these flip flops, you can imagine the extent to which they help clean up surroundings.
Biodegradable slim belts
These trendy belts are products of an Italian company called Tie-Ups that are 100 percent biodegradable. While they come in several ranges like Kids, Basic and Slim Cut, the Bioplastic version is what we’re interested in. Buyers can also select from a range of patterns and colors.
Biodegradable neck ties
Jazz up your outfit with these biodegradable neck ties that are have made from polyester. We don’t have the goods on the entire list of materials used and neither do we have the name of the designer. We only know that he goes by the pseudonym ‘rexfmay’.
Biodegradable scarves
Canadian company LoooLo is known for using organic cotton and kapok filling to creating its products. Its biodegradable scarves are fashionable and are made using ramie, organic wool, zero impact dyes and vicose. They’re available in eight styles and can be discarded once you no longer need them.
