These two save space... and a whole lot of plastic.
Spray 'n spout!
Kudos, design whizzes!
Showing posts with label REUSE IDEAS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label REUSE IDEAS. Show all posts
Friday, June 10, 2011
Facilitating Reuse Designs
Much as I bang on about designed-in reuse, there are other nifty ways to reuse.
These two save space... and a whole lot of plastic.
Spray 'n spout!
Kudos, design whizzes!
These two save space... and a whole lot of plastic.
Spray 'n spout!
Kudos, design whizzes!
Friday, March 05, 2010
Site RE:view - greenpowerscience.com
I very much like this site.
Came to it via a specific post on glass cutting. A major area of interest, and frustration, of mine for some reuse projects.
It's a video, 'show & tell' based format which, for clarity, is hard to fault.
And there is a nice, 'one of us' feel to it all. In the example above I felt/feel I can indeed tackle this project with some confidence of success.
I have to say the site layout does rather reflect this chilled approach, and is a smidge hard to follow.
Plus navigation around, especially to engagement areas, is a trial.
But as the sample above shows, if you pan for gold here, you do end up with nuggets worth treasuring.
Came to it via a specific post on glass cutting. A major area of interest, and frustration, of mine for some reuse projects.
It's a video, 'show & tell' based format which, for clarity, is hard to fault.
And there is a nice, 'one of us' feel to it all. In the example above I felt/feel I can indeed tackle this project with some confidence of success.
I have to say the site layout does rather reflect this chilled approach, and is a smidge hard to follow.
Plus navigation around, especially to engagement areas, is a trial.
But as the sample above shows, if you pan for gold here, you do end up with nuggets worth treasuring.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Decisons, decisions...
Needing get back on the old blog horse more.
And as it's Friday, maybe ease in with lighter fare.
Amongst my worryingly burgeoning twitter follow list is this fine fellow, who I tracked back to his blog to share:
Reusable Bag Roundup
‘Which reusable bag is your favorite ?’
Still, gotta be… the one I made…:)
http://bit.ly/2e2qDL
And as it's Friday, maybe ease in with lighter fare.
Amongst my worryingly burgeoning twitter follow list is this fine fellow, who I tracked back to his blog to share:
Reusable Bag Roundup
‘Which reusable bag is your favorite ?’
Still, gotta be… the one I made…:)
http://bit.ly/2e2qDL
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Funny what arrives in the mail
For obvious reasons, I try and figure out, or collect uses for RE:tie.
Helps when folk say... 'but who would use it, and what for?'
So it's nice when things fall in your lap.
Helps when folk say... 'but who would use it, and what for?'
So it's nice when things fall in your lap.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Just needs sharing
Building a windmill in Africa from scrap
No reason why one can't do it here too.
Well, there's planning, of course.
Then there's 'elfinsaftee...
But Afrigadget is a find:)
No reason why one can't do it here too.
Well, there's planning, of course.
Then there's 'elfinsaftee...
But Afrigadget is a find:)
Friday, May 15, 2009
There's talking the talk. But it will always be 'money rules' first.
A new day, a new opportunity. Though I might have forgone any pussy-footing.
When food packaging can reduce climate change gases
Reduction of any consumable will inevitably reduce GHGs.
However, in a consumer society there are pragmatic constraints and limits, and they need to be worked towards.
Other mitigations can include recycling, and it is clear there are many issues surrounding this that can be improved from all sides, though I'd say the public is the only one doing their darndest in the face of some epic finger-pointing distractions from bottom-line driven business and quango-ridden, target-obsessed authorities. About the only binding feature would seem to be bonus-structures.
I had not before heard of Morrisons' Keep It Fresh test and packaging laboratory, and will try and track it down. Some of the insights are already surprising: 'We have found, for example, that wrapping peppers in plastic has no impact on freshness or quality so we have stopped doing it. But wrapping cucumbers in recyclable plastic - a target for anti-packaging campaigners - means they last five times as long.'. My question would be more along the lines of 'why on earth had you then gone to the cost and expense of wrapping those peppers, for so long, until now???'. Ignoring history seems to be a feature of senior types in the news at the moment.
The 'Great Taste Less Waste' campaign is also to be lauded, though I hope the sticker labelling will be clear to an already confused public assaulted by various initiatives.
And for those who do still end up with packaging material, especially plastics, they'd prefer not to throw away, might I direct you to http://www.Junkk.com, which tries to help with reuse ideas. There's even a competition running currently which is trying to motivate through reward... a bit of a novelty in many quarters.
Morrisons may even be inspired to hook up with such a low cost-high benefit initiative.
Though the last time we tried, with them, they said their foyer need to be kept clear of distracting promotions such as sharing the joys of reuse, as customers 'didn't like it'. Ironically the day that rejection email came in was the same our local store felt a conservatory company was actually indeed worthy of the space in question.
There's talking the talk. But it will always be 'money rules' first.
I really hope a PR, and maybe even the author reads this.
When food packaging can reduce climate change gases
Reduction of any consumable will inevitably reduce GHGs.
However, in a consumer society there are pragmatic constraints and limits, and they need to be worked towards.
Other mitigations can include recycling, and it is clear there are many issues surrounding this that can be improved from all sides, though I'd say the public is the only one doing their darndest in the face of some epic finger-pointing distractions from bottom-line driven business and quango-ridden, target-obsessed authorities. About the only binding feature would seem to be bonus-structures.
I had not before heard of Morrisons' Keep It Fresh test and packaging laboratory, and will try and track it down. Some of the insights are already surprising: 'We have found, for example, that wrapping peppers in plastic has no impact on freshness or quality so we have stopped doing it. But wrapping cucumbers in recyclable plastic - a target for anti-packaging campaigners - means they last five times as long.'. My question would be more along the lines of 'why on earth had you then gone to the cost and expense of wrapping those peppers, for so long, until now???'. Ignoring history seems to be a feature of senior types in the news at the moment.
The 'Great Taste Less Waste' campaign is also to be lauded, though I hope the sticker labelling will be clear to an already confused public assaulted by various initiatives.
And for those who do still end up with packaging material, especially plastics, they'd prefer not to throw away, might I direct you to http://www.Junkk.com, which tries to help with reuse ideas. There's even a competition running currently which is trying to motivate through reward... a bit of a novelty in many quarters.
Morrisons may even be inspired to hook up with such a low cost-high benefit initiative.
Though the last time we tried, with them, they said their foyer need to be kept clear of distracting promotions such as sharing the joys of reuse, as customers 'didn't like it'. Ironically the day that rejection email came in was the same our local store felt a conservatory company was actually indeed worthy of the space in question.
There's talking the talk. But it will always be 'money rules' first.
I really hope a PR, and maybe even the author reads this.
Friday, April 17, 2009
One man banned?
I'll have to be careful.
But every time I see one of these...
How hard is it to live plastic-free?
...well-meaning but ultimately endless talkfests on how best to ban stuff with little sense or science on viable reductions, I feel it my duty to pop in a positive to show the joys of reuse.
Maybe it's a male thing, but I feel making something from waste can be every bit as satisfying as just moaning about it.
Mind you, at the moment their direction gets a more empathetic audience, and pays better.
But every time I see one of these...
How hard is it to live plastic-free?
...well-meaning but ultimately endless talkfests on how best to ban stuff with little sense or science on viable reductions, I feel it my duty to pop in a positive to show the joys of reuse.
Maybe it's a male thing, but I feel making something from waste can be every bit as satisfying as just moaning about it.
Mind you, at the moment their direction gets a more empathetic audience, and pays better.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Band of botherers
I was away and hence missed the piece (more nanny nonsense), but here are the replies:
Rubber band harvest
For the rest, there is always... Junkk.com, and RE:tie.
Addendum:
Had to write to the BBC..
Regarding today's recycled 'news' item with, we are sure, a well-paid professional busy-body given airtime on a minor non-issue (rubber bands) at the expense of a bigger one (litter).
Regarding the bands, may we suggest folk just pick 'em up and reuse them.
As to sending them in piecemeal by post, while this may make for a nice story (and help a beleaguered Royal Mail's profits), it might not be the best use of planetary resources, so we'd be hard-pressed to see an eco-value at all.
Rubber band harvest
For the rest, there is always... Junkk.com, and RE:tie.
Addendum:
Had to write to the BBC..
Regarding today's recycled 'news' item with, we are sure, a well-paid professional busy-body given airtime on a minor non-issue (rubber bands) at the expense of a bigger one (litter).
Regarding the bands, may we suggest folk just pick 'em up and reuse them.
As to sending them in piecemeal by post, while this may make for a nice story (and help a beleaguered Royal Mail's profits), it might not be the best use of planetary resources, so we'd be hard-pressed to see an eco-value at all.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
COMPETITION - I think my workload just went up:)
Big news!
And, to some who follow this blog, possibly something you, or your clients, might be interested in, keen on helping with and/or taking part in.
Junkk.com has been approached to take part in/and help with a forthcoming insert regarding plastics and packaging, in a major national quality daily.
Sponsorship/advertising is not my forte, but it really seems a good, low cost, high value opportunity to reach a decent sized audience in a good, if you'll forgive the double entendre, 'environment'. And considering the prestige of the paper and its association with green initiatives, a great way to get the brand out there in an ethically positive way. Possibly a great chance to help cover any investment with increased sales, beyond any CSR, PR benefits alone.
We are also really reaching out to a broad cross section with our PR efforts, especially in the educational arena, from Blue Peter to the Scouts.
Here's a few bits more blurb from the insert creators, Lysonsdown, as sold to me, to hopefully help explain my role and or sweeten the prospects to any who see merit in taking part!
Information about World of Plastics
It’s coinciding with an education supplement day, and as polymers are now part of the National Curriculum, as Prof MacDonald goes round schools with lectures called Plastic Fantastic and the Science Museum has an exhibit running called Plasticity, it would be great to do a reused plastics competition with Junkk.com
It may either be judged by me, or photos could be posted online to attract people to the website to vote for their favourites.
There could be three categories to separate the wacky, aesthetic or futuristic ones from the practical ones. Or maybe its simpler to have one competition with 2 runners up. It would be fantastic to get Blue Peter to let the winner demonstrate how to make their winning prize on TV as it’s totally fitting with ‘Here’s one I made earlier’.
It would be fabulous for this competition to grow into an annual event. It would come with its own trophy ready designed! {I have offered}
An example of this is on a publication carried out called Teleprescence in January.
If any company is in any way keen to develop a reuse role more in advance of or on the back of this, I'd be happy to make the necessary introduction. Let's not forget that such as ecover have uploaded their entire range to the site, plus ideas, and are finding that the additional values of this quirky 'extra' are going down well with green-minded consumers. More so in these credit-crunchy times. Also Poundland have seen value in being associated with Junkk.com in this way.
I looking forward to that chance that something positive, and mutually-rewarding for all, may result. I cannot speak for the overall content (there may be critiques of the role of plastic of course), but I am simply keen to be proactive of the possibilities of what there is the public can engage with now, and maybe inspire more for the future to help all involved.
As we are also now much further advanced with our RE:tie re:evolutionary cap/closure design, if there may be renewed interest that could be drummed up internally in any organisations we've chatted to so far that would be great, especially as we might well see this featured as a designed-in re:use suggestion to help mitigate plastic packaging impacts, whilst offering a win-win-win... to all involved.
Consumers get a freebie (we'd suggest) and a sense of 'green goodness, the planet suffers a little less in the bin/landfill, Govt., LAs & quangos like WRAP smile more on everything from reduced plastic use (through redesignation more than lightweighting) to less litter, and brands not only get CSR and PR opps, but a component that can have many sales and marketing applications.
For me.... I now need to get back in my shed designing... and on my Mac creating! A clone or 36 hr days would help (though I see I might not meet new EU rules there).
Addendum 1 - Things gather pace. It looks like we may now have the 'sweetener' of a prize which, IMHO, always helps things along. Not to mention being in line with our end-benefit, rewards-based mantra. Onward & upward!
And, to some who follow this blog, possibly something you, or your clients, might be interested in, keen on helping with and/or taking part in.
Junkk.com has been approached to take part in/and help with a forthcoming insert regarding plastics and packaging, in a major national quality daily.
Sponsorship/advertising is not my forte, but it really seems a good, low cost, high value opportunity to reach a decent sized audience in a good, if you'll forgive the double entendre, 'environment'. And considering the prestige of the paper and its association with green initiatives, a great way to get the brand out there in an ethically positive way. Possibly a great chance to help cover any investment with increased sales, beyond any CSR, PR benefits alone.
We are also really reaching out to a broad cross section with our PR efforts, especially in the educational arena, from Blue Peter to the Scouts.
Here's a few bits more blurb from the insert creators, Lysonsdown, as sold to me, to hopefully help explain my role and or sweeten the prospects to any who see merit in taking part!
Information about World of Plastics
It’s coinciding with an education supplement day, and as polymers are now part of the National Curriculum, as Prof MacDonald goes round schools with lectures called Plastic Fantastic and the Science Museum has an exhibit running called Plasticity, it would be great to do a reused plastics competition with Junkk.com
It may either be judged by me, or photos could be posted online to attract people to the website to vote for their favourites.
There could be three categories to separate the wacky, aesthetic or futuristic ones from the practical ones. Or maybe its simpler to have one competition with 2 runners up. It would be fantastic to get Blue Peter to let the winner demonstrate how to make their winning prize on TV as it’s totally fitting with ‘Here’s one I made earlier’.
It would be fabulous for this competition to grow into an annual event. It would come with its own trophy ready designed! {I have offered}
An example of this is on a publication carried out called Teleprescence in January.
If any company is in any way keen to develop a reuse role more in advance of or on the back of this, I'd be happy to make the necessary introduction. Let's not forget that such as ecover have uploaded their entire range to the site, plus ideas, and are finding that the additional values of this quirky 'extra' are going down well with green-minded consumers. More so in these credit-crunchy times. Also Poundland have seen value in being associated with Junkk.com in this way.
I looking forward to that chance that something positive, and mutually-rewarding for all, may result. I cannot speak for the overall content (there may be critiques of the role of plastic of course), but I am simply keen to be proactive of the possibilities of what there is the public can engage with now, and maybe inspire more for the future to help all involved.
As we are also now much further advanced with our RE:tie re:evolutionary cap/closure design, if there may be renewed interest that could be drummed up internally in any organisations we've chatted to so far that would be great, especially as we might well see this featured as a designed-in re:use suggestion to help mitigate plastic packaging impacts, whilst offering a win-win-win... to all involved.
Consumers get a freebie (we'd suggest) and a sense of 'green goodness, the planet suffers a little less in the bin/landfill, Govt., LAs & quangos like WRAP smile more on everything from reduced plastic use (through redesignation more than lightweighting) to less litter, and brands not only get CSR and PR opps, but a component that can have many sales and marketing applications.
For me.... I now need to get back in my shed designing... and on my Mac creating! A clone or 36 hr days would help (though I see I might not meet new EU rules there).
Addendum 1 - Things gather pace. It looks like we may now have the 'sweetener' of a prize which, IMHO, always helps things along. Not to mention being in line with our end-benefit, rewards-based mantra. Onward & upward!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
The Re-hiearchy, and who rules? With what?
How much Co2 in a Coke?
And how much PR, CSR and sales from ADDING reuse to the deal.
Of those listed, two are tamper-evident users. Coke of course owns Oasis, which is applicable, too.
RE:tie anyone?
That said, I do wonder if any consumer will really get their heads around all these numbers as they peruse the aisles. So.... maybe having a freebie with an end-benefit built-in may add to the appeal?
And how much PR, CSR and sales from ADDING reuse to the deal.
Of those listed, two are tamper-evident users. Coke of course owns Oasis, which is applicable, too.
RE:tie anyone?
That said, I do wonder if any consumer will really get their heads around all these numbers as they peruse the aisles. So.... maybe having a freebie with an end-benefit built-in may add to the appeal?
Friday, February 13, 2009
Can Can.... er... 't?
The internet can be useful. Especially at putting you right quickly.
Just now I shared a reuse 'tip' from the site, which has proven quite popular, on another site seeking such.
It's a lid from a cream pot that clips on larger food cans, as a substitute for the bought variety.
Seems I may have committed a boo-boo.
Here I was interested in reuse, when 'elf & safety might trump that.
Here's the Food Standards view on it.
I think, for our purposes, we'll stick with the 1/2 day window in the can. We've done a lot worse.
Just now I shared a reuse 'tip' from the site, which has proven quite popular, on another site seeking such.
It's a lid from a cream pot that clips on larger food cans, as a substitute for the bought variety.
Seems I may have committed a boo-boo.
Here I was interested in reuse, when 'elf & safety might trump that.
Here's the Food Standards view on it.
I think, for our purposes, we'll stick with the 1/2 day window in the can. We've done a lot worse.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Shanzai!
The name is reason enough to share.
More Shanzhai madness!
Now the piece itself is not exactly complimentary, but in principle I am on board with (some of)the positive aspects inherent in making stuff out of other stuff.
Also a good opportunity for a punt, not that many others seem to have picked up on it.
More Shanzhai madness!
Now the piece itself is not exactly complimentary, but in principle I am on board with (some of)the positive aspects inherent in making stuff out of other stuff.
Also a good opportunity for a punt, not that many others seem to have picked up on it.
Friday, November 14, 2008
IDEA - It is art...
...but as I have four rescued from my garden, can't a way be found to reuse them?
Artist creates sculptures from hubcaps
Maybe a central community drop off 'lost 'n found', say at a local garage forecourt, to let folk see if they can retrieve them... and make a charity donation as a thank you?
A new mission!
Artist creates sculptures from hubcaps
Maybe a central community drop off 'lost 'n found', say at a local garage forecourt, to let folk see if they can retrieve them... and make a charity donation as a thank you?
A new mission!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Nods all round
(well, except for the obit on my theoretical day job)
Advertising is Dead, Long Live Packaging
Works for me!
May I suggest a slight addition?
It's in light of the perceived negatives of packaging environmentally. There is now a fair old desire, if not demand, by consumers for brands to up their game in this regard, pushed by media and legislative bodies as well.
Hence... think reuse! Trust me, be it 'accidental' but most certainly when designed in (Junkk.com is getting more and more great examples daily), there are opportunities aplenty for fun and profit all round. Plus the planet doesn't do too badly either:) Win, win... win...
Advertising is Dead, Long Live Packaging
Works for me!
May I suggest a slight addition?
It's in light of the perceived negatives of packaging environmentally. There is now a fair old desire, if not demand, by consumers for brands to up their game in this regard, pushed by media and legislative bodies as well.
Hence... think reuse! Trust me, be it 'accidental' but most certainly when designed in (Junkk.com is getting more and more great examples daily), there are opportunities aplenty for fun and profit all round. Plus the planet doesn't do too badly either:) Win, win... win...
Friday, April 11, 2008
Smokin'!
Carbon emissions to be turned into CDs
Hey, if it works as billed, what’s not to like?
So long as the energy used in reprocessing adds up, I’m sure if the resultant raw material is reliable then many re:uses can be found.
Thumbs up from here on what’s been shared so far!
Hey, if it works as billed, what’s not to like?
So long as the energy used in reprocessing adds up, I’m sure if the resultant raw material is reliable then many re:uses can be found.
Thumbs up from here on what’s been shared so far!
Friday, February 08, 2008
Plugging away!
When it comes to doing good by Gaia, glory is good, but I'm always keen to up the ante to actaul, tangibel re:wards: The glory of glass recycling
In the spirit of ‘every little helps’, and acknowledging the minute (though still relevant) extra it may contribute, let's not also forget re:use, too!
Not so great for helping meet targets, but often a lower energy option... and a highly self-rewarding one!
Take this for example, a stunning lamp design made from Perrier bottles:
http://www.junkk.com/newsarticle.asp?slevel=0z608&parent_id=608&renleewtsapf=97
Inspired by Jason, I have a few more modest projects underway. One is a shaving mirror surround that is awaiting the dozen Fahrenheit after shave bottles I have almost accrued in the last several years (I knew I'd find a use one day! However you may find your local Boots may be able to speed things up with discarded testers), a transparent wall section from 1l Lambs Navy Rum hexagonal bottles, and a solar-powered driveway buried lawn edge night landing system covered with wine bottles.
Still trying to figure what to do with the several thousand other varieties now spilling into the living room which the missus is none to happy about.
Any ideas?
Actually, I forgot to mention I am also looking for some on pledge caps (the cans are a no-no, being pressurised).
In the spirit of ‘every little helps’, and acknowledging the minute (though still relevant) extra it may contribute, let's not also forget re:use, too!
Not so great for helping meet targets, but often a lower energy option... and a highly self-rewarding one!
Take this for example, a stunning lamp design made from Perrier bottles:
http://www.junkk.com/newsarticle.asp?slevel=0z608&parent_id=608&renleewtsapf=97
Inspired by Jason, I have a few more modest projects underway. One is a shaving mirror surround that is awaiting the dozen Fahrenheit after shave bottles I have almost accrued in the last several years (I knew I'd find a use one day! However you may find your local Boots may be able to speed things up with discarded testers), a transparent wall section from 1l Lambs Navy Rum hexagonal bottles, and a solar-powered driveway buried lawn edge night landing system covered with wine bottles.
Still trying to figure what to do with the several thousand other varieties now spilling into the living room which the missus is none to happy about.
Any ideas?
Actually, I forgot to mention I am also looking for some on pledge caps (the cans are a no-no, being pressurised).
Thursday, February 07, 2008
EVENT - ECOPACK '08
I can't believe it has taken me this long to post this up.Probably one of the biggest events we're taking part in so far, with hopefully major benefits for the cuases of both the RE:tie and Junkk.com message of second use design.
MONTH - Next
FIELD: Enviro-related
WHEN: 12-13 March
WHAT: ECOPACK '08 (and Packaging Innovations)
WHAT... MORE?: Does what it says on the... er... pack. The premier UK trade event for what can, and should, come in the world of packaging. Note that in addition to 'Innovation' they also are talking 'ECO'. Of course, some can honestly, if immodestly, make the claim to be both.
WHERE: NEC, Brum
WHO: Me!!!!!! I have just been asked to be a speaker on both days, which is a genuine honour and real endorsement of the concept. Now all I have to do is figure out what to say!!!
HOW: As far as I'm aware, it's free if you register.
URL: http://www.easyfairs.com/shows/detail.aspx?ShowID=464
COMMENTS: It's a trade event, so you'd need to be pretty keen on your packaging to go just for general public interest. But the Junkk.com stand is ready and waiting to tickle your fancy!!!!
This is posted as a new blog feature.
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