As the governments and environmental agencies continue to debate on the fate of the trusty plastic carrier bag, one UK-founded jewellery company is tackling the issue of ‘plastic waste’ with art rather than taxes.
Established in 2001 by Anna Roebuck in her aim to “create desirable, accessible objects from everyday waste” while helping people in poverty, the Bags2Riches Company make jewellery items and interior decorations from recycled plastic carrier bags.
The successful collection has collected many awards over the years, and after a “long negotiation” process with globally renowned aid and development charity Oxfam, Ms Roebuck will soon be selling her recycled plastic wares in Oxfam charity shops across the country.
Due to an increase in demand for recycled plastic art, Anna has collaborated with Indian Fair Trade Manufacturer Asha Handicrafts to help support poorer individuals working on landfill sites. A percentage of the proceeds made from Bags2Riches jewellery will help people in poverty, and as it helps tackle the world’s plastic waste problem, it is a win-win solution for everyone involved.
Having satisfied the stringent ethical guidelines set by Oxfam, the Bags2Riches jewellery range that includes necklaces, earrings, chokers and cuffs, will be available in many UK Oxfam stores from September 2012, with RRP’s at around £6.00.
In addition to the jewellery collection, Bags2Riches has developed a stunning collection of lamps, shades and light art for the home, and every item is made from plastic carrier bags or other waste items that were heading for the landfill.
As there are still too few carrier bag recycling points available in the UK, Ms Roebuck suggests we return our unwanted plastic carrier bags to Tesco’s, or send them directly to her as “bright interesting colours are always gratefully received”.
It just goes to show, “One man’s trash really is another man’s treasure”, and so why not recycle your plastic carrier bags and make something beautiful!
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