The concept of recycling is to be able to make use of old things that are considered by some to be disposable and then find a way to re-use it. Apparently, this concept works with old car parts and accessories as well. Instead of occupying space at your neighborhood junk shop, car parts can still be used to create something new and unique. Several artists and designers have decided to give recycling a whole new twist by utilizing these “spare parts” in coming up with products and accessories for everyday use.

Scott Sulivan, for example, makes lamps and coasters using clutch and shift gears. Previously a furniture designer- turned-lighting designer, his unique designs can be seen at his website http://solderman.com. Allison Strine, a mixed-media artist, is able to come up and design pendant charms and key chains just by using a combination of vintage license plates and fabric. Her collection of charms and key chains can be seen and purchased at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=51268. Designer Renee Christopher on the other hand, creates handbags by using tire inner tubes of cars and trucks along with nails and scrap wood. Her designs are showcased at her website, http://hardwearbyrenee.com/.  Sculptor Armando Ramirez comes up with mini-statues and replicas just by using materials such as spark plugs, sheet metals and bicycle gears. His works are currently being sold at Novica.com (http://www.novica.com/artistdetail/index.cfm?faid=4923/). Even Passchal (http://passchal.com), a brain child of ex-welder Ken Kobrick and inventor Angela Greene, has decided to jump into the fray by selling bags made up of old car parts which is displayed in their web site.

It’s refreshing to know that there are still some people out there who are able to find ways to make a difference in keeping our society as clean and green as possible by making use of things that other people have no need of.

Sources: thetruthaboutcars.com,  The Wall Street Journal