So many potentially beautiful things are thrown away every day. As a self- labeled tree hugger, I not only want to keep these things out of landfills and natural areas, I also want to take advantage of the positive aspects of trash: its durability, as it’s not meant to biodegrade; and of the colors and textures we take for granted as we toss it into the bin.

I make purses, totes, and other accessories from recycled plastics and repurposed fabrics. I focus on using hard-to-recycle items like plastic shopping bags and food packaging that very few conventional recycling facilities deal with. Instead of becoming landfill- fodder, I give them second life as durable and beautiful wearable art. Not only is my line made of 99% recycled materials, they are produced in a home workshop that is powered by wind, and the materials are prepared for reuse with eco-friendly cleaning products such as Ecos and Seventh Generation.