A dress made of soda cans may be on the top of my list as most unusual fashion statements. No, she couldn’t dance very well in it, but she was considered to be an innovator and an artist. She submitted her creation to school-related contests and traveled across the country to show off her creativity.

But I ask you, does that really count as eco-friendly? There are a lot of ‘artwork’ considered interesting that deals with everyday trash–pop tabs, bottle tops, glass bottles, plastic bags, etc. However, what happens to these pieces of art? They are usually thrown in the trash as well. I agree they are cute, and usually very creative, but what use is it after the initial oohhing and awwing has worn off? You set it on display tables and let it gather dust. Or take up space in an attic.

There is one item I thought was very useful. The purse made out of plastic shopping bags. It took over 20 bags to make one cute little purse. I saw a woman using one and it did not look like a recycled ‘piece of trash’. It was fairly stylish, although you may want to pair it with sneakers and not high heels.

So the idea of recycling trash is neat–and better than using fresh supplies–but I think it would be better justified if it actually served a purpose as well. Otherwise, we are simply masking the trash with creative beauty.