Great Green Idea: Green Jewelry: Make a Statement by Keep Waste Out of Landfills with Trash-to-Treasure Jewelry and Artwork

Make a Statement by Keep Waste Out of Landfills with Trash-to-Treasure Jewelry and Artwork

We are all unique individuals, with our own sense of style. Concern about the declining health of our environment does not change the fact that we want to be free to express ourselves with jewelry and other artwork in our homes that helps illustrate who we are as people. While one naturally wants to show their individuality with the jewelry they wear and the way they decorate their homes, it can be done in a way that is actually beneficial to the environment.

Green shopping almost seems like an oxymoron because in general, the "greenest" thing you can do is to not buy things. However, there are certain areas where this rule does not necessarily apply, and our personal and home adornments can actually be included in this category.

Often referred to as "trash-to-treasure" artists, their artwork and jewelry created out of discarded items, random bits of what other people refer to as "trash", and other recycled materials, actually remove waste from the waste stream by using discarded materials to create their designs. Do not get the impression that this means art made from empty beer bottles and scraps of food boxes, the artists deserve a lot of credit for the creativity they have employed in finding different media to work with to create works of art.

These pieces are one of a kind, unique, and not like anything you'll find anywhere else. Who would think that a piece of scrap metal could be reworked into a beautiful pendant for a necklace? You would be surprised at the amazing variety of individualized pieces of jewelry are available on the market that are made from things that were originally seen as waste. Why not reuse something and turn it into something useful yet again? This is the basic idea behind the concept of "upcycling", you take something that has little to no value, and you turn it into something that someone wants.

These pieces of jewelry not only allow you to show your individuality, but they also let you send the message that environmentalism is important to you, but you do not have to sacrifice for it. You can wear a beautiful piece of jewelry knowing that your purchase removed something useless from the waste system that was turned into something meaningful and uniquely you.

Trash-to-treasure art is not limited to jewelry by any stretch of the imagination. A number of artists are beginning to work with discarded and other recycled materials for use in their art. From installation art, to sculptures, to things like furniture and tables, there are individuals who specialize in creating these works of art from what was previously discarded junk. The end results is a completely one of a kind piece that is likely to be a conversation starter any time someone visits your home.

Sites like Etsy.com, where individuals can sell the wares they make directly to interest buyers, offer a lot of different recycled and upcycled jewelry and artwork. A quick Google search will bring up listings of the many different companies and individuals who specialize in environmental jewelry design and artwork.

Make a statement about your individuality and your commitment for the betterment of the planet by helping take trash and junk out of the waste system by buying recycled and upcycled artwork and jewelry. These unique, one of a kind pieces, are sure to fit your personality and you can feel good knowing that you are making conscious choices in all your shopping endeavors that show that you care about the planet and are doing your part to reduce your own personal impact on the ailing environment.