Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Garbage Island + Upcycled Hair Candy


When you get a chance, you should definitely check out this video on Garbage Island. I was absolutely disgusted that in this day and age, pollution of this magnitude is able to fly. Furthermore, I find it quite disheartening that this hasn't been reported more. And honestly, it made me a little more aware of how complacent I have become when it comes to recycling.

For those of you that haven't heard about Garbage Island [as I didn't until recently], it's a buildup of trash in the Pacific Ocean so massive, it's the size of [or bigger than] Texas, CNN has describe this floating island as "Chemical Soup". According to studies, approximately 100k sea mammals die each year as a result of this floating debris. Toothbrushes, syringes, toys, and cigarette lighters have been found in the stomach's of dead animals that feast on the trash, as oftentimes they mistake it for food.

I honestly don't know what the answer is. Should the government regulate the production of plastics? Should we force everyone to recycle? It's definitely a touchy subject for some. However I know we can all start somewhere by doing our part, no matter how small it may seem. Start by recycling, and supporting artisans and businesses that sell upcycled goods!

I found Catherinette, a really fab artisan on Etsy [I love that place], that sells the cutest leather hair candy, cuffs, and belt buckles!
You can also create your own upcycled hair candy using some of the techniques from my previous tutorials [You can attach some flower rosettes made out of recylced clothing to headbands etc]. I made the headbands below using strips of jersey fabric [I braided them together, and used a glue gun to secure each edge].

You can make big thick headbands, or tiny ones. The size is determined by the width of the fabric strips you cut. Take some of those old tee's that you didn't want to throw away and make cute little headbands for you and some friends. My buddy Lo definitely has some coming to her!

10 comments:

  1. I luv Etsy too! Those accessories are beautiful. Girl, you are so inspiring. I'm going to make some of those jersey headbands. I have tons of old t-shirts lying around but they're not in any fun colors. Guess I have an excuse to hit up the thrift shops for some. Lol.

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  2. awesome awesome post!! what did you do do your hair today its so gorgeous and extra curly looking!

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  3. You are so classy and beautiful from what I have seen thus far in your photos. You are very photogenic.

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  4. Watched the video clip!!! That was awesome, and as well informative--- its crazy to imagine trash the size of texas just swirling around in the ocean for animals to be polluted with

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  5. Nice pieces.... I also love the e/s you have on. What is it?

    http://makeupbykim-porter.com

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  6. Wow, I never heard of this before but it is heart breaking and gross!! I grew up in a family that is big on recycling so its in my nature but I wish more ppl did! Thanks for the heads up!

    www.californiabetty.blogspot.com

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  7. @Milan I am going to have to buy some of those headbands! I love them! Thank you! It took all of 15 minutes to make all three!

    @sky Thank you! I kinda felt like I had a jheri curl though LOL - I shampooed my hair, then plopped Eco Styler Gel in it!

    @Anonymous Thank you! :-)

    @Encourage and Uplift Thanks!

    @Anonymous I know right! I couldn't believe it when I saw it. Thanks for watching :-)

    @Makeup by Kim Porter Thank you! I have on three different shadows. I have Rule by MAC on my lid, covered with Orange [also by MAC]. The shimmery color near the crease is the lighter shadow in the Nars Isolde Eyeshadow Quad.

    @Holly Sanders Isn't it terrible? :-/ I know I am guilty of not recycling as much as I should have. After watching this, I will definitely make sure I am more conscious of my carbon footprint.

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  8. wow she looks like Gabrielle Union... Dam this is a good lookin blog..I plan for my blog to look as good as this in the future

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  9. I love the headbands they are cute. I will also try to make some too.

    http://junglebarbie.com

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