This blog has posted about artists incorporating abandoned and torn tarps into artwork, but, for the average consumer, what can you do to prevent tarps from becoming litter? An article on Transport News Network about reusing truck tarps suggests donating any truck tarps to a company called Freitag, a handbag and accessories brand in Switzerland that manufacturers certain fashion accessories from recycled materials. Going to their website, Freitag is able to transform old tarps into handbags and messenger bags and, from other recycled materials, the straps on these bags are created.
So, what can a ripped tarp turn into? One look at the website gives a preview of the various products designed from tarps.
Over the past ten years, recycled and organic fashion has become somewhat more prominent, and handbags in particular have gotten this recycled treatment. From old license plates to discarded Capri Sun juice bags, a variety of items can be sewn or melted together to form a handbag or other fashion items. As another step in going green, purchasing handbags made from reused or recycled materials like tarps allows non-perishable materials to be used again and stay out of landfills.
But what if you’re not the fashion-forward type and could care less about handbags? Although the messenger and business bags made from recycled tarps are appropriate for both sexes, if your tarps, either truck tarps or from a portable garage, become worn, torn, or generally unusable, giving it to Freitag (and getting some cash back for your old tarps) is one option instead of throwing out your old tarps and having them end up in landfills. The first article lists all colored tarps Freitag is looking for but, even if you have blue or silver tarps, contacting them to submit your old tarps is worthwhile.
