I’m old enough to remember when Beta video machines met their demise and were taken over by the VHS systems. We swore that this technology would last forever, yet before too long it was superseded by DVDs, and later Blu-Ray discs. While I lament the loss of tapes, with their grainy images and need for rewinding, I also mourn the way they’re cluttering landfill.
But one company is putting these retro icons to good use, utilizing their video tape to create simple woven handbags. The tape is woven with cotton yarn to create accessories which are as green as they are practical.
Okay, so the styling of these handbags isn’t exactly going to set the fashion world alight. But the story behind the bags is much more compelling. They’re made by young people with special needs in India. The project gives these youths the vocational education they need to carve out a productive life for themselves, no matter what their disabilities and limitations. The young people work in fair trade conditions, so you know your money is being used to better their lives.
These video tape bags are simple, but at $25 a piece I’m not looking for high end fashion. You can get one through the Uncommon Goods website.
[Source: Uncommon Goods website]
