I mean that in a nice way. Heath Nash was not alone in the inspiring use of discarded objects otherwise destined to be trash. This is what else I tracked down in the recycle-me design dept at last weeks Design Indaba.

As mentioned before, there were the carry-bags made from previously functional billboards. I didn't realise billboards were printed on a type of plasticized canvas. The material is obviously vast and before the Tswelopele Project came along it would end up in landfill. Phanuel, one of the Tswelopele project workers was at the expo and he went to great lengths to inform me all about the project. Each item is unique, handmade and pretty cool. There was also a couch covered in billboard fabric and bags of different designs.

Noko Designs by Bethuel Mapheto continued the recycled bottle tops theme with his funky bottle cap clocks, fridge magnets, broches and wall hangings. He did let on, though, that he now buys his bottle tops new (20c each) instead of saving old ones from the trash as his customers demand pristine looking objects. Kind of defeats the whole purpose, don't ya think?

I found the Woolworths' "Making the difference through design" display thought provoking and a brilliant example of young innovation (unleashed by grade 10 to 12 learners). The "crate a classroom" was a collection of cooldrink bottle crates that had been transformed into everyday objects such as microwaves, stoves, washing machines, dolls houses and go-carts that could be used to teach young children using play. There were also fashion garments made from PPC cement bags and old nylon stockings and plastic brick chairs made from recycling cooldrink bottle tops.

The chewing gum wall by the Art & Design College of Cape Town was an interesting take on what to do once you've stopped chewing.

There was also a "bucket sculpture" consisting of a tower of stacked plastic laundery baskets and buckets, some inverted and lit up inside. Not art for your lounge, but it made you think differently about everyday plastic objects.

Phumani Paper, based in Gauteng, displayed a collection of "Nguni tower vessels", candle holders, frames, vases and cardboard boxes all made from recycled paper. Very chic.

But that's not all folks: next post will highlight some other cool designs - still with a green theme of course.