Rip it up and start again
The many colours of green
We reviewed a Heys’ spinner 4WD in February; now we’re giving one away in the inaugural issue of Medicine on the Move (go to doctorsreview.com to submit a ballot). Yes, it’s our favourite company for travel bags. Pushing a Heys spinner around an airport the size of a small city simply cuts out a lot of stress. These bags last, they’re affordable and Heys is a Canadian company. Here’s more to like: Heys’ Eco line of spinners is made of 100 percent recycled plastic. You can buy them in a set of three ($370-390, depending on style, strap included) or individually starting at around $100 for the 21” EcoCase. The 21” will fit everything you’ll need for a few days of conferencing and even the preschool members of your travelling party could get it through turnstiles. heys.ca.
Plastic fantastic?
Okay, no. But at least some outdoor clothing companies like Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) are taking a genuine stab at recycling. Their approach seems built more on sound business than gimmicks: 2011 ended with MEC producing 19 percent of its clothing from high-grade waste plastic — the plastic has to be clear to be recycled. That translates into 169 styles of base layers, long underwear, shirts and jackets made from 100 percent polyester or a polyester blend, usually mixed with organic cotton. The Pinna Jacket is a stylish cycling windbreaker made of 100 recycled polyester ($59); it’s good in the city (it has reflective piping) and useful for travelling (it folds into itself as a pouch). The Opti Short-Sleeved Top for women is $27 and made of 85 percent recycled polyester and 15 percent organically grown cotton and is great for hiking. mec.ca.
On your marks, offset, go
Expect to see more recycled footwear this year now that the likes of Olympic sponsors Adidas and New Balance are converting used water bottles into polyester. Proper soles have a ways to go in terms of technology, but if you see a pair of grey runners on the street, chances are the tops are made from recycled plastics. New Balance's NewSKY 01 claim to be made from 95 percent recycled bottles. They go for $US90. newbalance.com.
This article was accurate when it was published. Please confirm rates and details directly with the companies in question.
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