It seems like now, more than ever, people are paying attention to the environment, and they are showing this by recycling and choosing more eco-friendly options.  Reduce, reuse, and recycle.  This is what some artists are doing by making a living selling art that they made out of waste.

Anouk Zijlma showed off some great pieces of recycled art she purchased while visiting Cape Town, South Africa.  There were a variety of different objects made from soda cans, plastic bottles, barbed wire, chip bags, bottle caps, metal scraps, etc.  These pieces of art make great souvenirs, and they all work, even the radio and the pen!

Radio with casing made from beer cans, bottle caps, and wire. © Michael Daecher

Flower pen made from soda cans. © Michael Daecher

Toy guitar made from soda cans and wire. © Michael Daecher

Angel made from soda cans, steel wool, and wire. © Michael Daecher

Car made from soda cans, plastic bottles, bottle tops, and wire. © Michael Daecher

Cow made from plastic can and bottle tops. © Michael Daecher

Toy motorbike made from soda cans, barbed wire, spray can tops (wheels), and plastic tubing. © Michael Daecher

Crocodile made from insect repellent can. © Michael Daecher

Placemat made from chip bags, sticks, and black thread. © Michael Daecher

Flower made from soda cans and barbed wire. © Michael Daecher

Not only do these pieces of art help reduce waste, but they make great souvenirs.  Since she bought these in South Africa, the waste used can remind her of her trip and the brands of food and drinks that were available there.  By reusing and recycling these materials, less waste is being generated, which is better for the environment.  Give one as a creative gift and show that you know what it means to recycle.