Kylie Jenner called it in 2015: 2016 was going to be a year of “like, realizing things.” For me, it has extended until 2017 when I mostly became more mindful of how I consume the resources around me, and honestly, I’m still learning. There have been alarming environmental issues for the past few months and I can’t just be another burden.
One thing we can do, albeit small in the general scheme of things, is recycling and upcycling waste materials. And if you’re planning to revitalize your space with new furniture items sustainably next year, there are shops you can buy upcycled products from instead of entirely new ones. Why don’t we try them this coming 2018?
Vitrum Upcycled Bottles and Crafts
Buy your next tabletop lamps, candle holders, and other lighting fixtures at Vitrum, the brainchild of artist Ian Martinez Sarra. Its products are made from used materials such as empty wine and beer bottles and copper wires. All are also cut and assembled by hand. Vitrum promises its customers that every piece they buy is unique as it doesn’t create any duplicate.
Visit them at The Craft Central (SM North EDSA and Greenbelt 5), Common Room (Alabang Town Center and Katipunan Ave., Quezon City), A. Venue Mall in Makati, 10A Alabama St. in Quezon City, A & G Style Cafe in Dasmarinas, Cavite, and Legazpi Sunday Market in Makati.
Aside from offering bespoke furniture, Upcycle Manila also gives another life to worn out pieces by refurbishing them. If you’re also in need of home-styling services, it’s the shop to coordinate with.
Visit their showroom at Stall CB 90, Level 2, Bldg. C, Tiendesitas in Pasig where you can easily buy ready-made furniture and fixtures.
The Cristal Project was established in 2014 by bottle collector Ron Cristal. What started out as a hobby became a business when he started joining in bazaars. Now, the shop sells glass tumblers, bottle clocks, pots for indoor plants, and soy scented candles in cut liquor bottles.
Visit the store at Common Room in Katipunan and Wander Space in Maginhawa, Quezon City.
Gabrienne’s Home Accessories and Decor
This shop reuses pinewood and upcycles them into tasteful, rustic wood art. The people behind also accept commissions for your homes, even for wedding reception furnishings, and other events.
Scroll through their gallery on Instagram and Facebook to know more about the products and designs they produce.
Plastic, especially when it’s already used, is a pain in the ass. But interior designer Willie Garcia, the woman behind Junk Not, makes the waste kinda better by incorporating them into furniture. Now the shop sells chairs and stools with seats made from roped plastic waste, as well as pillow cases like on the photo above. The products are also crafted by a community supported by the brand.
Visit their website or Instagram account for inquiries.
Header image courtesy of Twitter User @TalkativeAko
Read more:
Decluttering for 2018? Here’s what to do with pre-loved items
Why millennials have no room for heirloom furniture
Five home trends to watch out for in 2018