Business Idea of the Day

Inhabitat: Talk about re-cycling! This simple and elegant alternative Christmas tree in Bermondsey Square , London is made out of 35 wheels from old bikes, and has been delighting passers-by with its unconventional looks. Designed by Sarah Wigglesworth Architects, the tree is a very fitting symbol of sustainability on a worldwide scale – especially since the wheels making up the design are borrowed from U.K. charity Re-Cycle which collects recyclable bike parts to restore old bicycles and ships them to Africa to be used for transportation by local people and health workers fighting the AIDS epidemic. David Roberts, deputy chief executive of igloo, the developers who commissioned the recycled tree said: “The Bermondsey Square tree not only looks great; it can be used year after year. Recycled Christmas Tree Made of Bike Wheels! [Inhabitat]

Springwise: The U.S. government’s Cash for Clunkers program may have come to an end, but for bicyclists in Portland, Ore., the opportunities have just begun. Local bike vendor Joe Bike has launched its own Cash for Clunkers program whereby consumers can donate an old car or bike in exchange for discounts on a new utility bike and a Zipcar membership, among other benefits. To unload an old car, consumers begin by donating their vehicle to the American Lung Association, which will tow it away for free

Designers have gone beyond simply creating eco-items that won’t harm our environment. They have begun to express their ecological & social protests through their products. Their creations are scornful reactions to the destructive environmental acts of the past and present that have affected countless members of society. Specifically, design company Vipp and supermodel Helena Christensen (both Danish) have expressed their social-environmental concerns by taking design to an incredibly praiseworthy place. Trashcans created by lead designers were auctioned off to raise money for the children affected by the Chernobyl disaster (CCPI-Chernobyl Children’s Project International) , and for the impoverished individuals of New York City (Foodbank) at the opening of the Vipp showroom in New York

Designers have gone beyond simply creating eco-items that won’t harm our environment. They have begun to express their ecological & social protests through their products. Their creations are scornful reactions to the destructive environmental acts of the past and present that have affected countless members of society. Specifically, design company Vipp and supermodel Helena Christensen (both Danish) have expressed their social-environmental concerns by taking design to an incredibly praiseworthy place. Trashcans created by lead designers were auctioned off to raise money for the children affected by the Chernobyl disaster (CCPI-Chernobyl Children’s Project International) , and for the impoverished individuals of New York City (Foodbank) at the opening of the Vipp showroom in New York.