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A few facts:

• Two million plastic bottles are used in the U.S. every ten minutes and 51 billion plastic bottles go into landfills annually.
• The 51 billion plastic bottles in U.S. landfills end-to-end would wrap around the earth 5 times.
• It will take 700 years before plastic bottles in landfills start to decompose.

Such depressing facts, yet thanks to recycling efforts PET bottles are finding their way out of the landfill and onto the runway. Recycling has never been so fashionable.

Vegan handbag maker Matt&Nat’s 21 water bottle initiative highlights their commitment to social responsibility and to the environment; all linings are made from recycled plastic water bottles. A message inside of each bag will let you know exactly how many bottles were recycled to produce your accessory.

Artist Leonor Mendoza, the founder and artist of Engage Green, is an award winning artist whose work is part of the Art Museum of the Americas permanent collection in Washington DC. Her Engage Green Recycled Plastic is a high-quality polyester fiber made from 100% PETE bottles, post-consumer. Approximate 18 used plastic bottles of 16 oz. make 1 yard of fabric for bags like this yoga bag.

This lead the way for other surf companies, like Rip Curl. They have a bikini and boardshort line that are made from recycled PET (plastic bottles), and feature organic-inspired artwork. The ‘eco’ factor is important to Rip Curl, and the design team is looking to expand on this in coming ranges.

Then last year Brooklyn-based fashion designer Bodkin made eco-fashionistas shake with glee when she debuted this Plastic Dress made from 100% post consumer recycled PET mesh. Leading the way for more recycled PET in the mainstream.

Photo: Courtesy of Moncler

Most recently, Pharrell Williams has become part owner of Bionic Yarn, a New York-based textile manufacturer that produces premium yarns and fabrics derived from recycled plastic beverage bottles. This vest is from an upcoming collection by Moncler (designed by Williams). Next time you finish that bottle of water, imagine its fashionable future!!