Inflatable Floats and Decorations Creative Reuse
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Around the world, purchases of inflatable toys, decorations and pools have increased dramatically as people try to enjoy the warm weather while social distancing. The Washington Post reported that “the inflatable pool is the official symbol of America’s lost summer.” While these items may bring us feelings of joy and celebration, they come at a great cost. They are never produced in a sustainable way. They break easily and are rarely recycled. They are difficult to creative reuse. Today’s episode explores companies that do creatively reuse inflatables as well as artists who incorporate them into installations.
Joy and Inflatable, Round, Colorful Objects
Ingrid Fetell Lee’s TED Talk on the aesthetics of joy
Vinyl Recycling Facilities in North America
Wyatt & Jack
This UK-based company makes imaginative and fun bags from upcycled inflatable beach toys.
(Update in March 2023 – Wyatt & Jack has now closed its doors.)
Hear more about Wyatt & Jack in this podcast interview on Sustainable(ish).
mimycri
Great interview with the founder of mimycri on the Green Berlin podcast
Nick Cave
Nick creatively reuses many materials in his work. In 2019, he made an exhibit and community event in Boston from inflatable lawn decorations.
Erik Scollon
Erik did an artist residency at the Recology program in San Francisco where he made items found in the landfill there. He made inflatable balloons from recycled jackets.
Tutorials to Make Your Own Recycled Inflatables
Trash Fashion & Costumes from Inflatables
Junk Kouture outfit called Swimming in Plastic
Alligator inflatable made into trash fashion