Alabama Sawyer X Community on the Rise Collaboration
Have you ever wondered what happens to those plastic number fives once you toss them into the recycling bin? Some municipalities collect them, but many bundles of number fives sit waiting for a buyer or are shipped to countries that accept American "recycling."
Many places do not accept number fives at all.
Alabama Sawyer loved the way Community on the Rise was providing jobs to a hard to survivors and reusing valuable waste. They make ornaments and jewelry and other fun products for sale.
Alabama Sawyer always loved the concept, but wanted to collaborate to elevate the product.
Community on the Rise collects from members of Birmingham community, cleans and shreds the recycled number fives, turning them into a colorful, raw material. Their new raw material looks similar to "virgin" plastic before it is melted into bottles and canisters (and car parts). These shredded plastics are then melted down and transformed into vibrant, colorful panels that Alabama Sawyer mills into the bases of urban wood trays.
By incorporating recycled number fives into their urban wood trays, Alabama Sawyer not only creates visually striking pieces but also promotes sustainability and environmental consciousness. Each tray tells a story of transformation and renewal, showcasing the potential of recycled materials in high-quality craftsmanship.
You might recognize your Gain bin here.
A Sustainable Collaboration
The collaboration between Community on the Rise and Alabama Sawyer is a shining example of how creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand. By working together, these two organizations are able to create unique, eco-friendly products that not only look beautiful but also carry a powerful message about the importance of recycling and repurposing materials and the power of work.
Next time you see a plastic number five, you might just think of the colorful urban wood trays that it could become. This collaboration proves that with a little creativity and innovation, even the most unlikely materials can be transformed into something truly special.