Muji Recycles
by Bonnie Alter, London 
on 10.30.06
Muji is japanese for "no brand quality goods" and that is what this stylish, affordably priced chain of stores sells across Japan, Asia, and Europe (and in the Museum of Modern Art in New York). Established in Japan in 1980, where it is now ubiquitous, the company’s basic principle is to "develop new, simple products at reasonable prices by making the best use of materials while considering environmental issues." Clothing, housewares, furniture and office supplies are all good quality, simply-designed, contain no overt brand markings, and little or no packaging in their displays or sales. In keeping with their environmental ethos, they have now created a series of tee-shirts, camisoles, socks and duvet covers out of recycled yarn. The floppy elephant toy (pictured) is joined by a dino, and a crocodile, bunny, giraffe and finger puppets. The yarn is made of waste cotton collected from cotton production factories. The fibres are separated and re-spun, but no sorting has been carried out so there are wonderful random patterns. And each item is unique. Because there is no re-dying involved, the amount of pollutants and energy consumption is reduced. :: Muji
Follow @TreeHugger on Twitter & get our headlines with @TH_rss!
Thirsty for more? Check out these related articles:
- Forget Going Green Because It's the Right Thing to Do—Go Green to Make Your Neighbors Jealous
- Green Glossary: Planet Bike
- Trust Stella McCartney: Meat-Free Mondays are Hip, not Hippie!
- Mister Miyagi's Guide to Going Green: 5 Questions to Always Ask to Think Green and Be Green
- How To Make Modern Art From an Old Canvas and Videotape
- Backyard Chickens Make Unexpected Bug Control
I've been to one of these stores in Japan. They are really good, they even have a selection of foodstuffs.