You are so invited to join in the unconsumption wiki. Do it! Tips & suggestions: unconsumption@gmail.com Consumption is a word used to describe acts of acquisition – generally, the acquisition of things, in exchange for money. Unconsumption is a word used to describe everything that happens after an act of acquisition. Unconsumption is an invisible badge. Unconsumption means the accomplishment of properly recycling your old cellphone, rather than the guilt of letting it sit in a drawer. Unconsumption means the thrill of finding a new use for something that you were about to throw away. Unconsumption means the pleasure of using a service like Freecycle (or Craigslist or Goodwill) to find a new home for the functioning VCR you just replaced, rather than throwing it in the garbage. Unconsumption means enjoying the things you own to the fullest – not just at the moment of acquisition. Unconsumption means the pleasure of using a pair of sneakers until they are truly worn out – as opposed to the nagging feeling of defeat when they simply go out of style. Unconsumption means feeling good about the simple act of turning off the lights when you leave the room. Unconsumption is not about the rejection of things, or the demonization of things. It’s not a bunch of rules. Unconsumption is an idea, a set of behaviors, a way of thinking about consumption itself from a new perspective. Unconsumption is free. CONTRIBUTORS: Tom Hosford, college student & Murketing Organization intern, Long Island, NY Andrew Whitelaw, branding/design strategist, Chicago, IL Steve Chaney, industrial designer, Portland, OR Kate Bingaman-Burt, artist and educator, Portland, OR Amy Shaw, writer and curator, Brooklyn, NY Brian W. Jones, designer & writer, Hale County, AL Rob Walker, journalist, Savannah, GA [This project is a spinoff of the book Buying In: The Secret Dialogue Between What We Buy and Who We Are, by Rob Walker.]Tumblr (3.0; @unconsumption)http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/<img src="http://17.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ktif4p9A281qzv12bo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34973115">Clock made from a recycled Pioneer turntable by pixelthis on Etsy</a></p>http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/252981730http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/252981730Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:10:01 -0500<img src="http://16.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ktb42jMvk61qzv12bo1_250.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>“I first took interest in re-inhabited Circle Ks while commuting to the University of New Mexico from my family’s home in northeastern Albuquerque in 2000. I would vary my route depending on the traffic and the time of day. Regardless of which way I drove I would pass no less than two businesses that had taken up residence in a former Circle K.” <a href="http://www.pahomann.com/circlekgallerys/circlek.php">Paho Mann | Re-inhabited Circle Ks</a></p> <p>Super cool! Via <a href="http://thelistenerd.com/2009/11/17/links-for-11-17-09-strange-things-are-afoot-at-the-circle-k/">Listenerd</a>.</p>http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/248437433http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/248437433Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:27:55 -0500<img src="http://16.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kt1t4xUlAw1qzv12bo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>“In Tokyo, The Garbage Bag Art Work project aims to remove the negative image of garbage to get more people involved in the discussion around the world’s waste problem. Bags featuring nature-themed designs are placed in formations designed to raise awareness, and get people thinking.” <a href="http://www.psfk.com/2009/11/pics-garbage-bag-art-work.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+psfk%2Ffeed+%28PSFK%29&utm_content=Bloglines">(Pics) Garbage Bag Art Work - PSFK</a></p>http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/242524848http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/242524848Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:53:20 -0500<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flyingfishdesign/sets/72157622651762637/">3 days at Spillcorn - a set on Flickr</a>: <p>Spillcorn is a community of like-minded people who live off the grid in the smokey mountains. Their homes and communal spaces are handbuilt. Most of the structures are cob with additional scavenged materials. Cob is a mixture of sand, clay and straw, for creating natural, sustainable buildings. These photos show their spaces as well as illustrate the different methods of cob building.</p>http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/240435177http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/240435177Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:09:07 -0500<img src="http://5.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ksx6laCeJP1qzv12bo1_250.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>If you’re in Portland, Oregon, this weekend you could attend the <a href="http://www.junktofunk.org/">Junk to Funk</a> fashion show.  The annual fashion show and contest aims “to educate its audiences about waste reduction, recycling issues, and to inspire creative re-use.”</p> <p>The show will be emceed by Portland Mayor Sam Adams.</p>http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/239666189http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/239666189Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:55:00 -0500reuseupcycleevents<img src="http://15.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kswaehmPFH1qzv12bo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p><a href="http://www.fashioningtech.com/profiles/blogs/nike-sneakers-from-recycled">Nike Sneakers from Recycled Circuit Boards - Fashioning Technology</a></p>http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/239121916http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/239121916Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:20:41 -0500<img src="http://6.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ksutoyGpmg1qzv12bo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>“Sonic fabric is woven from 50% recorded audio cassette tape and 50% colored thread the fabric is actually audible if you run a tape head over it!” Totally fascinating, no? <a href="http://www.supermarkethq.com/product/recycled-cassette-tape-thin-necktie-3">Supermarket - recycled cassette tape thin necktie - black from improbable projects</a></p> <p>[Thx: Piers!]</p>http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/238261782http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/238261782Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:22:10 -0500<img src="http://7.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ksuk2fkGED1qzv12bo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>This wood scrap table was made completely of salvaged wood rescued from decaying buildings in and around Hale County, Alabama. It was commissioned by the good folks at <a href="http://www.pielab.org">PieLab, a pie shop, design center, teaching resource, and business incubator in Greensboro</a>. All told, the project cost less than $100 and, with the help of a few friends, took only a couple weekends’ work…</p> <p>(more at <a href="http://www.re-nest.com/re-nest/how-to/how-to-make-a-scrap-wood-table-instructables-100617">re-nest</a>)</p>http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/238111217http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/238111217Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:54:15 -0500<img src="http://5.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ksqlk9VhD11qzv12bo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Well, this is not exactly the most aesthetically pleasing bit if reuse ever. BUT, it is true that the extra piece of torn-off paper on a Netflix envelope seems a bit wasteful, and has potential for someone to come up with a clever use. So, think of it that. <a href="http://www.hackingnetflix.com/2009/11/using-netflix-envelopes-as-wallpaper.html">Hacking NetFlix : Using Netflix Envelopes as Wallpaper</a></p>http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/235889203http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/235889203Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:36:09 -0500<a href="http://everydaytrash.com/2009/11/06/counterbalance/">Counterbalance « everydaytrash</a>: <p>New Yorkers, save the date for November 14th. Quad Cinema will screen Counterbalance, a new film about waste pickers in Dehli</p>http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/235015131http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/235015131Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:17:35 -0500<a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703294004574513752560977802.html">Charger Mats Curtail Clutter, But Not Energy Use- WSJ.com</a>http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/234922290http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/234922290Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:57:55 -0500<img src="http://3.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ksnparh9bc1qzv12bo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p><a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/10/12-ways-to-use-shipping-containers.php">12 Ways To Use Shipping Containers As Offices, Housing and Art : TreeHugger</a></p>http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/234267837http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/234267837Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:04:03 -0500<img src="http://16.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ksn72e8wuT1qzv12bo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>The seaside town of Margate is the <a href="http://www.zoemurphy.com/">Zoe Murphy’s</a> home and muse, as well as the name of her collection of bespoke printed furniture and textiles. Murphy uses Margate-inspired imagery for her prints, which then bring new life to cast-off furniture. Chests of drawers and tables get the print treatment, while stools and armchairs benefit from new upholstery in patchworks of cheerful colours and patterns. Murphy also has a range of cushions, wall hangings and textiles.</p> <p>(more photos at <a href="http://mocoloco.com/archives/012039.php">MocoLoco</a>)</p>http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/233979022http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/233979022Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:30:14 -0500<img src="http://15.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ksj7kkoTzj1qzv12bo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>“The inefficiencies associated with electronics and appliances that still draw power even when not in use is well documented, but short of remembering to unplug these devices, there’s little else we can do to conserve energy. With his innovative outlet concept “Switch,” Korean designer Yong-jin Kim eliminates some of the hassle from the process, merging the power socket with a traditional switch.” <a href="http://www.psfk.com/2009/11/concept-outlet-design-saves-power-without-unplugging.html">Concept Outlet Design Saves Power Without Unplugging - PSFK</a></p>http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/231772949http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/231772949Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:50:42 -0500<img src="http://13.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ksj6wbGTJR1qzv12bo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>“An abandoned bowling alley finds a second life in this beautiful series of furniture by LA-based designer/woodworker William Stranger. Crafted from reclaimed strips of wood salvaged from a local defunct Tava Lanes Bowling alley, the collection springs to life in a variety of forms including a series of wall hangings and a low coffee table.” <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/11/02/recycled-bowling-lane-furniture-is-right-up-our-alley/">Inhabitat » Recycled Bowling Lane Furniture is Right up Our Alley</a></p>http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/231764751http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/231764751Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:36:10 -0500<img src="http://3.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ksigp2YHCG1qzv12bo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p><a href="http://www.nemoequipment.com/">Nemo Equipment</a> uses recycled tents and manufacturing scraps to make the Ditto line of wallets, totes, and backpacks.</p> <p>(via <a href="http://gearjunkie.com/nemo-equipment-ditto-wallet-and-backpack">Gearjunkie</a>)</p>http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/231361596http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/231361596Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:10:13 -0500upcycling<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/31/world/europe/31bikes.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper">French Ideal of Bicycle-Sharing Meets Reality - NYTimes.com</a>: <p>Residents here can rent a sturdy bicycle from hundreds of public stations and pedal to their destinations, an inexpensive, healthy and low-carbon alternative to hopping in a car or bus. But this latest French utopia has met a prosaic reality: Many of the specially designed bikes, which cost $3,500 each, are showing up on black markets in Eastern Europe and northern Africa. Many others are being spirited away for urban joy rides, then ditched by roadsides, their wheels bent and tires stripped.</p>http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/228842677http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/228842677Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:17:31 -0400<img src="http://12.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ksci3j1WvD1qzv12bo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>New York has the <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/06/09/new-yorks-high-line-park-in-the-sky-opens-today/">High Line</a> and San Francisco is going to get the <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/10/08/bay-line-a-high-line-park-for-san-franciscos-bay-bridge/">Bay Line</a> – both abandoned rail lines turned into public parks. Now Chicago is looking to do the same with the Bloomingdale Rail Line, a 3 mile section of elevated train track running east and west into the heart of downtown.</p> <p>(more at <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/10/30/chicago%E2%80%99s-high-line-park-in-the-sky/">Inhabitat</a>)</p>http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/228230662http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/228230662Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:54:54 -0400<img src="http://21.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ksa1dxp9J11qzv12bo1_100.jpg"/><br/><br/><p><a href="http://en.spread-grani.com/package-craft.html">Design Blog :: SPGRA | 6 Most Amazing Crafts Made from Pakages</a></p>http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/226900330http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/226900330Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:58:43 -0400<img src="http://13.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ksa0b9Pc6w1qzv12bo1_100.jpg"/><br/><br/><p><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/green-ideas/repurposed-vinyl-record-products-by-lockengeloet-099553">Apartment Therapy New York | Repurposed Vinyl Record Products by Lockengeloet</a></p>http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/226886678http://unconsumption.tumblr.com/post/226886678Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:35:32 -0400