I worked for a startup once, and the day came when the company founders had to order the personalized pens, stationary, business cards, etc. They were inundated with catalog after catalog of office supplies that could be configured this way and that. Of course, nothing in those little booklets was especially green; in fact back in 2002, such requests for sustainable options often fell on deaf ears. That's why what I'm seeing in 2007 is a measurable difference and a welcome change for the office supply industry.

Take for instance this UK company called Remarkable. They take recycled materials and invent new ways to turn them into useful products. What can you get from a couple plastic cups? Apparently, some really nice pencils! Need some variety in color? They'll make you some writing instruments from recycled CD cases. How about a mouse pad from recycled tires or folders made from recycled polypropylene?

Remarkable is just another example of innovation in using materials readily available. We don't need to send everything to the landfill. With the right passionate people pushing these ideas, amazing, practical products can be made from the stuff in our garbage bins. This also gives companies another avenue of green to explore for making a statement to their clients. Nothing says, "I'm Green!" like a personalized pencil made from video casette tapes.

Hit their colorful and hip site for more information. Recycling never looked this cool!

via Hippyshopper