| Jan. 25, 2008 | Posted by: claudia |
Sustainable Social Swiss Design
These belt buckles are made out of old bike license plates. They are part of an amazing collection of wearable and home accessories made by long-term unemployed persons. The Social Department of The City of Zurich has launched a program called “Werkmal”. Its goal is to reintegrate people on welfare into the job market.
This is a great example of the very practical objects they create: a trivet made out of bike chains.
The participants learn technical skills by using various techniques and materials. They also get a chance to develop their creativity and realize their own ideas. The products are manufactured in small editions and sold both in their showroom and in a few stores in Zurich.
What I love about this program is its unique combination of sustainability and social commitment. This is actually the first time I’ve seen objects designed by “up-cycling” individual bike parts.
I particularly love the lights, made out of bike lamps, reflectors, and gears. Look at this amazing chandelier!
This is great! It reminds me of my good old bike in Switzerland…
As if bikes aren’t “green” enough… I love the idea of upcycling the dead ones. Repurposed objects are far more interesting than new ones.
We have a bottle opener made from a chain and gear. It’s one of the best ones I’ve ever used (though it’s most likely not from these folks).
can the bicycle plate belt buckles be purchased online somewhere??? i LOVE them.
thank you.
nicole larue
Sorry, couldn’t find a site where you can purchase them online. Hm, it looks like you can only get them in Switzerland. Don’t you have any Swiss friends who can bring you a belt from their next trip back home? Or how about a vacation in Zurich? It’s totally worth to go – not only for the belt