Virgin Atlantic Airlines is striving to meet its goal in reducing the waste they send to landfills by 50% by the year 2012, turning their waste into unique, eco-accessories with the help of eco-fashion company Worn Again.  The two have teamed up to produce a new line of bags using old seat covers from refitted planes, bicycle tires, car seat belts, and scrap materials.  The new fall and winter collection, available since September 2008, features stylish handbags, shoulder bags, toiletry bags, and laptop bags, all hand made using old materials and products.  Who knew that trash could look so good?

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My favorite is the Romero handbag, constructed with old car seat belts weaved together, bicycle inner tubes as handles, and lined with Virgin Atlantic seat covers (available in red and multi-colored scrap fabric).  The handbag is stylish enough for every day use, and elegant enough for a night out on the town.  But, at about 93 U.S. dollars apiece, the bag is a bit pricey, so save up for the splurge.
Be sure to check out the rest of the line, which ranges from about 39 to 100 U.S. dollars.  It is available for purchase online, or can be found at John Lewis stores, as well as Terra Plana stores around the world.  And, because the entire line is made from recycled products, no two bags are the same, so you’re guaranteed a truly unique bag.