Recycled

April 22nd is Earth Day, an annual event that promotes environmental awareness throughout the world. To mark the occasion we've chosen five inspiring architecture projects that we feel are excellent examples of sustainable design.

Pulp mills generate significant amounts of waste, and we're seeing scientists get quite creative with how it might be put to use. The latest example sees it used as a filler material for cement, which proved to be stronger and more resilient.

New research has continued to expand the possibilities in recycled concrete aggregates, with scientists coming up with a new manufacturing method that produces a concrete that is 35 precent stronger than traditional types.

As part of its mission to tackle plastic pollution in the marine environment, The Ocean Cleanup project plans to sell goods made from the waste it recovers to fund its ongoing operations, and has just unveiled its very first product.

If you've ever wanted to spend a night inside a dumpster – but without the accompanying smell – then Culture Campsite may be of interest. Situated on a former parking lot, it features an eclectic mix of micro-shelters made from recycled materials.

HP has announced its first consumer laptops to feature 11th Generation Core processors from Intel, and the first from the company to make use of post-consumer recycled and ocean-bound plastic waste.

Following the Cuprinol Shed of the Year competition a few months ago, an overall winner has now been announced. This year's top sheddie is officially Daniel Holloway, who won with his nature-inspired Bedouin Tree Shed in London, England.

British company Circular & Co presents a reusable coffee mug that's reused the very first time you fill it ... because it's made from recycled paper coffee cups. The mug itself is also recyclable so will continue its journey after its life is over.

The finalists for the 2020 Cuprinol Shed of the Year have been announced. Highlights of the 27 selected sheds include a greenery-covered retreat, a classroom used to provide online schooling, and a backyard bar with hot tub.

When you think of papier-mâché, school art projects and carnival floats may come to mind, but a team of architects has used strips of recycled paper and non-toxic glue to create pair of simple prototype shelters in rural Texas.

British apparel maker Vollebak explores how to prevent electronic components and materials from filling landfills. It recycles various obsolete parts and pieces into a flamboyant timepiece it calls the Garbage Watch.

Imagine getting a flat tire, and just smearing on a chemical that makes the rubber meld seamlessly back together. That’s the kind of breakthrough researchers are now reporting, with a new material made of waste products and easily recyclable itself.