The phrase ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’ is something of an overused cliché in the scrap metal industry but there are some of people out there taking the concept of recycling to extraordinary new heights. Here are five of the best.
Hasan Novrozi
Iranian born Novrozi is an artist and sculptor who painstakingly pieces together found objects including old tools, salvages parts of cars, and of course scrap metal to create breathtaking works of art.
(Source: http://www.boredpanda.com/steampunk-sculpture-animals-hasan-novrozi/)
David Peckham
In 1999, David Peckham founded the Village Bicycle Project which takes used and broken bikes, fixes them up, and sends them to developing nations in Africa. Driven by the belief that ‘in Africa, a bicycle can take a person from poverty to prosperity’, Village Bicycle Project empowers people in some of the world’s poorest countries by giving them a cheap, convenient means of transport as well as teaching people the basics of bike maintenance and repair. Having a means of transport that is four times faster than walking makes it easier for people to access things like education, food, water and healthcare services.
Bob Campbell
Otherwise known as ‘Stig’, Campbell is an industrial artist and designer who uses recycled machinery to create gothic, sculptural pieces of furniture. Treads, chains, wheels, hooks and cogs are all repurposed by Campbell to make a serious furnishing statement that blurs the line between art and functionality.
(Source: http://dornob.com/scrap-metal-furniture-incredible-industrial-art-design/)
Cano Espinosa
It took Vietnam veteran Cano Espinosa almost 20 years to build his ‘castle’ out of tin cans, hubcaps, tyres, and found pieces of metal. His inspiration to build the castle came when he was living with his mother and she complained about the number of tin cans he was leaving around the house. Although he has no formal training as a builder or architect, Espinosa has built four unique looking buildings and intends to make more.
(Source: http://www.blastr.com/2011/11/save_the_earth_with_8_fut.php)
Max Robson
At the tender age of 22, this UK graduate created the ‘Envirocycle Scrap Wind Turbine’ out of metal he found along the roadside and in front yards. The turbine harnesses the kinetic energy of the wind and stores it into a 73-watt battery. When fully charged, the battery can provide up to 63 hours of lighting in a home. Costing only 20 pounds ($40 AUD) the prototype has the potential to be used as both a source of energy in developing nations and as an educational tool in schools.
