Recycling comes in many different forms, here is the story about one man who took a massive pile of lemons and turned them into lemonade!
(Source, $49.95)
David Bird of Maine, a commercial rope-maker, had quite a shakeup when in 2008 a National Marine Fisheries Service regulation was passed which recalled a specific rope used by lobstermen. (Source) The rope was recalled specifically due to the North Atlantic right whales (highly endangered species), which were getting caught on the floating rope (also called cordage due to its composition). Lobstermen are now required to use rope that sinks. However, millions of feet of rope – Virginia Living estimated it to be a “12-foot-tall, 85-yard-deep, 750,000-pound mountain” – are now being repurposed into beautiful, colorful woven mats. (Source)
(Source, $39.95)
These mats, Down East Doormats, are woven from the lobstermen’s ropes. David Bird, who had a jig in his possession, made the first mats as gifts, which then became a small second job with festivals and fairs, and has now become a new brand added to his already-exiting retail/wholesale business, Custom Cordage. (Source) The ropes still have the brine and barnacles embedded into their threading. The brine makes these doormats naturally mildew-proof. The ropes are still hand-woven so the dimensions are not always exact. Prices range from $49.95 – 129.95.
The wonderful thing is all of these mats come from 100% recycled materials. The Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation “has collected almost 1.9 million pounds of floating groundline from over a thousand Maine lobstermen, giving them over $2.6 million in federal fund vouchers toward purchasing new sinking rope.” And while I am featuring one company that sells these mats, there are many other artisans who produce them in the Northeast as well.
Retailers include:
Maine Float-Rope Co. (online) 18×30″ doormat = suggested retail $49.95; 24×36″ doormat = $79.95.
GAIAM. 33×20½” doormat = $58.00.
The New England Trading Company, LTD. Small, medium, large doormats; medium and large rope baskets; dog leash.
Tweed of Richmond. 4035 Lauderdale Drive, Richmond. 804-249-3900.
Fraîche at Libby and Grove. 304 Libbie Avenue, Richmond. 804-282-4282.
Strawberry Fields Flowers & Finds. 423 Strawberry Street, Richmond. 804-213-0232
Would you buy one of these mats? Which color?
These look like such good quality, love that you shared. I really like the black and teal mat the best.
xoDale
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Very Nice, You are a pretty good Blogger and I also add your feed in hunt for some extra posts. Escorts in Chennai
They are really great quality! I love them. Sometimes they come in muted colors but they are always really interesting and beautifully unique for every home.
That is so great! I love learning about products that help the environment in some way. Thanks for sharing! – Carla
love it, this is a great idea!
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love it!
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That's so cool! What an amazing story. 🙂
Sheer brilliance! These are fantastic!
There look really nice.
what a great idea!
I really like the first one. This is a great idea. So glad that people are taking the extra step.
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Carla,
I feel the same way! You are so welcome 🙂
Isn't it a neat idea? And they are attractive.
Me too! Hope to get at least one this weekend!
Isn't it incredible how they made that happen?
Let me know if you want me to send you one in France!
xo
Fantastic idea – hope a lot of people are buying them!
I think they look nice too, Dalton. I love to promote other businesses!
I am glad too – imagine if all of these just sad in the landfill…. I don't like that thought at all!
That's so awesome 🙂 I can't believe he used rope!
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joanne.choi
How clever! I'd choose the first tan/black one. I'm going to check them out.
Hi, I am doing a giveaway!! Please come check out my blog!! BTW I just followed you!
I cannot believe it either!
You should definitely check them out – great product.
Thank you so much!
i think those placemats are so creative, what a great way of using something you can't use anymore and turning it into something everyone can use
They are actually doormats for your home (not table) but they really are wonderful!
Very nice!!!I WANT to get one.