Upcycled Good Designer Picks Up Green Image

Dec. 6, 2011 - PRLog -- November 17, 2011 HOUSTON – 4u2Reuse, a consumer products manufacturer was started with the mission to reduce waste after its founder witnessed tangles of plastic bags in the ocean waters near her Delray Beach, FL home.  In its continuing mission to operate in a sustainable fashion, the company recently enrolled with the Green Business Bureau (GBB) to become green business certified.
“We took nearly 2 years to developed a complete line of products from 100% recycled plastic water bottles with the aim of making ‘products with a conscience’ readily available to the everyday consumer,” says Bibi Rogers, 4U2ReUSE’s founder.  “By joining the GBB, we are ensuring that our entire business operates at the same level of environmental consciousness.”
4U2ReUSE upcycles used kite board sails into tote bags, pet carriers and other products.  In fact, the company’s website includes invitations for consumers to donate their own used, unrepairable sails to be upcycled into new products.  Bibi says that even in receiving and processing sails, sustainability is the company’s number one priority.
“We have kites sent in bulk to minimize packaging,” says Bibi.  “Then, we unstitch the kites and cut them by hand to maximize fabric usage and cut down on waste.”
Even the detergents 4U2ReUSE uses to clean up the used sails is eco-friendly, says Bibi.
Bibi says her company will also help consumers donate used kite bags to AMI Kids, a national non-profit juvenile rehabilitation program, where they are used to store and carry scuba gear for program participants.
4U2ReUSE recently launched a line of products made with recycled PET plastic bottles.  Bibi points out that the materials and fabrics used in these products are 100% certified, not adulterated with new plastic.  Again, measures are taken to ensure the maximization of fabric usage.
Rogers says that even product labels are made out of recycled paper and printed with soy based ink.  
“We are always striving to improve our commitment to sustainability,” says Bibi.   “We are aware of some shortfalls and we try to the best of our abilities to stick to sustainability process.”
“As members of the GBB, we are looking forward to being able to expand our reach into the green community and to connect with other businesses and consumers who share our mindset.”
The GBB offers a leading, third-party certification to businesses who want to improve their bottom line through the increased business and cost savings brought about by sustainable practices.
For more information on the GBB program, please visit http://www.gbb.org.
For more information on 4U2ReUSE, please visit http://www.4u2reuse.com.

# # #

Disturbed by the number of plastic bags in circulation, and appalled at the plastic waste she saw in the waters near her Florida home, Bibi Rogers created an eco-friendly plastic bag carrier that can easily be attached to a handbag, backpack, shopping bag or belt loop, and named it the Ridley after one of the world’s smallest, most endangered species of sea turtle. She then developed other applications for this basic idea and founded 4U2ReUSE in September 2007 with the goal of manufacturing her bags to help others to remember to reuse their plastic bags and reduce their environmental impact.