Biodegradable Umbrella - The Bamboo Brelli

This rather strange looking invention is the world’s first biodegradable umbrella.  The frame looks gorgeous and it is made from bamboo, which is of course, is a renewable resource.  The clear canopy is a unique bioplastic, biodegradable in less than five years.

I think it is fantastic that this will biodegrade but I think it would be just as green to make umbrella that would last a lifetime rather.  In this case, it looks so fragile that a tiny gust of wind is bound to turn them inside out.  Biodegrable design is better for objects that are designed to be thrown away.