Ashley Heather is a South African jewelry designer who makes all of her pieces using upcycled silver. The silver comes from circuit boards that have been thrown out. Heather works at a metal refinery plant where the precious metals from old computer parts are reclaimed. She uses the silver taken from circuit boards to create simple and eco-friendly cuff links, bracelets, earrings and more.
It's no secret that e-waste is a big problem. One way to cut down on this devastating waste is to upcycle old computer parts, which is just what Ashley Heather is doing. She joins a growing list of artists and crafters who are bringing new life to outdated tech, creating everything from bangles to furniture.
What's Driving This Trend
- Upcycled Jewelry
- Creating jewelry using upcycled materials, like old computer parts, presents an opportunity for sustainable and unique designs.
- Eco-friendly Fashion
- Embracing sustainable fashion by repurposing e-waste into stylish accessories offers disruptive innovation in the fashion industry.
- Tech-inspired Crafts
- The trend of repurposing outdated tech into creative crafts opens doors for innovative and artistic products.
Who This Affects Most
- Jewelry Manufacturing
- The jewelry industry can explore the use of upcycled materials as a way to create sustainable and environmentally-friendly products.
- Fashion
- Fashion brands can tap into eco-friendly fashion by incorporating repurposed e-waste materials into their collections, offering a unique selling point.
- Crafting and Art Supplies
- Craft and art supply companies can cater to the growing demand for repurposing outdated tech by providing materials and tools specifically designed for tech-inspired crafts.
