# Recycled Action Figures Rupert Valero Makes Heroic Toys From Garbage By Yanis Rudzitis | Published 2011-02-16 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recycled-action-figures References: [blog.alrdesign](http://blog.alrdesign.com/2011/02/recycled-action-figures-in-afghanistan.html) & [gizmodo](http://gizmodo.com/#toys/5760920) Private First Class Rupert Valero is a soldier stationed in Afghanistan and he is making these impressive [action figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultraman-figure) from [found and recycled materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobile-suit-gundam-seed). A former oil rig engineer, he has been a collector and action figure customizer for many years. These interesting figures -- made from things like bottle caps and drink cans -- are really impressive and can easily be pictured in an action movie or comic book. **Implications** - It's also impressive that in surroundings as harsh and dangerous as Afghanistan, people are still concerned about designing products that require no materials from [non-renewable resources](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nytt-lys-collection). By utilizing found products, Private First Class Rupert Valero makes a statement about the importance of the environment. And he adds cool points to his action-figures. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.9/10 - Popularity: 52% | Activity: 27% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/toys) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Upcycled Action Figures:** There is a trend of creating action figures by upcycling found and recycled materials, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional manufacturing. - **Environmental Consciousness in Product Design:** The trend of designing products that require no materials from non-renewable resources is growing, as seen in the action figures made by Private First Class Rupert Valero. - **Personalized Customization of Action Figures:** The trend of customizing action figures to reflect individual preferences and creativity, as demonstrated by Rupert Valero's years of action figure customization. ### Where This Applies - **Toy Manufacturing:** The toy manufacturing industry can explore using upcycled materials in their production process to offer environmentally-friendly and unique products. - **Sustainable Product Design:** The field of sustainable product design can learn from Valero's use of found and recycled materials to create innovative and eco-friendly products. - **Collectibles and Memorabilia:** The collectibles and memorabilia industry can tap into the trend of personalized customization, offering tailored action figures to cater to individual preferences and enhance customer engagement. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Selfie-Based Action Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/formlabs.md) - [Selfie-Centric Action Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfie-series.md) - [Cartoon Superhero Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crimson-hawk-ranger.md) - [Custom Face Action Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tron-identity-program.md) - [Upcycled Skateboard Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-rpsd.md) - [Recycled Maritime Waste Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dantoys-blue-marine-toys.md) - [Customizable Vinyl Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/makeship.md) - [Recycled Plastic Furniture Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bristol-plastic-factory.md) - [Heroic Female Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-borinquena.md)