# Recycling Trash to Treasures Plastic Toy Art by Robert Bradford By Going Like Sixty | Published 2008-03-14 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robert-bradford-plastic-toy-art References: [maugermodern](http://www.maugermodern.com/artists_works.php?idartist=7) Art is all around us. Even in the deep dark corners of the [toy box](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-6) that is in your kids' room, or upstairs in your parent's attic. With a heat gun and a jug of Elmer's glue you can become the next Rodin. Robert Bradford looked at [discarded plastic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/know-new-plastic) and saw art. If it sells, it's displayed in somebody's home as opposed to the landfill. **Implications** - While there is ample importance placed on designing new and innovative products today, companies often fail to recognize the opportunities that [older products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/basket-sculptures) bear today. Instead of constantly focusing on ways to design the most contemporary products available to consumers today, companies should consider combining old favorites of consumers with a modern edge. In doing so, they will appeal to eco-conscious consumers and those who value vintage-inspired qualities in their products. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 31% | Activity: 33% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Eco-inspired Product Design:** Companies should consider combining old favorites of consumers with a modern edge to appeal to eco-conscious consumers and those who value vintage-inspired qualities in their products. - **Upcycling and Repurposing:** There is an opportunity for companies to turn discarded materials into innovative and unique products, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. - **Sustainable Art Movements:** Artists and companies can explore the creation of art using recycled materials, tapping into the growing interest in sustainable practices. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Home Decor:** Companies in the home decor industry can create eco-inspired products by combining old favorites with modern elements, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. - **Fashion and Accessories:** Fashion and accessory brands can explore upcycling and repurposing discarded materials to create innovative and sustainable products. - **Art and Design:** Artists and designers can embrace sustainable art movements by using recycled materials to create unique and environmentally friendly artworks. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Recycled Collectible Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recyclings.md) - [Recycled Plastic Decor Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plastplan-design-studio.md) - [Upcycled Plastic Furniture Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crafting-plastic.md) - [Decluttering Toy Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taptorebox.md) - [Upcycled Sculptural Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eps-expanded-polystyrene-serie.md) - [Upcycled Object Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nendo-and-daniel-arsham.md) - [Repurposed Studio Scrap Pottery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daon-pottery.md) - [Styrofoam Furniture Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trashy.md) - [Waste-Incorporated Chair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/knoll-chairs.md)