There’s a new trend in recycled handbags that I’m really excited about: crocheted plastic shopping bags.

What follows is a rundown of some of the trends in recycled handbags — some of which you may be familiar with and some of which may surprise you.

For years Nike has manufactured shoes from virgin materials, resulting in heaps of discarded scraps that go to waste in a landfill or incinerator. That is until one designer transformed them into a wearable basketball shoe.

In the last 20 years, we’ve gone from home-phone voicemail, to car phones, to expensive cell phones, to laptops, to cheap cell phones that are basically laptops… and the technological advancement list rolls on and on.

The biggest current trend of in reuse? Upcycling, according to author K.B. Keilbach. Upcycling simply takes something, cleans it and uses it for something else.

Each city has different ways to encourage citizens to recycle, so it may be a bit confusing if you’re new to the area or decide you want to start recycling, but here are a few ways Tampa has made it easy for you to get involved.