The following is a guest post by Ziya Tong, host of Daily Planet and OTS Ambassador

A mind stretched by a new idea, as Oliver Wendell Holmes once said, never returns to its old dimensions. In keeping with that theme, today I’ve selected some modern rubbery goods that defy convention.

Behold, Exhibit A: Michelin Hotpants.

Source: http://news.sky.com/story/680997/turning-retreads-into-womens-threads

Okay, I’m not sure if you can move in these, let alone sit, but these catwalk-inspired shorts are certainly slick. Started as a pet project by Michelin UK, the company turned these treads into threads by transforming the tires into a fabric that’s flexible and “breathable.” If you have the guts to wear them, all I can say is, they’ll certainly stop traffic.

Source: http://sheerethic.com/shop/product/upcycled-rubber-bag/

Okay, for something juuust a little more practical now. If you’re hitting the road soon, this could be your new carry-on companion. Perfectly tailored, Sheer Ethic carries a line of bags lovingly crafted from waste fabric and old tires. With such fine workmanship and detail, you’d never guess the materials were salvaged from landfills.

Source: http://otra-design.com/

Montreal designers, OTRA, have upped the ante with another unusual rubber product line. Bicycle inner tubes are – pardon the pun – re-cycled (cough), into an extraordinary series of jewelry designs. The team fashions earrings and necklaces all out of raw materials – avoiding paint, solvents or glue. The results are striking and one of a kind.

Source: http://www.interiorprovisions.com/living/rubber-storage-baskets/

Rubber of course, is not typically delicate; when it comes right down to it, the best thing about rubber is that it’s tough and rugged. Enter Interior Provisions’ sustainable recycled baskets. Perfect for everything from toys to firewood, these waterproof storage bins can be used in or outdoors.

Source: http://inhabitat.com/the-rubber-house-is-a-prefab-home-made-from-secondhand-materials-in-the-netherlands/

And finally, as the old saying goes, go big or go home!

In this instance home is this two-bedroom designer house located outside of Amsterdam. The exterior of the house is made of recycled rubber conveyor belts – creating a sleek and energy efficient home, that’s also weather-proofed! And the best part?  Recycled rubber is cheap and sturdy, meaning you can stretch your imagination when it comes to designing your dream home, without stretching your bank account.