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

At Daily Planet, we feature a lot of wild and wonderful creations, so when I joined the team at OTS, I wanted to look for unexpected ways that tires can be re-used in everyday life.  I think it’s great that tires get turned into practical products like roofing shingles, patio tiles and rubber mulch, but I was curious to see how far people will go to reinvent the wheel.

After a little searching, I came across so many artful innovations that I’ve split this blog post in two. So here is part one, showcasing a few recycled rubber items that surprised me, and may just surprise you:

Source: http://www.leokempf.com

1. If you’re tired of the same old patio furniture, imagine rocking out in the back yard with this sleek black lounger by Leo Kempf.  Designed with FSC certified birch wood and recycled Hoosier sprint tires, it’s perfect for the outdoors as it’s both rugged and waterproof.

Source: http://www.minarc.com

2. Next up, its name may be RUBBiSH, but this award-winning design is anything but. LA design firm, Minarc processed and purified rubber tires, crafting a kitchen sink that’s sure to make statement in any modern home.

Source: http://www.seal-brand.com

3. In terms of street-style, I’m a big fan of the Tokyo boutique, Seal. All their products are made from recycled rubber, like their latest sneaker 801 series. Fit for the city, they’re stylish, waterproof and best of all, comfortable.

Source: http://www.christianediehl.de

4. German designer Christiane Diehl puts a different spin on things with her intricate cut-out rings and necklaces. Fashioned from recycled inner tubes, her avant-garde designs are a mix of punk rock grit and old school glamour.

Source: http://alchemygoods.com

5. And, if you spend a lot of time on the road you’ll know that nothing beats a bag that can survive a little wear and tear. Seattle-based Alchemy Goods specializes in colorful bags and accessories, and the best part? They’ve saved over 425,000 tires from hitting the landfill.

Next week, I’ve got five more items, covering everything from technology to fashion and architecture.

Until then, I leave you with one of my favorite tracks. Here’s Rubber Car, by Enon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vikwfvPBI_g