LEXMARK INK CARTRIDGES BECOME E-LUMBER

[Anonymous]

http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/1928/66/
Landscaping with Lexmark Ink Cartridges as eLumber
More
than just a novelty building idea for oddballs living in quirky seaside
towns, recycled ink cartridges are making their mark on the building
industry. A durable wood substitute can be made from the recycled
cartridges, and Lexmark has already nabbed the green publicity
potential involved with the concept, sending eLumber on its merry way
to a Lexington, KY neighborhood via Habitat for Humanity where it will
fulfill its new destiny as a retaining wall.eLumber can be used for
landscaping and non-structural elements in building. The product is
black, but can be painted and formed to look like wood and rock, and is
touted as highly durable, and water- and insect-resistant…since it is
plastic and all. Tom Little from Lexmark, says, “This year we’re doing
something that’s never been done before. It takes completely recycled
cartridges and turns it into eLumber. There’s no waste, so it’s about
as green as you can get.” Sure, until we get curious about how much
energy is put into the recycling process. But we’ll let them have their
day in the sunshine.The product will go commercial later in 2008, but
will cost up to 20% more than wood. I guess they’re leaning on the
trend toward green building to get buyers for the product.

[Author]

August 1, 2008 at 2:30 PM