Environmental responsibility can foster pride, partnership, possibly even jealousy - but can it turn you on?

If you’re reading this, you probably already think recycling is a good idea, right? It might even be a habit, like brushing your teeth. But not everyone takes recycling seriously. And I think it’s because of sex.

Photography by Jolis Paons'

Got your attention, didn’t I.

Sex sells. I’m pretty sure that’s a universal concept. So, if recycling were sexier, would more people do it?

I think one of the main stumbling blocks to the popularity of recycling is that it’s almost entirely unsexy. I, mean, really. There is nothing less sexy than sorting your trash into separate bins. Unless, of course, it’s washing old wine and beer out of bottles or trying to get the last drop of soup out of a tin can. Oohhh la la, baby.

Generally, when I take the recycling bin to the curb, it’s 5:30 AM, I haven’t even had one cup of coffee and I have a serious case of bed head. Hot and sexy? At 5:30 AM? Only Jessica Alba could pull that off. Maybe.

And if I’m driving to the recycling center to drop off glass bottles (which my recycling company doesn’t pick up curbside) I’ve got to say - look out now - I’m probably in ratty sweats and my old green Clarks that our dog chewed a hole in. Oh yea, seeexxxxy!

So while the act of recycling may not be all that sexy, there are some sexy things you can do with the stuff you recycle. Hey, it’s a start, right?

5 Sexy Recycling Projects

1. Create A Sexy Off Shoulder Cinched Dress From An Old T-Shirt. In this kicky video, Giannina Lezcano uses her fashion skills to create a great little black dress. With step-by-step instructions.
2. Create A Fashionable Party Dress From Paper. From NotCouture.com, Jolis Paons creates a beautiful party dress from a recycled phonebook.
3. Recycle A T-Shirt Into A Bikini. From Instructables.com, beginner level sewing skills and an old T are all you need to create this cute and sexy bikini. Giannina Lezcano does it again.
4. Turn Your Worn Out Heels Into Sexy Blue Jean Pumps. Greenopolis’ own Erin Link created one of the most original DIY ever. Beginner level, and you don’t have to be skinny to do this one!
5. How To Recycle A Date. If you don’t like your date, someone else might! A cute and clever take on the singles scene.

If none of these projects puts you in the mood, then you might try lighting a beeswax candle while you lean over the sink trying to drain the last bit of wine out of the bottle before you wash it.

Now you’re bringin’ it!