How can I reuse or recycle an orthopaedic corset?
We’ve had another email from Maja:
Due to my spine illness, I have to wear an orthopaedic corset (looks exactly like this one apart from the pattern,because mine are black with colorful polka dots).
Each year I have to get a new one, because the whole body is developing and they are getting too small. I can’t donate them because each one is customized to the user. How can I recycle it?
For actually recycling it, I’d ask the manufacturer if they have any recycling schemes in place – they might be able to recycle the plastic with off-cuts from during manufacturing, or something.
But as for reuses…? The shape makes me think of a dress form (a dress makers’ dummy) but it obviously only covers a small part of the body so won’t be useful for that much – attached to a stand I guess it could be useful for skirts and the like, and, of course, it would be perfect for belly chains and belts (although admittedly they don’t really need that much modelling ;) )
Any other suggestions?
I notice no-one has replied to this , perhaps because it is not something that most of us have come across.
The velcro could easily be re-used.
But without seeing it in reality I have drawn a blank.
Oh! Oh oh!
If you know anyone who is really into steampunk this would be PERFECT to repurpose for corseted costume or as some sort of “armor” etc.
This is an excellent suggestion. You may have a group like the SCA (www.sca.org) around that would love armor parts.
Freecycle is a great idea, too. You never know who’s looking for exactly what you have…
*thinks* this is a tough one.
You could definitely reuse any velcro or straps or metal bits on other projects , and then maybe I could pull out the standby-suggestion-for-everything : chop it into bits and use it in the bottom of plant pots?
Could they be donated to a daycare or somewhere where they can be used for dress up or costume parts.
Since the shell part is so colorful , maybe after the Velcro and metal have been removed, the shell could be situated in a garden with a plant growing up through as a kind of funky outdoor vase.