I love jewelry. Is it necessary? No. But I enjoy wearing jewelry that I feel personally connected to as an expression of my identity (wow, how many examples of attachment can you find in that sentence?) Take a look at these more eco-friendly upcycled designs on Etsy.com.
Bangle bracelets made with plastic bags:


Recycled scrabble tile turned into a ring/pendant:

Recycled paper bangle bracelet:

Recycled aluminum and paper earrings:

To Upcycle:
A term coined by William McDonaugh and Michael Braungart in the book “Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things.” It is the process of converting an industrial nutrient (material) into something of similar or greater value, in its second life. Aluminum and glass, for example, can usually be upcycled into the same quality of aluminum and glass as the original products.
Is it still mindless consumerism if something we purchase is made with upcycled materials?
What do you think? Cool designs? Overpriced? Both?