Gallery: “A La Lata” Bowl ...

This beautiful “A La Lata” bowl’s elegant use of recycled materials and hand-crafted form has launched it into ranks of our Spring Greening Contest finalists. The bowl, whose name translates as ‘to the can’, is part of a larger collection of products made from soda can tabs woven together with zip ties. We love how the bowl’s zip tie structure gives it an airy appearance as if it were floating, and the added charm of this simple piece is that it can be turned inside-out to act as a holder for pencils or other desktop items. Our Spring Greening DIY Design Competition challenged designers to find innovative new uses for everyday materials – if you’re a fan of the “A La Lata” bowl vote for it now!

VOTE FOR THE A LA LATA BOWL >

SPRING GREENING FINALISTS >

Always looking to focus on the process, rather than the final product, Colombian-born designer and educator Carlos Alberto Montana Hoyos involves communities in developing countries in the collection and weaving of his can tab designs. His A La Lata chair uses over 1700 can tabs in its contemporary sling form. The creation of these products generates a source of income for locals in the developing nations that Hoyos engages for production help.

We remind you to check out all of the innovative entries in Inhabitat’s Spring Greening Contest. The contest is now closed for new entries, but you can still participate! Cast your vote for your favorite entry before tonight at midnight to help them win international recognition on Inhabitat and a $250 gift certificate to the Inhabitat shop!

+ Carlos Alberto Montana Hoyos

+ Spring Greening Contest