BoardShades Debuts New Line of Surfing Inspired Eco-Friendly Lighting Handmade From Board Shorts

July 17, 2012 - PRLog -- LOS ANGELES - Nearly a century after famed surfer George Freeth first graced the waves off the coast of Venice, CA introducing the sport of surfing to the U.S., BoardShades, a new line of surfing inspired eco-friendly lighting handmade from board shorts is debuting in Venice on the outdoor patio of restaurant James' Beach. Crafted entirely from discarded board shorts hand picked from thrift stores in Southern California the new upcycled light fixtures available as pendant lights and table lamps are part of socially responsible entrepreneur Grant Turck's plan to curb textile waste and promote sustainability.

According to EPA estimates, Americans generate 13.1 million tons of textile waste annually, but only recycle about two million tons despite the fact textiles are 100% recyclable. The result is over 11 million tons of textile waste is sent to landfills annually costing taxpayers more than $375 million in waste disposal fees each year. Textile upcycling is a process through which discarded textiles are converted into new products of better quality rather than sent to a landfill. By transforming board shorts otherwise destined for a landfill into hip and stylish lights, BoardShades sees a unique opportunity to actively help reduce textile waste.

"Textile upcycling is a green design solution to the textile waste problem," said Turck, who started BoardShades last year adding, "BoardShades are a fun, creative, and eco-friendly way to accent any space. Every light is one of a kind.”

Available in an endless array of colors BoardShades are also waterproof making them ideal for lighting both outside and inside. Prices for BoardShades range from $50-$150 and are available for purchase exclusively online at http://www.BoardShades.com.