Though I usually defer such technically-themed products to fellow 3rings writer Joseph, today I feel somewhat obligated to reveal the truth behind the acronym of PET (or PETE, in some circles), largely because designer Sofia Montero’s achievements with the stuff are so very charming and resplendent. The term is an acronym for Polyethylene Terephthalate, a plastic derivation that’s strong and clear and exhibits good containment properties for gas and liquids. Hence the ubiquity of PET as the distinctive bulbous bottles for one and two liter quantities of soda, in a rainbow of transparent shades. The bad news is that PET and its ilk are the “co” to the “dependent” of our national addiction to sugary sodas. The good news is that Montero has found a way to prolong the useful life of PET bottles, while perhaps keeping them out of the landfill forever.

PET. Designed by Sofia Montero.

Lamps with a (Re-) Purpose

That last bit is crucial since PET products have notoriously long have-lives and thus persist far beyond the typical span of your average post-apocalyptic cockroach. As Montero reminds us, PET bottles can be converted into products that are quite different from the original form, but this is often an energy-intensive process that takes time and costs money. The antidote for Montero is employing them as they actually are, applying perhaps just a quick flourish of scissors, a crafty and well-hidden connecting rivet. Montero seems to favor bunching arrangements for her revealing re-fashionings. This aesthetic, coupled with the cool blues, punchy purples, and grassy greens of the original product, makes for an organic aspect and a floral feel. The look is especially pronounced in her collection of PET lamps, each different color resembling a beautiful blooming bounty of peony cultivars.

The PET structures harness a bit of engineering savvy as well—the multi-directional assemblies do a nice job of dispersing compressive forces, thus becoming handy and decorative devices for support. So in addition to lamps, Montero’s collection includes pedestal bases for tables and planters. All of Montero’s PET projects are easy to assemble, eminently reproducible, and low-tech—all the hallmarks of authentic sustainability. Look for them at the Chilean online design store Molde.

Via TreeHugger.