It’s already been a week, but the Trump administration has officially notified the UN of its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, setting the formal exit date for November 4th of next year.
With the US withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, it’s concerning how not just the US, but other member nations will approach global warming countermeasures moving forward. However, I’d like to start by focusing on what we can do in our own daily lives.
Things we can do close to home
For example, there are things we can do easily(?) at home, like shortening our daily shower time by a minute or turning off the "keep warm" function on rice cookers. Using the bicycle—a vehicle we use every day—for commuting and running quick errands also plays a part in curbing carbon dioxide emissions.
If we want to continue living in the bountiful environment that is our Earth, we will inevitably face major issues like global warming and the waste problems caused by mass consumption. That is precisely why, at Circles, we carry many steel bikes that are durable, long-lasting, and easy to repair when something goes wrong. Even so, there are times when we have no choice but to give up on riding, and it is a fact that there are parts that must be replaced as we continue to ride. Among these parts, inner tubes are consumed at an especially high rate. Of course, you can patch them and continue to use them as much as possible, but there is a limit to that.
A uniquely bicycle form of recycling
Breathing new life into those discarded tubes and delivering them as new products essential to our daily lives is GUNUNG, a creative studio based in Kanagawa.
Since products made from worn-out tubes are incredibly durable, they can be used for even longer than their original lifespan as tire tubes.
These have been indispensable products at Circles for over a decade, but I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce them once again.
【GUNUNG】
Re Tube Belt
Color：Many Color Types
Price：4,800 JPY (excl. tax)
The belt made from waste tubes uses a buckle similar to those used for adjusting messenger bag straps, making it easy to adjust and allowing you to fasten it securely at your preferred position. With a generous total length of 120cm, it is designed to be used by many different people.
Thanks to the elasticity of the tube, it fits the body well with little stress, especially around the lower back, when straddling the saddle and adopting a riding posture. Also, because it doesn't get stiff creases like a leather belt, another feature is how naturally it fits pants with different styles of waistlines and belt loops.
【GUNUNG】
Re Tube Camera Strap
Color：Many Color Types
Price：5,000 JPY (excl. tax)
This camera strap, which allows you to easily carry SLR or mirrorless cameras, has a structure similar to a messenger bag strap, allowing for quick adjustments with minimal action so you don't miss any photo opportunities. The texture and moderate elasticity of the tube material make it non-slip and ensure a secure fit to your body.
【GUNUNG】
Re Tube Ankle Strap
Color：Many Color Types
Price：2,000 JPY (excl. tax)
With a length of 46cm, it is long enough to keep your pant hems securely tucked, regardless of the width or thickness of the fabric. Since the piping tape used—just like with the belts—is different for each piece, finding your own favorite one can be a fun experience.
Of course, these products will eventually reach a state where normal use becomes difficult. By the time you've used them that much, you'll surely have developed quite an attachment to them. If that time comes, please feel free to consult with us. I'm sure GUNUNG will be able to perform a proper repair and breathe new life into them once again.
Things that are repairable and long-lasting are not only kind to the Earth, but there is also an aspect of developing a deep attachment to the items themselves. I think that as the number of products around us that can be used for a long time and deeply cherished increases, our lives will become richer.
So, I have reused some photos that were taken a while ago for this post as well. This is also energy saving, for the sake of the Earth. Please understand that it was definitely not because I was feeling lazy.
Even so, Shige-chan has really aged a lot in this last year and a half, hasn't he?