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Company Makes Purse Women Won't Get 'Tired' Of

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Nov 12, 2008 7:11 pm US/Mountain

Company Makes Purse Women Won't Get 'Tired' Of

Reporting
Kathy Walsh
BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4) ― Women know it's not easy finding a purse that is both fashionable and durable, but a company in Boulder makes a handbag that may not only suit a certain style, but the desire to save the Earth.

They call it high-mileage fashion for the long haul. Carry your concern for the environment on your shoulder. It's something you may never "tire" of.

The purses are called "English Retreads."

Dozens of dirty inner tubes that come from trucks and tractors are used to produce the purses. The tubes are cut and machine washed, dried and buffed. All remnants of the road are removed to get the rubber ready for resale. It's cut in patterns to eventually become the purses.

"We have handbags and book bags and accessories like belts and wallets," English Retreads owner Heather English said.

English, a hardcore vegetarian, invented English Retreads while floating on an inner tube. That inner tube turned into English's first bag.

"It was out of necessity really; just needed a non-leather handbag and I'm really into recycling, so (I) just threw one together," English said.

In seven years, it's made tracks. English has a "retired" wall that displays past purse designs. And she keeps designing new products.

She guarantees they'll keep on truckin', but if they need a tune up, just send the item back. You can even buy a spare.

English is proud that her bags make a high-fashion statement with a low impact on the environment.

"I feel like we're doing a really good thing for the world," she said.

English Retreads are found online and in certain trendy shops. They are available in any color -- as long as it's black.

The lining of the purses is made from recycled plastic bottles.

Additional Resources

For more information, go to the English Retreads Web site.

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