#recycled material backpack

[dwijproductsblog]

Buy Stylish Recycled Material Backpacks for Eco-Conscious Consumers

Embrace eco-friendly fashion with our stylish recycled material backpacks. Designed for eco-conscious consumers, these backpacks offer a chic way to support sustainability. Find your perfect recycled material backpack and look good while doing good!

[uppybags]

Exploring the Best Eco-Friendly Backpacks in UK: Sustainable Style on the Go!

In today's world, where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, it's essential to consider eco-friendly alternatives in every aspect of our lives, including the accessories we use. When it comes to backpacks, there is a rising demand for stylish and sustainable options. If you're in the UK and looking for the best eco-friendly backpacks, look no further than UppyBags.

UppyBags offers a range of unisex backpacks that are not only eco-friendly but also fashionable. These backpacks are made from recycled industrial materials, such as cement, rice, and animal feed bags. Each backpack boasts unique funky prints, making them a statement piece for anyone who wants to stand out from the crowd.

One of the standout features of UppyBags is their commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. These backpacks are sustainably made, ensuring minimal impact on the environment. By utilizing recycled materials, they reduce waste and give a new lease of life to discarded materials.

The water-resistant nature of these backpacks adds to their practicality. Whether you're a student commuting to university or an outdoor enthusiast exploring the countryside, you can trust that your belongings will stay safe and dry.

It’s a brand that goes beyond just creating functional accessories. They also prioritize giving back to communities. These backpacks are produced in Cambodia with love, supporting local artisans and contributing to the betterment of their lives.

With UppyBags, you can embrace sustainable living without compromising on style. Each backpack tells a unique story, and you can be a part of the eco-friendly fashion movement in the UK.

Investing in an eco friendly backpack UK from UppyBags means you're making a conscious choice to support a brand that values sustainability, ethical sourcing, and craftsmanship. So, why not make a statement and join the sustainable style movement? Explore their collection of eco-friendly backpacks today and be a part of the positive change.

[yerimbrit]

WWIB > 5. lunch with pretty (wc: 1.2k)

danielle grins happily as she listens to y/n explain each classroom and their respective teachers. mrs. kim and mr. park, the math teachers, mr. baek the literature teacher—the list goes on. y/n has more annoyed complaints to say about mr. song, which makes danielle giggle with her hand covering her mouth.

she notices her mentor has a hard time making eye contact with her. everyone that she's talked to is okay, but it seems it's different when it comes to danielle. it reassures her in thinking that her seatmate may already have some feelings for her too.

"mrs. kim is nice, but she keeps giving us pop quizzes," y/n gulps down the last of her pocari sweat and throws it away at the nearest recycling bin. "i don't know about mr. park but from what i've heard for eunchae—the girl who kept poking me in class today—he likes pop quizzes too."

danielle takes a sip of her strawberry milk. y/n was adamant about treating her, even if it was just the school vending machines. they finally replaced the selection with better drinks, and everyone's been swarming the machines during break according to the girl. "that's bad," she pouts, "i can't do well on tests without studying super hard; i'll have to study everyday."

y/n widens her eyes and shakes her head, finally glancing at danielle. the transfer student's eyes glimmer with genuine fear. "ah, it's not that bad! they're usually right after we review some introductory material or something like that, don't worry."

they walk through the hallways. some students stare in awe at danielle as they walk past the pair, even more so when she greets each of them with a bright smile. y/n looks like she's seconds away from either passing out or growling at the other students.

they're about to enter the cafeteria when danielle stops briefly. "you didn't have plans with your friends, did you? i know i asked if you wanted to eat lunch together but it's not too late to back out..."

y/n ponders for a moment, glancing around. "i'll... i want to eat lunch with you, it's okay. do you know anyone else here?" she slowly asks. 'she really has a permanent smile on her face,' y/n notes in her head.

"i have a friend who's a senior, but she's... busy today. i can always catch up with her later!" danielle answers easily, hoisting her backpack up to adjust it.

y/n nods and they walk into the already-bustling lunchroom. they don't bother getting in line since danielle brought her own food for today and y/n had a particularly big breakfast with haerin.

"you're not gonna eat?" danielle decides to question this decision, pulling her comically large lunchbox out of her bag, which separates into three different containers. she almost looks disappointed at the lack of food in front of her mentor. 'she's really expressive,' y/n adds to her mental note.

the girl in front of her stares in bewilderment, looking between danielle and her abundance of food that she prepared for lunch. "is that all for you?" she asks in astonishment, before quickly realizing that danielle might take it the wrong way. "i mean, not that i'm calling you-"

y/n gets cut off by the girl laughing. the sound makes her feel like she's floating, ready to ascend to whatever's up there. 'this must be heaven.'

"it's okay! i'm a big eater, i'm pretty active. i used to do track back in australia, but i had to quit because my family was moving back to korea."

the girl across from her nods in understanding, drumming her fingertips on top of the table. "you're from australia?"

"yeah! i was born there but we moved back and forth between seoul and newcastle. my mom's korean."

danielle takes the lids off of her lunchbox containers, revealing a copious amount of gimbap, some cutlery, and a whole box dedicated to a mix of cherry tomatoes and baby carrots. she gestures to the container filled with the fruits and vegetables. "want some?"

"oh," y/n's mouth forms an 'o' shape, and she picks a cherry tomato from the pile. "thank you."

the australian watches as y/n pops the fruit into her mouth with expectant eyes. "is it sweet?"

"mm, very."

"that's good! i love fruits and vegetables, i can't go a day without having them. oh, especially carrots. i love carrots," danielle rambles as she picks up a piece of her gimbap with her chopsticks and shoves it in her mouth. she repeats this until all of her lunch is gone, before y/n can even blink.

"hey loser," eunchae sets her tray down on the table, taking a seat next to y/n. "hi danielle!"

danielle flashes a huge grin and waves, recognizing the girl as the person that y/n was talking about earlier. "hello! eunchae...?"

"big baby..." y/n mutters under her breath. unfortunately for her, eunchae hears it and pinches her on the side. they side-eye each other.

then, as if nothing happened, she turns back to danielle with a friendly expression. "that's right! yunjin-unnie told me lots about you."

this turns out to be something that danielle didn't expect, because she lets out a loud gasp. "you know yunjin-unnie!?"

y/n curses at eunchae in her head.

the two get wrapped up in an exciting conversation about yunjin and how they know her, and also getting to know each other in the process. danielle, yunjin, and another girl named yuna grew up together, and they still keep in touch even now. they keep each other updated on almost every detail of their lives while danielle is away, and also exchanging small pieces of gossip.

eunchae's older sister, chaewon, is close friends with the musician, and she describes them as a "budding situationship" before she laughs it off and changes to a different subject. internally, y/n takes back the curses she directed to the younger girl as she also got to know the pretty girl better through their interaction.

two figures approach their table and eunchae and danielle's conversation is put on pause in order to see who arrived.

"ah, finally!" y/n stands up, moving her bag so the student council power couple could sit. "you took forever."

"danielle," eunchae starts, pointing to the girls that had just settled down in their seats with a lunchbox that the secretary packed. "this is hanni-unnie and minji-unnie, our very own student council secretary and president. guys, this is danielle, the new transfer."

"wow! it's so nice to meet you! i didn't know y/n-ssi was so connected."

"it's very nice to meet you, danielle," hanni states, making a face at y/n, who flips her off while the bright girl isn't looking.

the rest of the girls finish their lunch, with some taking their share of danielle's offered tomatoes and carrots (minji made a face, though no one except hanni and y/n noticed), and soon lunch was over. y/n's face pales at the bell.

she still has class with the new girl in two periods.

prev | masterlist | next

taglist: @idkwhatim-doinghere101 @nnewjeansstuff @airice @yeetaberry127 @multiliker @saysirhc @shozeu @nwjnsloona @hannienthusiast @hotluvlet @gayforalll @technicallyimportantsweets @jeindall777 @popasi @gtfoiydlyj

[materialsscienceandengineering]

New polymer technology targets engineering failure to enhance sustainability

Sustainability is a complex problem with many different players and influenced by policies, society, and technical perspectives. Scientists within ASU's School of Molecular Sciences (SMS) and the Biodesign Institute's Center for Sustainable Macromolecular Materials and Manufacturing (SM3) are pursuing a multi-pronged approach towards a more circular economy, with projects focused on biosourcing, recycling, water purification, or carbon capture to name a few. One obvious strategy to limit the vast amount of materials wasted is to reduce the need to produce plastics worldwide. "That is easier said than done," says associate professor Yoan Simon of ASU's SMS and SM3. "However, the antidote could simply be to prolong the lifespan of parts." From tethers in backpacks to container lids, we are surrounded by parts that must withstand thousands of opening and closing cycles. Likewise, bike and football helmets must withstand repeated impacts and maintain a given level of protection without failing.

Read more.

[solarpunkbusiness]

Nepal-based startup Shah Hemp Inno-Ventures (SHIV) is a unique social enterprise transforming wild-grown hemp, bamboo and other natural resources into a catalyst for fair employment, economic growth and climate-change mitigation. Guided by a mission to harness local resources for global impact, SHIV also cultivates relationships with local communities to ensure a positive impact and above-standard working conditions for its employees — who essentially turn local ‘weeds’ into everything from hemp bags, backpacks, paper, soaps, hemp seed oil and hempcrete to bamboo mats and furniture. We spoke with Chief Operations Officer Nivedita Bansal to learn more about how the organization combines sustainable farming, waste management, and community empowerment to build a more environmentally sustainable and socially equitable future.

According to Cambridge University researcher Darshill Shah, “Hemp can capture atmospheric carbon twice as effectively as forests while providing carbon-negative biomaterials for architects and designers.” A hectare of hemp can absorb 8-15 tonnes of CO2. In comparison, forests only capture 2-6 tonnes, depending on the type of trees and region.

SHIV’s product line essentially turns waste into products, but how do you manage your own waste?

NB: Our primary business model is in fact based on managing waste: Wild hemp is seen as a nuisance to local farmers and is usually just chopped away and burned. Hemp fibers are fully compostable, making most of the materials we don’t use for manufacturing indeed compost. Our facility is zero waste; and we recycle, upcycle or reuse all the inorganic waste — such as bag straps, zippers, utility attachments and other similar materials utilized during manufacturing. By communicating with local municipality, neighboring communities and universities and sharing our methodology — especially our hempcrete building techniques — we serve as activists for these sustainable practices.

[leafnincosplay]

My sister's ODM gear is done! Would you believe that the back piece and swords are made of 2L soda bottles, a cap from a peanut jar, bicycle break handles, and aquarium tubing? Because it's true! Goes along with the boxes using paper towel rolls. All the other details are foam core board with backpack straps for the full rigging. Cosplay doesn't require expensive materials. Just have fun building!

Overall, this build weights about 2lbs and fits into my large suitcase. This was a fun build to engineer. Now all the recycled materials are finally off my floor!

I can't wait to see my sister wear these at ALA!

[elbiotipo]

Notes on gear in Campoestela, mostly spacesuits:

Spacesuits are cheap and widely produced compared to today, but they are also tailor-made, much like a VERY, very high-end business suit. Going to a spacesuit tailor is often expensive and a bit of a chore, as you have to tailor everything from the actual suit to atmospheric mixes, especially when it comes to different species. However, once they are done, they usually last for life.

The main kind of spacesuits are the "skintight" counter pressure suits (see here). They look remarkably like racing suits, and are rather easy to put it on and comfortable. Carbon nanotube and smart materials deal with most of the uncomfortable parts, but you WILL feel a certain Tingle in your more curvy parts. You've been warned.

You can, actually, wear your suit as everyday clothing. There's also zippers for when you have to go... The astronaut underwear, of course, still works as a diaper (dissolving *stuff* with genetically engineered bacteria for that purpose), and when missions get extensive, there's no other way. Because of the bad past reputation of astronauts who did it anywhere, they have gone all the other way now, and most spacers are meticulously clean and very touchy about that subject.

(the beforementioned bacteria, as well as atmospheric and pressure mixes, have to be customized for different species, which makes spacesuits a rather expensive lifetime investment)

Helmets are standarized, but by far, the most complex part of the suit. Equipped with radio, lights, a HUD controlled by eye movement and blinking (though many prefer wrist buttons), and even some little snacks and water in case you are stranded and have to wait hours or even days for rescue. They are very easy to put it on, seal automatically with the collars of all spacesuits, and unlike current ones, they allow you to move your neck inside.

(there's also a little stick to scratch your nose).

Astronauts love to put stickers on their helmets. In fact, spacesuits are very much personalized; a plain space white suit is frowned upon. Mission patches and flags, much like punk battle jackets, and very often the name is on big letters on the back, like a football jersey, for easier identification. Many spacers, especially those who like to stand out, go even further and decorate their suits with family heradly, or special artwork like tattoos, you can find some that look like an abstract or baroque painting and you can say "oh, it's This Guy" (and that's exactly the intention). Most of this of course applies to human spacer cultures, other cultures and species have different traditions. Some might look all the same, but in ultraviolet or infrared reveal all sorts of complex patterns.

Spacesuits backpacks are very much miniaturized, also easy to connect to standarized helmets. Helmets themselves have limited air recycling capabilities, but you need a backpack for any EVA.

LISTEN UP, ASTRONAUTS! Here's what you need to have in your belt before heading off: a beeper (radar to check distances from objects), backup radio, sealing patches (if there's any puncture on the suit or helmet), intravenous iodine (for radiation), sedants and anti-nausea (not a good idea to go out with nausea or The Bends in an emergency, species dependant of course), signal flares and flashlight, multiknife (or facón if you're Esteloplatense), and don't DARE going out without a safety line.

On a planet, suit or not (what, are you going out with your suit planetside? are you from a movie or something?) you still have some gear on your belt all the time. Breather mask and goggles just in case, again, a multitool or knife, pills with nutrients for when the local food isn't enough (for Argentines, they look like La Yapa candy), iodine pills, a kind of smartphone for rugged terrain (like two months of battery and capable of being sunk in mud with no problem), advanced wristwatch (many carry a mechanical one for emergencies) and various other tools. If your belt doesn't do a jingle jangle when you're walking, are you even an astronaut?

Bullet or energy weapons are frowned upon in spaceports, obviously. Most spacers have some 'on the trunk' for emergency, but unlike most science fiction, they don't usually go carrying them around all the time. In fact, gunfights in remote spaceports are mostly a fiction from the equivalent of western movies.

Most spaceships also carry a lot of little bots that do all the maintainance that biologicals can't do, especially since these are ATOMIC ROCKETS we are talking about, and a human fixing a nuclear lightbulb engine would get their DNA chopped. These droids are ubiquitous in all spaceship garages and cargo bays, and usually you can adopt one for cheap, they're treated much like pets and are very hardy; they do need a lot of radiation cleaning though.

[sl33py-g4m3r]

idk why but I’ve loved digging into the aesthetics rabbit hole~~~ there’s so much to discover ~~~

from vapourwave, Lo-fi, synthwave, retrocore, retro tech, which is what’s blog was based around~~~

to fruitier aero, fruitier eco, and all its variants~~ technozen, etc~~

there are so many~~~~

and I wonder where my aesthetic irl is~~~ mom bought a new couch fr my apartment, and I got to choose it, I chose one that was mainly recycled material and hopefully would help the planet~~ and it was a nice white cream colour ~~~ a nice simple couch~~~

I wonder if mu current interest in frutiger aero or something had anything to do with that decision, lol

but maybe my aesthetic is something else with all the pastel and cute things I’ve got~~ so many stuffed animals, and a (hopefully cute) pastel aesthetic for my backpack and the stuff I carry in it~~

so maybe my aesthetic is one of the pastel ones? There are so many~~ and they overlap~~ then some are oddly specific and are a set thing~~~ like pastel is a fairy kei thing, but not everything pastel is fairy kei~~

but also I don’t dress pastel and cute I just have stuff that has that vibe~~~ all my shirts are kind of Lo-fi, vapourwave, outrun, synth wave kinda~~~ heck mom got me an ‘existential dread’ shirt for my birthday ~~ vapourwave let’s go~~~

I’ve posted about this before; and idk~~~ it doesn’t matter in the long run what my irl aesthetic is, but it’s fun to think about and explore ~~~

and hopefully not childish to like cute pastel things~~ I worry people see me as such cause I’m small and I like cute things~~ but maybe that’s just the anxiety ~~

[sustainabilitytravel]

Green Packing Tips: How to Travel Light and Eco-Conscious

Packing for a trip can be exciting yet overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to balance convenience with sustainability. The good news? Green packing doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or style. By making thoughtful choices, you can reduce your environmental footprint and travel more mindfully. Here's how to pack light and eco-friendly for your next adventure.

1. Start with a Sustainable Suitcase

Your packing journey begins with the right luggage. Opt for durable suitcases or backpacks made from recycled or sustainable materials. Brands like Samsonite and Patagonia offer eco-friendly options designed to last for years. Choosing quality luggage means less waste and fewer replacements over time.

2. Pack Reusable Travel Essentials

Single-use items create unnecessary waste. Replace them with reusable alternatives like a stainless-steel water bottle, collapsible coffee cup, bamboo cutlery, and silicone food bags. Not only do these items save space, but they also help reduce plastic waste while you’re on the go.

3. Prioritize Multipurpose Clothing

Pack versatile, lightweight clothing that you can mix and match. Opt for neutral tones and items that can be layered. Clothes made from sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo, or recycled polyester are ideal. Multipurpose clothing reduces the amount you pack and keeps your wardrobe eco-conscious.

4. Go Digital with Travel Documents

Say goodbye to printed tickets, itineraries, and maps. Use your smartphone or tablet to store all travel-related documents. Most airlines and hotels now accept digital check-ins, making it easier to go paperless and reduce waste.

5. Minimize Toiletry Waste

Replace travel-sized plastic toiletries with solid options like shampoo bars, conditioner bars, and toothpaste tablets. Store them in reusable tins or silicone containers. These products are compact, last longer, and eliminate the need for plastic packaging.

6. Pack a Travel Laundry Kit

Carrying a small travel laundry kit can help you pack less. A biodegradable laundry soap and a portable clothesline make it easy to wash and reuse clothes during your trip. This is especially helpful for longer journeys.

7. Use Packing Cubes Made from Recycled Materials

Packing cubes help you stay organized while maximizing space. Look for options made from recycled materials. They’re lightweight, durable, and make packing and unpacking a breeze.

8. Avoid Overpacking

It’s tempting to pack for every possible scenario, but overpacking leads to heavier luggage and increased fuel emissions for flights. Stick to the essentials and remember that you can usually buy or borrow items if needed.

9. Choose Eco-Friendly Accessories

Don’t forget accessories like a reusable shopping bag, travel towel, and solar-powered charger. These items are practical, lightweight, and contribute to sustainable travel practices.

10. Leave No Trace

Finally, aim to leave your destination better than you found it. Pack a small reusable bag for trash and be mindful of the environment wherever you go. Follow the principles of "leave no trace" to ensure your travels have a minimal impact on nature and local communities.

Why Green Packing Matters

Green packing is about more than just reducing waste—it’s a mindset that aligns with sustainable travel. By carefully choosing what to bring, you not only lighten your luggage but also minimize your environmental footprint. Small changes like packing reusable items or opting for sustainable fabrics make a significant difference.

[vpjdrums]

Tomtoc Navigator-T61 Rolltop Backpack 20L Review

I Recently ordered a backpack after years of using shoulder bags. I still like my briefcase/shoulder bags for client meetings or office scenarios, but they’re just not convenient for travel or out in the field work. I didn’t need a backpack specifically for cameras because I use a Sony point/shoot camera and/or a small Sony camcorder, so no extra lenses or flashes are needed to be packed. But, I definitely need something that can protect my MacBook and other gear/necessaries.

That’s when I discovered @tomtocbags a relatively newer designer/manufacturer of laptop sleeves/bags/backpacks and gear cases. I really like the modern and sleek designs of their offerings. I also like their sustainability features: Manufactured with at least 50% recycled materials, manufactured at facilities that protects the rights and health of workers, and made with chemicals safer for people and the environment. They seem to be going for the market taken up by more expensive bag manufacturers like Timbuk2. Tomtoc was a refreshing and pleasant finding.

What I like about this backpack:

Modern, sleek, sustainable, and durable design.

Ample room for gear, clothes, and other necessities. Especially when rolled all the way up. Nice padded protective pockets for both a laptop and tablet, and slots for additional gear/tech.

Water resistant materials and waterproofed front pocket and back access zippers.

Expandable side pockets that can easily accommodate larger water bottles.

Quick access back zipper for laptop/tablet pockets, luggage strap on back, and a nice key hook/strap inside front side pocket.

Comfortable back padding and padded shoulder straps (no sternum strap, which I don't mind) with three carabiner loops on each side.

Price points that are much less than what companies like Timbuk2, Stubble&Co, and Wandrd are charging.

My wishlist for Tomtoc:

Side mount/compression straps to secure a longer umbrella, taller water bottle/thermos, and/or tripod would be nice. The backpack does have two top loops on both sides of bag that a carabiner paracord (see 1st above photo) or something like a Think Tank Photo Disguise Strap could be attached to.

I would have liked the inner lining to be orange, bright yellow, or lime green for visibility when searching for things inside.

I would have liked the bag to be a little larger at least aesthetically. I’m taller/larger (6’ 1” over 200lbs) so when not fully rolled up it looks a little small on me. Not an issue when the backpacks fully packed and rolled up (expands from 17 to 20L) though. However, I can see the size being a benefit when traveling by plane or when getting around in a city environment.

Though not that big of a deal, waterproofing the top and front side zippers like the front pocket and back access ones would be a smart move going forward.

Along with the carabiner loops, I wouldn't mind seeing a D ring on one of the shoulder straps in the future. But, nothing that a carabiner paracord (see 2nd above photo) wouldn't solve.

Final thoughts:

The Tomtoc 17-20L Navigator Roll Top Laptop Backpack definitely strikes a nice balance between great quality and affordability, making it one of the best minimalist roll top backpacks available at this price range. Not only is it constructed with durable materials, but the inside is ample enough for clothes and gear perfect for both short leisure and business trips, and also daily commutes and onsite work. Definitely recommend this backpack. Looking forward to checking out more of their products.

Update: I attached an 8Link Quick Release Magnetic Sternum Strap. Helps when I’m carrying more than usual and especially while traveling/away.

[dwijproductsblog]

Eco-Friendly Tote Bags made from Recycled Materials

Choose sustainability with our eco-friendly tote bags made from recycled materials at Dwij Products. These bags combine functionality with a commitment to the environment, offering a stylish solution for carrying your essentials. Make a statement for eco-conscious fashion. Shop our collection of recycled tote bags today!

[uppybags]

Eco-Conscious Chic: Elevate Your Style with Recycled Material Bags

Where sustainability and fashion go hand in hand, recycled material bags are gaining popularity as a trendy choice for eco-conscious individuals. With Uppy Bags��� unique designs and commitment to environmental responsibility, these bags offer a stylish way to make a positive impact on the planet. For more info visit: https://uppybags.com/collections/recycled-material-backpacks

[earthstellar]

Figure Review: Earthspark Elita-1

Packaging

I like Hasbro's move away from plastic packaging; I've noticed they're using a wrapping tissue paper type material twisted tightly into strands as their replacement for plastic ties to secure figures to the cardboard, and I really like that as it's far easier to open and makes all of the packaging fully recyclable! :)

I also want to point out that they seem to have done a nice subtle touch of using specific colours for the non-plastic ties to match each individual figure; On Elita-1's packaging, the twist ties are the same magenta/pink colour as her paint. It's a good little detail!

Root Mode

I think it looks great-- So far, the Earthspark figures seem to really try hard to match their on-screen look as much as possible, which is super nice!

The head sculpt is really good, and very faithful to her appearance in the show. There's very little paint on this figure aside from her head crest and eyes, with most of her body being magenta/soft lavender pink.

She doesn't have too much flexibility, as she doesn't turn at the waist, her head is fixed, and her joints (aside from her arms) are pretty limited.

That having been said, her legs are movable enough to compensate for this, and her proportions in root mode look great.

Her guns are permanently fixed to her arm, but any issues that might be caused by posing her with the larger gun underneath (as it collides a bit with her back kibble) can instantly be fixed by simply rotating that larger gun to the topside of her forearm, so it's clearly a problem they considered when working on the design and it can be worked around.

The non-removable guns do make her a little tricky to pose if you want her to be holding her smaller gun, but she's pretty stable on her feet, and lacks the backpack-heavy issues that a lot of other Elita-1 and Arcee figures tend to have.

The absence of the GHOST logo on her chest is pretty glaring, but it's possibly because it would have been too tricky to add as part of the plastic mold, and it might have been difficult to get a painted logo on there in a way where any detail would actually still be visible.

(Plus, if things change in the show, who knows if GHOST will still be around... So it could be a future-proofing thing as well.)

Alt Mode and Transformation

Her alt-mode is her all-terrain SUV mode from the show.

That having been said, there are a couple things that are a little funky here:

She has her guns built into her arm, which might come across as a bit weird looking in certain poses in root mode, and does make it slightly difficult to figure out where her arm fits into her alt-mode.

And also, holy fuck, this is such a complicated transformation process.

Keeping in mind that transformation complexity is always on a sliding scale for most figures based on various design challenges etc. and difficulty is somewhat subjective, but I think I've seen enough people talking about how tricky this figure is to transform to feel comfortable saying it's a fairly non-intuitive transformation.

This is a figure rated for ages 6+, and I have no idea how a six year old would possibly do this-- I feel like it might lead to a lot of frustration for the intended age range.

I fully admit I have cognitive problems which make figuring out the more complicated transformations pretty difficult for me, but it took me about an hour with the assistance of another person via Skype, the instruction pamphlet that came with the figure, a tutorial video, and a forum post for me to be able to transform her even half way.

I'm not sure it was entirely necessary for her to require this much of a difficult transformation process, but I'm by no means a toy designer, so it might be the case that this was actually needed for some practical reasons that I'm not aware of.

The plastic is pretty light weight, but doesn't feel flimsy, although I'm wary that her over the shoulder wheels and the hinges on her door wing panels might warrant a little caution-- I tried to be a little careful when transforming her. That having been said, they don't feel weak at all, just possibly more delicate when compared to the rest of the figure.

Final Feelings

I'm definitely keeping this figure in root mode, but that's fine, because the root mode looks excellent.

I do think the transformation sequence on this one is notably difficult, which might make it a better figure for teens/adults rather than younger kids.

Overall, I'd say this gets pretty high marks for screen accuracy in root mode (absence of GHOST logo aside), but takes a hit in my personal rankings purely for how fucking impossible the transformation process is, lmao

But if you like having a more challenging transformation sequence to figure out, this is a solid choice!

[balluprojects]

First of the Gang, 2020

Painting first complete 'prototype' of the portable Vegan Sound System for your mobile phone. (and the first 4 to be completed and ready to go, in the previous post)

How about useful, eco friendly, crafts and arts?

My main focus is how my productions can be less heavy to the environmental; so these are 96 to 98% recycled and biodegradable materials, including reused packaging, recycled paper paste, wood glue and posca markers\gouache\acrylics paints;

all single part is handmade to be useful and tailored painted to be unique pieces of art; either to use around the house while decorating the room with good vibes or even super light to bring on your backpack anywhere, with no need to recharge!

[gryffindorkxdraws]

CARDIGAN

Title: Cardigan

Word Count: 1,610

Summary: Rapunzel reminisces of what once was.

Notes: a few of you suggested for cardigan so i'm putting all of that here in one ask. just cus i don't want a song to be repeated! enjoy!

listen to song here while reading

It was raining outside when Rapunzel decided to clean up her room. There was so much to do, and so much to see, or rather, find again with how her room was full of chaos. ‘It’s like having your very own galaxy in here!’ His voice echoed in her head. That was the very first thing Jack said to her when she invited him over, which felt like a lifetime ago.

Vintage tee, brand new phone

High heels on cobblestones

When you are young, they assume you know nothing

Rapunzel sorted out her things by years. Her childhood toys that she made out of recycled materials go on one corner, the bizarre things she collected as a teenager went on the other, and her adult stuff— which were still as random as ever, according to Merida— on her bed. Though those weren’t as much as the others given how she moved out as soon as she hit college. And honestly? She wasn’t sure what she was doing back at home. Visiting her parents, despite that fact being true, felt like an excuse.

Sequin smile, black lipstick

Sensual politics

When you are young, they assume you know nothing

She paused when she found a picture frame buried beneath a pile of clothes in the closet. While only seeing one corner of it, she already knew what it was. Pushing her clothes aside, she then picked up the picture frame and stared at it. There, under its glass, were high schoolers her and Jack smiling at each other. And like magic, the memory behind it resurfaced and played before her eyes.

But I knew you

Dancin' in your Levi's

Drunk under a streetlight, I

I knew you

Hand under my sweatshirt

Baby, kiss it better, I

Jack was drunk, somewhat, after they stole beer from Hiccup’s stash, and he laughed from a corny joke Rapunzel excitedly shared. She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t tipsy too, and, perhaps from the influence of alcohol, found Jack’s wheezy laugh all so endearing. 

And if they weren’t exchanging jokes, they were exchanging dance moves with Rapunzel egging him to do better. This prompted him to do a backflip, causing the two to squeal and jump around in his success. That was when Hiccup finally found them to get the stolen goodies back, though he was rather forced to take their picture if they were to return the rest of the beer from Jack’s backpack.

And when I felt like I was an old cardigan

Under someone's bed

You put me on and said I was your favorite

Rapunzel remembered how her heart did a somersault when Jack wrapped his arm around her shoulder for the picture. Though they didn’t bother to turn at the camera. Not when they were so engrossed with each other that Hiccup complained about it. If anything, she wanted that moment to freeze so she could stay in its magic forever. But that night went and passed, and there was nothing she could do to go back to it.

A friend to all is a friend to none

Chase two girls, lose the one

When you are young, they assume you know nothin'

Not wanting to drown in her emotions, Rapunzel placed the picture frame with her high school stuff. Though this still didn’t stop the tears forming in her eyes. It blurred her eyesight in a way that made her wonder if this will all her home will ever be. A reminder of what once was. A reminder of Jack. She then wiped her eyes and moved on, until she stumbled on another thing that sparked a precious memory.

But I knew you

Playing hide-and-seek and

Giving me your weekends, I

I knew you

Your heartbeat on the High Line

Once in 20 lifetimes, I

From her pile of clothes that she finally got to sort was a worn out cardigan that she and Jack used to share once upon a time. She carefully picked it up, hesitated for a second, before bringing the cloth to her nose. It smelled like her closet, but also faintly of Jack’s woodsy smell. That boy did, after all, enjoy venturing through the windows nearby their neighborhood, saying it was full of secrets and whatnot.

And when I felt like I was an old cardigan

Under someone's bed

You put me on and said I was your favorite

They had this thing, you see, of sharing the cardigan and taking turns on who gets to keep it or wear it for the day. Or a week, if one forgets to ask for it. Rapunzel still remembers the day they found out in their local thrift store, and how their argument of who gets to buy it was eventually solved by Merida when she jokingly said “Well, why don’t you take turns wearing it instead and be done with it!” The cardigan, in short, held so many memories in it with how it basically grew up with them throughout high school.

To kiss in cars and downtown bars

Was all we needed

You drew stars around my scars

But now I'm bleedin'

But now all it reminded Rapunzel was how things could never go back to what it once was. Not after how she ruined everything. Their friendship, their memories, their everything. All it took was for her lips to say three simple words, and the magic ended right then and there.

“I love you.” Rapunzel confessed with all her heart, but it wasn’t enough. 

Or maybe it was too much.

Because Jack stood there before her, speechless. His eyes almost asked ‘Why?’ like what she did was so irreversible and permanent. And each second that passed by with silence stretching on made Rapunzel choke in her overflowing emotions. Something Jack wasn’t ready to catch.

'Cause I knew you

Steppin' on the last train

Marked me like a bloodstain, I

The days that followed after were painful, with Rapunzel dealing with Jack's rejection. Which was followed by this abrupt distance that cut in between them. And no matter how many times they tried, they couldn’t go back to what their friendship once was. Not with both of their hearts broken for different reasons.

I knew you

Tried to change the ending

Peter losing Wendy, I

The night before Rapunzel was to leave for college, Jack visited her through the bedroom window. It was late, and it was sudden, but at that moment they both had this feeling that this might be the last time they’ll ever see each other. Rapunzel wasted no time in pulling him close for a hug, breathing him in before her heart struck. She pushed him away knowing it would do better for her.

I knew you

Leavin' like a father

Running like water, I

And when you are young, they assume you know nothing

She snapped at him to stop giving her mixed signals. Not after she laid her heart out to him, only for him to drop it the very next second. And tried as Jack might to explain to her that he didn’t want to lose her, Rapunzel had already shut her heart from him to protect it. There was nothing Jack could ever say or do that would make her change her mind.

But I knew you'd linger like a tattoo kiss

I knew you'd haunt all of my what-ifs

The smell of smoke would hang around this long

'Cause I knew everything when I was young

I knew I'd curse you for the longest time

Rapunzel would be lying if she said she got over him. Not when he haunted her wherever she went. She could hear his voice whenever she took notes in class, saying how much fun it would be to disrupt class with a sudden lightsaber duel. She could hear his laughter whenever she found herself losing it over a badly executed joke. She could see the way his eyes would shine whenever she was up to no good.

Which didn’t seem fair at all. She then wondered if it was the same for Jack. If her confession ever haunted him too. Stirred up his life even to at least call things even. She wanted to know so badly, but she never once hit the call button whenever she tapped his number on her cellphone.

Chasin' shadows in the grocery line

I knew you'd miss me once the thrill expired

And you'd be standin' in my front porch light

And I knew you'd come back to me

You'd come back to me

And you'd come back to me

And you'd come back

Days turned into months, and months turned into a year, and now here Rapunzel was. Back in her room where she was determined to get rid of everything that was holding her back to the past. She had a funny feeling then that Jack would come back. He always did after all. Though this time, she was determined to let him go. It was the least she could do for what remained of her heart.

And when I felt like I was an old cardigan

Under someone's bed

You put me on and said I was your favorite

And yet, when she found herself face to face with Jack, who was breathless and looking as beautiful as ever by her front door, the speech she had for him went down the drain. There was something in the way Jack looked at her that sparked this small hope in her heart. Not trusting what she might say, Rapunzel followed her guts as she and Jack made their next move.

[beardedmrbean]

A Houston Police Department officer driving to work last month felt the buzzing vibration alert of a cell-phone sized device provided by the federal government as part of a grant program.

The buzzing was no phone call. It was a warning, about dangerous levels of radiation, right in the midst of the fourth largest city in America.

And the detector that found it was one of 2,000 carried in Houston – and 56,000 nationwide – aimed at preventing terrorists from slipping a radiation-spewing “dirty bomb” onto American streets.

Now, budget fights in Congress and a House majority seeking major spending cuts mean the office that supplied those detectors is on the chopping block.

During a House Homeland Security Committee hearing last week, representatives questioned the work of – and funding for – huge swaths of the federal security agencies, often focusing on border security.

But testimony that day from Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas brought to light the work of one lesser-known arms of anti-terror work: the agency’s Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction office.

He offered it as an example of where the system worked as intended, supporting a local agency to ward off disaster before it happened.

How 'hot' material ended up in a Houston scrap yard

As the detector buzzed Oct. 16, the Houston officer first suspected a false alarm. He circled his car back around to the same street. It went off again.

The detector, similar to a Geiger counter, was built to pick up gamma radiation. Soon, larger units arrived to help triangulate the radiation’s source.

DHS provides some officers backpack-sized devices. The agency says they can detect material as far as a mile away. It also provides truck-sized devices that can scan for radiation near major events like the Super Bowl and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Houston’s sensors led them to a recycling yard on the city’s northwest side. There, the bomb squad isolated containers the size of paint cans. Officers only needed to wear specialized protective gear when they were closest to the material, past a “turn-back line” alerted by their detectors.

The radiation was not coming from a dirty bomb. It was only harmful within a few feet. But it was real radiation.

The source was Cesium-137, a material used in commercial and industrial settings. It is found in medical radiation therapy devices to treat cancer. As the byproduct of nuclear fission, it’s also found at the scene of nuclear reactor disasters — think Chernobyl.

In Houston, the radiation-emitting canisters had been used as flow gauges at a chemical plant. Instead of being properly stored, they had ended up at the scrap yard.

A crew carefully recovered four radioactive sources and transferred them to a U.S. Department of Energy storage facility near San Antonio.

Texas authorities are investigating the chain of custody of the material to determine how it ended up in the scrap yard and how long it had been there. Owners of the yard, which police have not named, will not face penalties because they cooperated with authorities, said Sgt. James Luplow, a member of the HPD bomb squad.

“This is not a very common occurrence. We routinely encounter radioactive material, but nothing at this level,” Luplow said. “It’s a textbook example of having a lot of people cruising around with these detectors.”

The ongoing threat of radioactive waste

Radioactive material ends up in scrap yards and causes major headaches for workers and those called to dispose of it.

In 1984, a scrap metal sale in Mexico led to one of the largest radiation disasters in U.S. history. About 600 tons of radioactive steel from Juarez ended up in 28 states. In that case, Cobalt-60 pellets caused radiation poisoning where junkyard employees became nauseated, had their fingernails turn black and suffered sterilization.

With a 30-year half-life, cesium isotopes can present a long-lasting threat if not properly disposed of at a storage facility.

Radioactive contamination of scrap materials happens far more frequently than people realize, said Jessica Bufford, a senior program officer at the non-profit global security organization Nuclear Threat Initiative.

“We’re concerned that a determined adversary like a criminal group or terrorists or lone wolf actor could steal a cesium device and use it as part of a dirty bomb to cause panic,” Bufford said. “It could be transported in powder form easily through water or air and spread over a large area.”

The material found in the Houston scrap yard was discarded waste, not a dirty bomb. But authorities say the need for detecting the radiation is the same in either scenario.

“You’d be detecting bombs,” said Luplow, the Houston sergeant. “But we’d much prefer to find it just in the material form, and it’s a lot easier to deal with.”

'No border security, no funding'

The Houston incident first came to light when Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas testified last week in front of the House panel.

Without naming the location, agency or date of the incident, Mayorkas said cryptically: “a local law enforcement officer equipped with some of the equipment we provide to detect radiological and nuclear material was wearing a device that detected abandoned material in a very unsafe location that could have caused tremendous harm to the people in the surrounding community.”

A DHS official referred further questions about details on the incident to Houston police.

The Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction office within DHS, created in 2018, had a five-year sunset clause and will shutter without reauthorization by Congress.

The Biden administration specifically lobbied key committees to save the DHS office and the jobs of roughly 230 employees plus 400 contractors. DHS officials want to see the office permanently funded. With a budget of $400 million a year, the staff works to detect chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons.

The office works with 14 “high-risk” urban areas: New York City; Newark and Jersey City; Los Angeles and Long Beach; the Washington, D.C. area; Houston; Chicago; Atlanta; Miami; Denver; Phoenix; San Francisco; Seattle; Boston; and New Orleans.

GOP members of the House Freedom Caucus have blasted the DHS border policy under Mayorkas and have demanded the cuts as leverage for change.

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, and 14 other Republicans signed on to a letter seeking no DHS funding until the changes: “No border security, no funding,” he wrote in a letter to colleagues.

Without approval, the office was set to shutter on Dec. 21. The current continuing resolution passed by Congress and signed by President Biden last week punts that deadline to February.