The high-power boat Earthrace is an eco-friendly mode of transport that is run, partially, on the liposuctioned body fat of its owner.

Pete Bethune had 100ml of his own fat removed from his body and mixed with the other biodiesel fuels that run this oddly incredible aquatic vehicle. However, what makes Bethune’s Earthrace truly special is not the fact that he has literally placed a little bit of himself in his beloved boat.

The Earthrace’s most spectacular feature is its physique – it’s been specially built for speed, featuring a hull that slices through the waves instead of riding them. And it needs every advantage it can get as it speeds around the globe, trying to beat the record set by the British boat Cable and Wireless Adventurer 10 years ago.

However, even if the Earthrace doesn’t beat the record – it was a great way for Bethune to lose weight!

In what might be the most metal (or goth, whichever your preference) display of green living we’ve seen yet, the site Eco-Chick has a post entailing some examples of eco-friendly coffins. That’s right, coffins that actually benefit the environment.

While one may not think that coffins would be damaging to the environment, the truth is that as we place them in the ground, they obstruct areas where plant life could potentially be thriving. As such, new companies are offering options such as biodegradable coffins and coffins with partially opened bottoms that allow your body to decompose into the ground, thereby benefiting plant life. Sacrificing your dead body to the Earth? Sounds like a Slayer song!

When recycling, you often forget what is potentially reusable and what isn’t. Take perfume: While it’s glass bottle is a totally recyclable product, it probably wouldn’t occur to someone to not throw it in the regular trash bin.

As Green Daily reports, certain American department stores are allowing you to bring back your empty perfume bottles for recycling purposes. Let’s hope that more stores catch on, and other perfumes as well.

And maybe we can start having recyclable fragrances as well, by mixing the dregs of each bottle into one super perfume! OK, maybe we’ll hold off on that one for now.

In what might be the ultimate in green beauty care and recycling, one spa in New York City is offering bird poo facials.

Now, before you get grossed out, let me also mention that, apparently, bird poo was used as a skin cleanser in Japan for centuries. The vital ingredient in the poo is guanine, which supposedly has a number of skin revitalizing properties.

Oh, and the facials run for about $216 American dollars. For bird poo facials!

Buy a T-shirt that’s more than a pile of cotton thread with an ironic statement on it; find one with a story intact. Re-shirt sells T-shirts that have been loved and passed on to continue their adventures. It takes over 10,000 gallons of water to create one new cotton T-shirt—the longer each shirt stays in circulation, the better off we are. So pass along a loved shirt or get a vintage one that’s lucky, unique, or inspiring.

Some things seem easier to recycle than others. I mean, paper & metal cans are easy. But, what about other old or unwanted items that might be cluttering your closets and drawers? Before you simply toss them in the trash, give these eco-friendly alternatives a try…

CD and DVD cases

What to do with those old plastic CD and DVD cases? Some communities have drop-off spots for recycling just those sorts of plastics. But you could also check in with your local library to find out of they could use the cases, or even use an online “swap” service like Freecycle to donate them to a person who could put them to good use!

Cell Phones

Cell phones contain some materials that are toxic and can pollute the environment. Some cell phone providers have established recycling programs for their products, and some non-profit programs redistribute the refurbished phones to people in need. There are many resources online to help you find a way to give new life to that old phone or at least dispose of it responsibly.

Computers

That old computer might seem obsolete to you, but if it is still in working order a charity might be able to use it! This includes unwanted monitors, printers, keyboards and other items. And if the machine is broken, don’t just dump it in a landfill! Like cell phones, computers have potentially hazardous parts that might poison the environment. Check out programs that responsibly dispose of these items – many have special dates and areas for pick-up!

-Valerie 

Going to the store for every little thing is lame. I’m willing to bet you already have what you need, in your kitchen or junk drawer. And MTV SWITCH is all about repurposing.

For instance, you can…

• Stop cars from hitting your bike with a foldable ruler
• Remove hair dye with Diet Coke.
• Tone muscles by filling empty detergent bottles with water for weightlifting. Inexpensive and hardcore.

It’ll save you a trip as well as some cash.

-Jess