Billboard redux

It’s a shame to discard billboards and movie posters after they’ve served their promotional purposes. Eco-consciousness aside, the artistry shouldn’t end up in a landfill. So thought Ben Weiner, who noticed that designers were using reclaimed billboards and posters to make wallets. “I realized that the material would be ideal for placemats and could be sourced in large quantities,” he recalls. Under the name “ReMakes,” Weiner now recycles these pieces of art into durable placemats. Although the placemats were originally intended for home use, restaurants are using them to top their tables too. Not only do they send an eco-friendly message, they are conversation starters. “Who would have thought that patrons would leave a restaurant talking about placemats,” he says.