This pop-up shelter is one alternative. With a few simple adjustments, a flat sheet of plastic transforms into a weatherproof shelter that can house a small family of two adults and two children.

To make one small sheet of the plastic, called coleoptera, she handpicks the shells from 2,500 dead beetles; ... a type of natural plastic. The Dutch scientist uses the material, ...

Say goodbye to wasteful plastic wrap! Vermont farmer Sarah Kaeck has created Bee's Wrap, a truly ingenious and all-natural product for storing food.