We’re all trying to recycle, reuse and repurpose, but one young artist is taking that trend to the next level. Amarildo Silvio Filho is a 23-year-old Brazilian artist who upcycles old car tires into beds for stray animals.
Image by Amarildo Silva
COMPASSION AND CREATIVITY
Filho was trying to come up with a way to recycle the old tires he saw littered all over his city. It occurred to him that they would make durable, waterproof beds for animals. He began experimenting and soon realized that he had a winning idea.
Two years later, Filho has made thousands of his colorful, comfortable beds for stray cats and dogs.
Image by Amarildo Silva
COLORFUL ENTERPRISE
To make each bed, Filho begins by cleaning each tire. He then paints the tire in bright colors, adds some pet-friendly touches and attaches a mattress. The beautiful, eye-catching beds quickly caught the public’s eye.
Soon, people wanted tire beds for their own pets. Filho has set up his own business called Caominhas Pets. He has an active Instagram account where he updates followers on the stray animals who are using his beds.
Image by Amarildo Silva
BRANCHING OUT
Filho has since branched out. In addition to the pet beds, he makes and sells planters, furniture and recycling bins, all made from old tires. He also teaches workshops on recycling.
Filho donates a percentage of his profits to nonprofits that support the environment. He estimates that he has saved over 6,000 tires from landfills.
Image by Amarildo Silva
CAN YOU BUY BEDS FOR STRAY ANIMALS?
This talented young artist can only sell his pet beds and other products in Brazil at the moment. He’s hoping to find an investor or partner to help him expand worldwide.
In the meantime, you can enjoy looking at those adorable beds. Maybe you’ll be inspired to turn one of your old tires into something wonderful.
Image by Amarildo Silva
Image by Amarildo Silva
Image by Amarildo Silva
Image by Amarildo Silva
Image by Amarildo Silva
Image by Amarildo Silva
Image by Amarildo Silva
Image by Amarildo Silva
Image by Amarildo Silva