Here's a new twist on recycling pallets: Make furniture out of them. London-based designer Nina Tolstrup's Studiomama furniture line includes chairs, stools, and lamps made from used pallets. The eco-friendly furniture has received attention from around the world but has been an especially big hit in Japan, where it has been featured in exhibitions and magazine articles.

If you have some extra pallets lying around the warehouse, you can try it yourself. Instructions for making a small stool or side table are available at www.studiomama.com/images_all/pallet/crafty.pdf.