Recycle, retread your toes

Here's a new idea for summer footwear -- make a pair of sandals out of an old tire. Planet Green points to instructions from a camping expert.

To make Thomas J. Elpel's sandals, you'll need a saw for the large cuts and a utility knife for the small cuts. Then add some nylon harness strapping for the Teva-style straps, and that's it. No glue or stitching required. You've got a pair of hardcore recycled sandals.

These shoes are similar to those worn by the Maasai warriors in Tanzania. Six warriors from this east African country raced in the London Marathon in April 2008 to raise money for their drought-stricken village.

Their efforts were largely successful, though water remains a critical issue in Africa. While you're trying to chill this summer in your nifty retread kicks, see how you can help the reset of the world cool down with fresh, clean water too.