This next item definitely falls into the “not ready for the light of day” category. Be ready to be under impressed by Melt, a sustainable umbrella.

Tired of your Wal-Mart umbrella going sideways in a light gale force wind? Melt designer Chelsea McLemore has designed Melt with what she calls an “intuitive tension system. Each arm consists of semi-cylinder pieces strung together. When the handle is extended the loose pieces are forced to create a rigid arm.” I suppose this makes it more durable?

What is really interesting (and bizarre) about this though is the sustainability of the umbrella. It’s made from biodegradable garden film and bamboo, with seeds stored in the handle. It’s all supposed to add up to the ability to someday “melt” your umbrella into the foundations for a small garden.

Uhh, ok. How about a weed garden?