Green Daily

Digital Arts, the UK digital media publication, has compiled a list of some of the most famous and enduring logos. And look what's sitting along side the Nike swoosh and the London Underground logo -- those classic recycling arrows that have been around since the 70's.

The chosen logos have evoked their respective organizations for a long time because they're clear and simple. The universal recycling symbol follows the same principles. The familiar three arrows in a triangle shape are the clearest, most obvious representation of not throwing stuff in any random garbage can.

And now some history (to impress that cute environmental consultant you've been trying to get with): The famous three arrows form an unending loop or a Möbius strip. The original design was created by Gary Anderson, a graphic design student, who entered a contest organized by a huge paper board manufacturer in 1970. He was awarded $2, 500 for his winning design.

Another fun universal recycling symbol fact: the super-famous logo has never been trademarked. As a result, almost anyone can use it (as long as you're not violating any false advertising laws). The public domain status of the logo has led to countless variations on Anderson's design but the original concept still remains hugely popular on recycling bins and products around the world.