eco-chic design

eco-smart home and office design

What I’ve always loved about the EcoSmart Fireplaces from Australia is that they look as great at minimalistic eco-homes as well as office spaces. And then there are of course the environmental benefits that they are fueled by the renewable energy denatured Ethanol. As we all know Ethanol is produced through the fermentation of sugar from products such as sugarcane, potatoes or wheat. It needs to be de-natured with various substances since it can’t be sold in its purest form (100% alcohol) to avoid human consumption. The benefit of denatured Ethanol is that it’s completely composed of biological products making it greenhouse compliant. Its combustion results in a clean emission of heat, steam and carbon dioxide which means you’ll be able to breathe freely. The environmentally-friendly EcoSmart Fireplaces don’t require any installation or utility connection for fuel supply so that you can easily move them around. They come in a variety of stylish settings that range from modern to retro. My favorites are the Vision or Fusion that also work well as a visual separator for lofts. The Retro is a fun alternative for smaller studios or creative office spaces. Either one would definitely warm up any eco-modern space in a cool way.

modern recycled glassware

Upcoming Thanksgiving makes me realize how grateful I am for everyday things like access to clean water. That’s why I love the sustainable concept behind the tranSglass tumblers that are part of the Design w/Conscience program founded by Artecnica in 2002. The program combines modern design with the traditional craft of artisan-made goods to promote self-sustaining communities in underdeveloped countries.

In the case of the tranSglass tableware collection designers Emma Woffenden and Tord Boontje collaborated with Guatemalan craftsmen through the help of the non-profit organization Aid to Artisans. The results are these gorgeous glass vessels made from recycled post-consumer wine or beer bottles. All bottles were collected from local restaurants or recycling plants around Guatemala City then cleaned, handcut into new shapes and polished. The collection includes eco-modern vases, carafes, tumblers and candleholders in different shades of green, clear and brown with a polished or satin finish. The sleek and sustainable glass designs are perfect for modern eco-homes. It’s no surprise that the sustainable tranSglass collection is part of the permanent collection at the MoMA here in New York.

bottled water design with an environmental cause

Finland has some of the world’s best water on tap and you might wonder why anyone who lives there would want to buy bottled water. Unless it looks as cool as the donut shaped bottle from Plup that donates 10 euro cents from every purchase to the Baltic Sea Action Group to help with the cleaning of the Baltic Sea.

The Finish company Plup was founded by designer, artist and director Stefan Lindfors. The innovative donut shaped design allows for the bottle to be stackable, durable and portable which makes it easy to reuse. Even that the 0.4L bottle is made from the highly recyclable plastic HDPE the company would rather see you refill and reuse it. The HDPE bottle looks modern with its clear round body and the starfish-shaped cap. It almost functions as a hip accessory so that you’re less likely to forget your reusable water bottle at home. An optional beltclip makes it easy to carry for hiking or boating. So far the Plup bottle is only available in Finland. Soon it will come in different colors and transparencies depending on other content such as juice. Plup is planning an expansion to other countries like the US and Australia and is on the lookout for charities that fight major local environmental problems. It might be worth checking out.

office furniture for a sustainable future

Since we spend at least 8 hours a day and 5 days a week at our office desks they might as well give something back to us. The Kalidro desk designed by German designer Stefan Brodbeck for Steelcase might just do that since it’s designed with a sustainable future in mind. Steelcase has long been known for their cradle-to-cradle designs such as the Think chair or Leap chair. 

Stefan Brodbeck founded his design firm brodbeck design in 1994 in Munich to create stylish furniture based on the user and not the other way around. The height adjustable Kalidro desk is up to 99% recyclable, easy to disassemble plus its packaging materials are 100% recyclable as well. It’s made from 34% recycled materials with only sustainable wood sources being used. The designs include a wide range of colors and finishes but my personal favorite is the modern look of the desktop in pearl snow with an orange frame and the corners in polished aluminium. What I love the most is that Kalidro’s design has been created for a longer lifecycle and is upgradeable. Of course it would still be the most eco-friendly option to not replace your existing office furniture at all. But Steelcase even formed a partnership with Green-Works in the UK that redistributes office furniture to charities, schools, community groups, hospitals or start-up businesses and therefore keeps them out of landfills. This way you could actually feel good while working away at your new sustainable office desk.