As a self-confessed hoarder and maximalist, my desk is anything but neat. I collect a lot of stationery and supplies (sometimes more than I need) and so I have a lot of things lying around. There are of course some desk organizers there but the small items can sometimes be just left scattered all over. This new DIY stationery items can help with that problem.
RAE is a desktop organizer that is made from recycled paper from scraps of Campus notebooks from Kokuyo’s manufacturing factories. Since the strength and abrasion resistance is affected if you fully use the recycled fibers as virgin materials, they decided to make that just 50% of the recycled paper.
What makes this even more interesting is that the user will be the one to “assemble” the organizer by folding the paper, origami-style. There are two sizes of the paper: the S size (W155 x D70 x H30mm) which is a smaller, squarish kind of organizer and the L size (W250 x D70 x H30mm), a more elongated version. You can place various stationery stuff on it, including pens, paper clips, washi tapes, and other small items you may have lying around.
The package, which contains two pieces, comes with an assembly practice sheet but there’s also a video on YouTube if you need more visual instructions. It comes in beige and khaki colors, keeping with the minimalist feel. It would be cute to have some of these paper organizers on my table, if I can actually follow the instructions.
The world has a lot of waste that is discarded in landfills or worse, in natural environments that cause damage to the ecosystem. Fortunately, there are a lot of people who are exploring how to turn these seemingly useless trash into materials for products so that they can be recycled. One of the recent winners of the Red Dot Award turned her focus on oyster shells and fish bones.
EcoShell is a sustainable building material that is made from abundant marine waste and is also visually pleasing. The durable exterior tiles are made from powdered oyster shells with binders extracted from fish bones serving as the adhesives, which makes it biodegradable too. The blend of these two materials make sure that the tiles are durable and can last for a long time.
Since oyster shells are salt corrosion resistant, this material can be used in coastal areas since they can last longer compared to other building materials. The tiles look like concrete but are actually lighter than that. It also has a user-friendly hanging system so that you can easily install it without using things like nails. The texture and color can also be customized to match the structure where it will be used.
This is an interesting way to use these usually discarded materials by the seafood industry. Millions of tons of the shells in particular are thrown away which actually pose risks to the environment especially if they are untreated in landfills or oceans. The fact that you can use them in buildings near oceans makes it part of the sustainable cycle.
3D printers revolutionized the manufacturing and design industries, enabling almost anyone to bring their ideas to life and iterate over designs quickly. Unfortunately, this flood of creativity also resulted in a surge in the use of plastic, specifically the thermoplastics used as filaments for fused deposit modeling or FDM 3D printers. Even the more sustainable PLA type of filament is only biodegradable under very specific conditions, so there is a dire need for more eco-friendly but accessible alternatives. This particular idea tries to harness and reuse the equally growing volume of food waste that we throw away, particularly fruit seeds that really serve no other purpose unless they’re planted again.
Designer: Nawa Tek
Dates are a very popular fruit, especially in Middle Eastern countries like Oman that produce and process tonnes of the fruit yearly. But like many fruits, only the flesh of dates is consumed, and the seeds or pits are simply discarded. These are biodegradable, of course, but they only decompose after a certain period of time, resulting in tonnes of garbage taking up space and potentially polluting waters as well. You can also plant some of the seeds but not all can be used this way.
Playing on the word for date pits and “repeat,” RePit is an emerging technology that puts these previously unusable food waste to better use. Rather than simply reusing the pits as they are, which could bring other complications like longevity and durability, the seeds instead becoming the foundations for a completely new material, one that can be woven into 3D printed products. In other words, what would have become garbage is ultimately transformed into art object, machine parts, and more.
In a nutshell, crushed date pits are mixed with limestone and clay to create a water-resistant composite material that is not unlike traditional Iranian “sarooj” that’s used for building houses. The composite is then transformed into filaments compatible with FDM 3D printers to create any shape imaginable, at least in theory. For a demonstration, decorative tiles were 3D printed and then fired and glazed to give them a ceramic-like appearance.
RePit is still a work in progress and it’s one of the growing number of sustainable 3D printing filaments being researched and developed today. The 3D printing industry has already expanded to support materials like metal, wood, and even chocolate, so it’s only proper that a more environment-friendly and long-lasting option is also developed, preferably one that embraces a circular economy that also reduces the waste we heap on landfills.
Luxury and cutting-edge audio design converge in the Marantz Grand Horizon and its smaller counterpart, the Horizon. These speakers merge visual sophistication, material innovation, and immersive sound quality, setting a new standard in high-end audio. Reflecting Marantz’s legacy in audio craftsmanship, they combine advanced technology with artistic design for a truly immersive experience.
Designer: Marantz
The Grand Horizon transforms its sound and visual presence by redefining what a speaker can be. The iconic porthole motif, a core element of Marantz’s design language for decades, is embraced in this new offering to deliver a listening experience that is as visually inspiring as it is acoustically impactful.
Model Distinctions: Horizon vs. Grand Horizon
The Marantz Horizon is the smaller of the two models, featuring a 310-watt FTC-rated power output (745 watts peak). It includes a driver configuration of one 165mm subwoofer, two 25mm silk-dome tweeters, and three 50mm full-range drivers. With dimensions of 364 x 210 x 387.5mm (14.33 x 8.27 x 15.26 inches), it is priced at $3,500.
In contrast, the larger model, the Marantz Grand Horizon, boasts a 370-watt FTC-rated power output (860 watts peak). Its driver configuration comprises one 200-mm subwoofer, three 25-mm tweeters, and four 76-mm midrange drivers. Measuring 493 x 255 x 529.2mm (19.41 x 10.04 x 20.83 inches), it is priced at $5,500.
Both models share features such as the circular design, HEOS platform integration, and Marantz Mirage DSP. However, the Grand Horizon is larger and more powerful and offers a more advanced driver configuration, providing a richer audio experience.
Sophisticated Circular Design and Materials
With its circular design, the Grand Horizon draws immediate attention. Unlike most rectangular wireless speakers, its sculptural form makes a bold visual statement in any room. Thesphere’s symmetry, paired with premium materials like natural marble and sustainable fabrics, transforms it into a luxurious art piece that delivers world-class sound.
Wrapped in Marantz’s Radiance 360 Seamless Ecofiber, made from recycled ocean plastics, the Grand Horizon is visually stunning and eco-conscious. The fabric’s intricate texture enhances its aesthetic and diffuses sound, ensuring optimal acoustic performance. This recycled Ecofiber underscores Marantz’s commitment to sustainability while retaining an opulent feel. The fabric’s texture contrasts with the smooth metal accents that form the porthole ring, creating a tactile, luxurious experience.
The marble base, available in different colors to complement each fabric finish, adds a touch of natural elegance. Solid and stable, it elevates the speaker beyond a mere device; it becomes a significant decor element. Each marble base is sculpted to be smooth and substantial, grounding the spherical form and creating an interplay between nature and technology.
Powerful Audio Performance
With its striking design, the Marantz Grand Horizon also delivers serious audio performance. With a 200mm subwoofer, three 25mm tweeters, and four 76mm midrange drivers, it offers deep bass, clear highs, and immersive midrange. This driver array is key to producing the full-bodied sound Marantz is known for—rich, warm, and incredibly lifelike.
The Grand Horizon’s 370-watt amplification is powered by Marantz’s Rise amplification technology, featuring GaN FETs for high power efficiency and reduced thermal distortion. It delivers sound as close as possible to the original recording. Even at high volumes, the Grand Horizon remains poised, delivering uncompromised sound.
A key feature is its ability to adjust and fine-tune the audio experience through Marantz Mirage DSP. Users can personalize the sound by adjusting clarity, warmth, and spaciousness to their preference, ensuring each listening session meets unique tastes. The Sound Master mode offers a refined experience curated by Marantz Sound Master Yoshinori Ogata, bringing out the best in any track.
Interactive and Customizable Design Features
The use of light and motion elevates the Grand Horizon beyond a mere object. The AuraControl system incorporates concealed LEDs that respond to proximity. As someone approaches the speaker, the lights subtly activate, giving the impression that it comes to life, adding an interactive component that feels almost personable. This thoughtful addition sets it apart from other luxury speakers.
This light ring also serves as a touch-sensitive interface, allowing users to adjust the volume by simply running their hand along the edge of the gold ring. This feature feels natural and almost ceremonial—a tactile connection to the sound. It transforms the speaker from a mere device into an experience.
The base, made from natural marble, enhances the speaker’s stature. Different stone types for each colorway—from Midnight Sky’s dark elegance to Marantz Champagne’s warmth—allow the speakers to adapt to various living spaces. They are designed to blend seamlessly into both modern and classic interiors.
Comprehensive Connectivity and Multi-Room Integration
With advanced connectivity features, the Marantz Grand Horizon is as versatile as it is beautiful. The speaker supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect, providing direct access to streaming services such as Amazon Music, Deezer, and TIDAL. Whether it’s a quick Bluetooth pairing for an impromptu playlist or immersing yourself in a high-resolution stream, Marantz ensures accessing your favorite content is effortless.
Physical inputs add flexibility, with stereo RCA, optical, HDMI eARC, and USB-C available to connect to various sources. The HDMI eARC input also supports Dolby decoding, allowing users to experience the nuance of Dolby Atmos content when connected to a compatible display, expanding its use beyond music to home cinema.
Through the HEOS multi-room audio platform, the Grand Horizon can integrate into a broader home audio setup. You can easily sync multiple speakers throughout the home, playing synchronized music in each room or creating unique sound environments in different spaces—all managed through the HEOS app. Its ability to pair with another unit also allows for a true stereo experience, transforming any room into a high-fidelity listening space.
Aesthetics for Any Space
Available in three finishes—Midnight Sky, Moon Ray, and Marantz Champagne—the Grand Horizon and its smaller counterpart, the Horizon, provide a distinct visual identity. Midnight Sky is dark and sleek, exuding sophisticated elegance for minimalist or modernist settings. Moon Ray, by contrast, is a bright, off-white finish that brings a subtle sparkle, ideal for spaces that value lightness and openness. Finally, Marantz Champagne adds warmth and luxurious charm, making it perfect for spaces seeking a more inviting and traditional touch.
What makes it special isn’t solely the material quality but also how each design decision serves form and function. The combination of woven Ecofiber and marble elements shows Marantz’s dedication to crafting a speaker that emphasizes the experience of seeing and touching as much as listening. This philosophy positions the Grand Horizon as more than an audio device but a versatile component of the home’s overall design.
Innovating Sound and Style
The Marantz Grand Horizon redefines what a high-end speaker can be, presenting itself as an acoustic marvel and a design masterpiece. Its unique circular form, sustainable luxury materials, customizable sound tuning, and thoughtful interactivity elevate the typical wireless speaker experience—it embodies Marantz’s blend of heritage and forward-thinking design in home audio.
From motion-activated LEDs to tactile controls in the gold accents, Marantz has crafted a speaker for those who view audio equipment as more than mere utility. It’s a convergence of technology, art, and sustainable design—a statement for any discerning listener seeking luxury without compromise.
In an age where sustainability meets everything, why not fitness? Nike has taken a bold step with the introduction of their Nike Grind Dumbbells, a product that marries functionality with an eco-conscious mindset. These dumbbells are not just a tool for training but a statement in Nike’s ongoing commitment to reduce waste and create a better future for both athletes and the planet.
At the heart of this innovation is Nike Grind Rubber, a material made from the waste generated during the footwear manufacturing process. Each Nike Grind Dumbbell contains at least 20% of this recycled rubber by volume, making it a sustainable choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining a rigorous fitness routine. The incorporation of Nike Grind Rubber gives these dumbbells a unique texture—durable and rubbery, built to withstand the toughest of workouts while maintaining comfort and grip. It’s sort of like the KitKat business model. Just like how damaged KitKats get reused as the wafer inner filling for KitKats, the waste from Nike’s footwear business gets used as raw material for its dumbbells.
Nike has paid special attention to the design of the dumbbells, ensuring they are not only functional but also comfortable to use. The handles are ergonomically shaped, with their diameter increasing as the weight goes up, providing a secure and tailored grip no matter the load. For lighter weights, starting at 2.5 lbs and going up to 25 lbs in 2.5-lb increments, the thinner handles offer precision and control. As the weights increase to 50 lbs in 5-lb increments, the handles thicken to match the increased demand for strength and stability, ensuring a comfortable grip for every user.
The medium-knurled handle provides just the right balance of friction and control, making these dumbbells ideal for a wide variety of exercises. Whether you’re pushing through an intense HIIT workout or performing slow, controlled movements, the grip offers confidence and security, allowing you to focus fully on your training.
One of the standout features of the Nike Grind Dumbbells is their versatility. Dumbbells are arguably one of the most essential pieces of equipment in any gym, and Nike’s offering is no exception. These weights support countless workout movements, from compound lifts like squats and lunges to isolation exercises like bicep curls and tricep extensions. The hexagonal rubber construction prevents rolling, making them stable and safe to use on various surfaces, while also protecting floors from damage.
In true Nike fashion, the Nike Grind Dumbbells come with a design flair that sets them apart from other gym equipment. Due to the nature of the recycled material, each set features a unique color blend depending on the footwear colorways Nike produces during any given season. While the base color remains a stylish grey, the Nike Grind particles within the dumbbell vary, making each pair truly one-of-a-kind. This limited-edition aspect of the dumbbells adds a sense of exclusivity for those looking to own a unique piece of Nike’s sustainable innovation.
The Nike Grind Dumbbells are sold in pairs, with pricing ranging from $30 for the 2.5-lb set to $210 for the 50-lb set. Given the combination of quality, durability, and sustainable design, these dumbbells offer excellent value for those serious about their fitness and environmental impact.
Nike’s iconic “Just Do It” slogan has always been about pushing boundaries, whether in sports or in life. With the Nike Grind Dumbbells, that ethos extends to sustainability, offering a product that not only supports your physical training but also contributes to reducing waste. This dumbbell is a perfect fit for athletes who want to make a difference both in their workouts and in the world.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you are traveling and you find yourself in need of hot water but there isn’t anywhere that you can get it at the moment? When you’re craving for a cup of coffee, tea, or just hot water, wouldn’t it be convenient if you could just whip out a kettle from your luggage and plug it in to boil some water? There are several portable kettles already available but this one is probably the most portable and eco-friendly.
Designers: Guo Jianhong, Pan Sui, Deng Kairui
This portable kettle with foldable structure doesn’t have a unique name just yet except for that very description. The folding kettle is actually inspired by another every day, portable item: the umbrella. It has parts like a foldable handle, a support frame, and expandable silicone. When not in use, it folds into a cylindrical form, just like an umbrella, and can fit into a suitcase, backpack, or even a big bag.
When you’re ready to use it, the cylindrical form expands into a kettle with a triangular support frame to make sure that it’s stable especially when you put water into it and plug into a power source through its magnetic power connector. It also has a top pull lid that should make it easy for when you’re ready to pour out the hot water.
This kettle is also eco-friendly as it’s made from environmentally friendly materials like food-grade silicone, 304 stainless steel, and safe plastics. Because of this, it becomes recyclable once it reaches end-of-life. It’s an interesting traveling item to have if you regularly crave a cup of hot liquid whenever you travel.
We hear a lot of sustainable designs that use recycled materials, though these often involve metal, plastics, wood, or even rubber. There are plenty more things that can be recycled and reused, from textile to food waste. The latter might be biodegradable, but they still contribute to the growing mass of garbage in landfills as well as the pollution of water. Of course, some of the parts of plants and animals that we throw can’t exactly be used for other purposes, but fruit skin can apparently be transformed into interesting materials, including a leather-like cover for a gigantic glowing orange.
Orange skins have very little use after they’ve been peeled off. Their oils and scents can be used for fragrances, but the peels themselves are often thrown out. They will decompose over time, but before that happens, they can pile up, clog pipes, and dirty the waters if disposed incorrectly. They might seem to be insignificant in number, but, like any waste, they all add up to become pollutants.
It turns out that the skin of citrus fruits like oranges can actually be used in a different way once they start to dry. They become pliable despite their thickness, making them feel like leather. And if you sew these pieces together, you can have a hard, cloth-like material that can then be used as part of other products, like this spherical pendant lamp that, perhaps by no coincidence, looks like a gigantic orange.
APeel is the name of the patent-pending process that utilizes waste citrus peels this way. Different citrus fruit peels have different properties, and orange seems to be well suited for fabric-like purposes. This creates a lamp with a unique visual that also looks like a miniature dying sun, and the equally unique texture it provides invites onlookers to interact with the object rather than just look at it.
Being made from a biodegradable base, APeel itself can be decomposed once it reaches the end of its life. The best use for it would be fertilizer for growing fruit trees like oranges, creating a circular economy that has very little waste. It’s a process that combines craftsmanship with critical design, resulting in an eye-catching product that captures the imagination and stimulates the mind.
I tried baking, painting, and gardening to pass the time during the pandemic in my small city apartment. While the pandemic is long over, gardening continues to be a better part of my life. It helps soothe my mind and provides home-grown vegetables and herbs. One thing that I despise about procuring seedlings from local nurseries is the plastic grow bags they come in. If you are anything like me and do not like these seedling bags, industrial designer Jacob Boyd has come up with a biodegradable solution that brings people and urban farms closer.
Meet Bough Pot, a biodegradable seedling bag made from recycled pulp, bound by rice paste. Born out of a collaboration of Vancouver-based Jacob Boyd with Carleton University and a local community center, the plant vessel is a way to connect community center users and urban farms. The pot is produced in the centers using 3D-printed compression molds.
The Bough Pot is designed as a holistic system to link users with urban farms. In winter, community center visitors are gifted a pot with a vegetable seed sown inside. Users take care of the pot through the germination phase of the seed and in its early life stages. Once the soil temperature rises in spring, the pots are returned to be planted at local urban farms. The entire process helps foster farming practices in community center users’ homes and produce a higher yield of food in urban farms.
The Bough Pot is fully decomposable and can be directly planted in the soil with a seedling inside. This way, the roots of the plants don’t get disturbed and the breaking down of the pot will act as a food source for microbes. It offers a healthier alternative to germination or seedling trays and take better care of the plant.
Boyd has designed the Bough Pots in different sizes with impressions on each vessel. These impressions help the pots ‘nestle’ when placed together, allowing users to make custom arrangements. The plant vessels are available in a handleless and a handled version. Handled variation makes transportation easier from farm to home, and vice versa. Boyd has made these open-source molds available for free to facilitate wider use.
Of the many pieces of clothing we buy and use, shoes are probably the ones designed to last the longest. Because of that, footwear is usually made using materials that are durable and long-lasting but are also unfortunately often not environment-friendly. Rubber, particularly synthetic rubber, is one of the biggest culprits, not just in terms of post-consumer waste but even material waste during the manufacturing process. As one of the biggest footwear makers, Nike is thankfully taking a responsible stance, giving those rubber byproducts and excess materials a new purpose.
Although natural rubber is sourced from plants, it’s not that easy to replenish to meet the high demand for the material. Just like plastic, synthetic rubber is easy to manufacture but also harmful the environment due to their chemical content. Rubber from discarded shoes is one thing, but even the bits and pieces of cutoffs and scraps produced when making them also pose a threat to the environment.
Considering its lion’s share of the sports shoes market, Nike developed the Grind material that recycles manufacturing byproducts like rubber, foam, and even textiles to create a material that can be applied to products other than shoes. In this case, the Nike Grind Dumbbells are made with at least 20% Nike Grind material to offer an alternative fitness tool for environment-conscious consumers.
In addition to its sustainable value, the recycled material also gives the dumbbells a unique aesthetic. The hexagonal weights themselves have a light gray hue sprinkled with colorful specs that create a terrazzo-like appearance. Each dumbbell is, thus, totally unique, and the mixture of colors will vary from season to season, depending on the styles of footwear that Nike launches.
The gray motif of the weights perfectly complements the chrome-plated knurled handles. The handle diameter varies depending on the weight, increasing as the load gets heavier to provide a more ergonomic grip. Available in weights ranging from 2.5 lbs to 50 lbs, the Nike Grind Dumbbell offers people a fitness tool that not only takes care of their health but also the environment.
Sustainability is becoming a crucial part of our daily lives nowadays, and Daizo stands at the forefront of eco-friendly innovation. With their focus on sustainable design and materials, Daizo brings us the Daizo Desk Organizer, a product that not only helps keep your workspace tidy but also supports the planet.
The Daizo Desk Organizer is a shining example of how single products together can shape a sustainable future at large, made from recycled plastic PLA, a biodegradable and renewable resource. By using eco-conscious materials like recycled plastic bottle caps and cork, Daizo ensures that each organizer contributes to reducing landfill waste and minimizing the demand for virgin resources.
One of the standout features of the organizer is its compact yet highly functional design. Created to optimize small desk spaces, this organizer boasts a unique jigsaw puzzle structure with customizable sections, allowing users to arrange their desk tools in shapes that fit their needs. This flexibility transforms an ordinary desk into a more personalized, clutter-free environment, enhancing both productivity and creativity.
And as every desk warrior knows, coffee is an essential part of a productive workday. Daizo has thoughtfully integrated a built-in coaster, ensuring your coffee or drink has a designated spot while protecting your desk from spills. It’s a small but crucial detail that shows Daizo understands the real-world needs of its users.
Beyond its eco-friendly credentials, the organizer is a powerful tool for boosting productivity. A clean and organized workspace reduces distractions, helping you stay focused on the task at hand. It also promotes creativity, as a clear desk can lead to a clear mind, giving you the freedom to brainstorm and solve problems without feeling overwhelmed by clutter.
Moreover, the Daizo Desk organizer encourages healthy work habits. Maintaining an ergonomic setup and keeping your workspace clean, can prevent common issues like poor posture, eye strain, and general discomfort that often arise from cluttered, disorganized desks.
Many professionals today face challenges in keeping their workspaces organized. Limited desk space, combined with the need to store essential items, often results in clutter that hinders productivity. Daizo addresses this problem head-on with a product that is not only compact but also aesthetically pleasing. Unlike other desk organizers, which often sacrifice functionality or design, Daizo strikes a perfect balance between both.
In addition to keeping your desk in order, the Daizo Desk Organizer makes a positive impact on the environment. By using recycled plastic from bottle caps and crafting it into something both beautiful and practical, Daizo contributes to reducing landfill waste. But sustainability doesn’t end there, at the end of its life, the organizer can be recycled again, supporting the circular economy and further minimizing its carbon footprint. Daizo desk organizer is an investment in a healthier planet and a more organized, productive workspace.
