There are two kinds of people when it comes to chairs and stools. Those who like cutely-designed seats and those who want comfortable resting places for their behinds. While I am always the latter, there are a lot of people looking for the former. That’s why we see uniquely designed chairs and stools that can also double as a sort of art piece, even though they don’t look the most comfortable to sit on.
The Rio Pouffe is a concept for a chair that is able to combine modern aesthetic with an eco-friendly design. Because there is a trend (hopefully, a lasting trend) of people looking for products that are made from sustainable materials, this kind of design can hit it off with that segment if it reaches the production stage. They did not give details as to what these eco-friendly materials are but if we’re to look at the planters that Harshdeep, the company that they made the design for, we’re looking at materials like bamboo, coffee husks, etc.
The chairs themselves look like inverted onions with a seat surface and a small backrest. They are shaped that way to attract people’s attention and are designed to be lightweight and durable to “make sitting a breeze”. The colors are also in earthy tones like warm browns, soothing greens, calming blues, and neutral grays in keeping with the natural aesthetic that they are going for. It seems comfortable enough although for me, the small back rest may not be enough if I’ll be sitting on it for a long time.
As a concept, this seems to be pretty interesting if you’re the type looking for good-looking chairs that are also eco-friendly. It would have been better to see what are those recyclable materials that they will use to produce the chairs. But in terms of design, this seems to be a simple but solid one.
Any child of the 90s has probably at one point or another got their hands on a Tamagotchi. Before there were mobile phones where we spend most of our eyes and fingers on, we had to feed, clean and take care of our virtual pets on a regular basis. In case you didn’t know, there are still a lot of Tamagotchis around and it is celebrating its 28th birthday with a special egg surprise.
The Original Tamagotchi Celebration Egg will be arriving in a very special packaging inside and outside by 2025. What makes this special is that it goes back to its egg roots since the toy’s name comes literally from the Japanese word for egg, tamago. Instead of the normal plastic casing, this one is made from recycled eggshells, giving it a smooth, matte finish, much like a real egg’s look and feel.
In keeping with the eco-friendly celebration of the Tamagotchi’s anniversary, the packaging is also made from recycled paper. Aside from those two special things, you can play with your virtual pet in its usual way by feeding them, cleaning them up when they poop, and even disciplining them when they’re being naughty. And of course, they will grow up to be different characters, depending on how you take care of them.
This particular celebration egg can still be attached to your bag or even to your clothes with the ball chain, since you of course need to carry it around with you at all times. It will be available exclusively through Amazon by 2025 and will cost just $29.99.
As someone who manages ecommerce stores and is also a frequent consumer of products from various online stores, I see a lot of waste when it comes to packaging. There are a lot of single-use plastics lying around our office and my house that I often feel guilty about contributing to all that waste. While we still try to re-use what we can, I do hope that there will be better packaging solutions that can be adapted by the general public.
Craste is a company based in India that is the country’s first 100% tree-free packaging solution. Since the country produces 500 million tonnes of crop residue every year which contributes to 150 million tonnes of carbon dioxide released in the atmosphere, they thought of using crop waste to create eco-friendly packaging. They collected crop residue from the farmers and then convert it to tree-free pulp through a circular fiber technology (whose patent is still pending). This process uses less water consumption and Zero Level Discharge from the unit.
The pulp is then turned to high-quality paper that can be used for different kinds of packaging like boxes, paper bags, envelopes, etc. The packaging created is also food-grade so it’s safe for food products. It is also strong but flexible that it can retain the form and shape of the packaging it is turned into. They also aim to create “highly durable, environmentally friendly, cost-effective, wood-equivalent crop residue derived straw panel board with a formaldehyde-free adhesive”.
One issue with alternative packaging of course is the cost. Things like single-use plastic, bubble wrap, and the likes are pretty cheap and the more eco-friendly options are more expensive. Hopefully if companies like Craste can create more sustainable packaging for brands, we’ll be able to have better packaging consumption in the next few years.
Our unhealthy practices and way of living are truly harmful to the environment and have been slowly leading to its deterioration. And the world has been changing (for the worse) because of this. Hence, it is extremely important to live sustainably and consciously and to take care of the environment in 2024! Integrating sustainability into our day-to-day lives has become crucial. And we can do this in various ways. Designers and creators are coming up with sustainable alternatives for almost everything. Every product that is necessary and utilized by us in our everyday routine has an eco-friendly alternative to it. Replacing our usual mass-produced designs with these greener options will make a huge difference to the environment and Mother Earth. And on World Environment Day, we’ve curated a collection of eco-friendly designs to help you live more green – check them out!
1. EasyFreeze
In countries like Nigeria, power outages are a daily occurrence, and they can tend to last for hours. In these difficult living conditions, a traditional fridge is of no use. Hence, Amped Innovation designed EasyFreeze – a solar-powered fridge that will function effectively irrespective of power conditions.
Why is it noteworthy?
The fridge will function off-grid, or irrespective of an unreliable grid. It is an excellent solution for regions with abundant solar energy, but poor infrastructure. It is a thoughtfully designed fridge and freezer, which can refrigerate in 20 minutes, and freeze in less than an hour. It can maintain its temperature for up to 40 hours even during power outages, or days when the sun isn’t shining.
What we like
Provides reliability and efficiency even in challenging conditions
Uses an ice battery instead of typical lithium-ion batteries
What we dislike
Priced at $900, and intended for middle-class families, low-income groups may find it difficult to purchase
2. Sustainable Cutlery Set
Named the Sustainable Cutlery Set, this guilt-free dining product is built using Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymers or GFRP. It is a sustainable set comprising of light and durable utensils, packed in reusable and recyclable packaging. The utensils are designed to last a long time, maybe even longer than you!
The Sustainable Cutlery Set is quite mechanically strong, which means the knife and fork wont break if your steak is a bit too tough. The different utensils can be split in half, making them portable in design. The various parts can be easily screwed and unscrewed, while also ensuring they are durable.
What we like
Eco-friendly and yet long-lasting
Portable and easy-to-carry form
What we dislike
The handles of the cutlery might be too thin for large hands
3. Briiv Pro
Called the Briiv Pro, this eco-friendly purifier combines nature and technology to offer you clean air in your home. The newly designed version is more powerful than the previous one, and it can purify a 16 sq.m. room in 21 minutes. It is a ‘mini forest’ that is 6900% more effective than house plants.
Why is it noteworthy?
Briiv Pro is 6900% more effective than house plants, which is truly commendable for its size. It is super functional, and quite hood-looking, unlike other air purifiers in the market which tend to be bulky and visually displeasing.
What we like
The purifier works at a whisper-soft noise level
Features an AI-based sensor
What we dislike
Isn’t as fast as other air purifiers in the market, and they’re more economically priced as well
4. Earth-Friendly Tumbler
Meet the Earth-Friendly Tumbler – an eco-friendly made using PAPLUS, a new thermoplastic resin that combines biodegradable paper to add more durability, moldability, and heat resistance. These are qualities that normal PLA lacks, so this tumbler is quite exceptional.
The Earth-Friendly Tumbler utilizes PAPLUS, an eco-friendly material-, to form a unique texture that is similar to ceramic or wooden cups. As you take a sip from the tumbler, you taste a wonderful flavor, while also experiencing an engaging sensation on your lips.
What we like
Elevates the basic act of drinking water, and adds a whole new sensory experience
Has a heat resistance of f 120°
What we dislike
The natural color does become uneven and fade from use, which may not be preferred by all users
5. Cloche Table Smoker
Meet the Cloche table smoker – a smoker that uses aromatic pants and wood ships, allowing the food you’re cold smoking to retain its original flavors, with a touch of smokiness added to it. This smoker also functions as a dining table decoration, owing to its beech and stainless steel aesthetic which elevates the ordinary atmosphere of your meal.
Why is it noteworthy?
It creates a soothing ritual for you, one that involves arranging the food, lighting the fire, putting it out, and displaying the food for eating. The sustainable smoker ensures that you don’t need to use an actual smoking grill, and it in fact doubles up as a table decoration or food container too.
What we like
Eliminates the need for an actual smoking grill
Serves as a table decoration too
What we dislike
A bit small in size, so you can only use it if you’re having a few guests over
6. Earth-Friendly Stacking Cup
Called the Earthly-Friendly Stacking Cup, this stylish yet minimal stacking cup is designed to save the environment. The cup is built from eco-friendly synthetic materials which lend it a unique texture. The cup is made from a material called PAPLUS and it includes biodegradable paper.
The unique texture of the cup is much like ceramic or wood, and it offers a sensory experience to your lips and mouth. It embodies minimal aesthetics and sustainable practice and produces a soul-enriching drinking experience that you’ll never forget.
What we like
Built from a plant-derived biodegradable resin
What we dislike
It looks similar to other cups on the market, with nothing special aesthetically to set it apart
7. Cambio Pods Container
Designed by Zenpack, this container is made using eco-friendly materials, and it also functions as a mini recycling bin for the pods, before they’re sent to the actual recycling bin. The container is made using molded pulp with vertical ribs to offer it more structure. The container can hold 10 pods. It is sustainable as it is essentially a glue-free belly band with a tear strip.
Why is it noteworthy?
The elements of the packaging can be later thrown into a respectable recycling bin. You can also use it as a temporary compost bin for your coffee grounds, and kitchen scraps. It is an added functional product in a world where sustainable brands are growing, and evolving.
What we like
Serves as a mini recycling bin for the pods
What we dislike
There aren’t different sizes and colors to pick from, no variety
8. PLANETCARE 2.0
Dubbed the PLANETCARE 2.0, this microfiber filter attachment is designed for your washing machine. A lot of the ocean’s microplastic problem, or to be precise 35% of it comes from the washing machine, as it involves a blend of synthetic fibers that mix with water, and then land up in the ocean.
Why is it noteworthy?
This nifty little filter can be easily snapped onto the side of the washing machine. The filter cleanses out all the water the machine drains out after a cycle. It is the water equivalent of sorting through your trash.
What we like
You can be easily attached to your washing room
Removes all the microplastic from the machine’s drain water
What we dislike
You may need to change/adjust the position of the filter to ensure adequate water pressure
9. Stack Chair
Called the Stack Chair, this innovative chair includes a compass-like four-legged base, allowing you to stack the chair almost to infinity! However, you will be limited by the vertical space available, and how safe it is to reach there. But it is a great space-saving design, especially for when chairs are not being used.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Stack Chair consists of the base and the shells, and both parts can be connected by snapping the base under the shell’s designed rim. This allows both elements to form a single piece of furniture, which is quite stable. This also simplifies the entire manufacturing process, and assembly and shipping too.
What we like
You can mix and match different base and shell colors or even materials
What we dislike
The chair doesn’t look too comfy to sit on for long durations of time
10. Grass-Fed Bone China
Dan Barber and Ceramist Gregg F Moore collaborated to build a line of tableware that is made from grass-fed bone china. The ceramic is made from the bones of grass-fed cows, and these cows are raised by Barber on his farms – he is the chef and co-owner of Blue Hill restaurant.
Why is it noteworthy?
The cows consume grass, instead of the usual grain-based farm diet. They consume the grass, move around, and roam freely to look for greener pastures. This makes their bones stronger in comparison to cows who are raised on conventional farms. This makes the ceramics stronger, creamier, and durable.
What we like
The ceramics are stronger and more durable compared to the regular ones
They say that algae, not trees, help produce a majority of the breathable air around us. Covering large parts of land and sea, this wonder-organism does a remarkable job of purifying the air and enriching it with oxygen… so imagine being able to harness nature’s purifier and have it in your home. Unveiled at Milan Design Week, the AIReactor by EcoLogicStudio is a sleek, three-foot-tall structure with a recycled birch plywood frame. At its heart lies a glass photobioreactor containing a vibrant green liquid teeming with microalgae cultures.
Designer: EcoLogicStudio
Through photosynthesis, algae naturally convert carbon dioxide and pollutants into clean oxygen. The AIReactor continuously pumps air into the bioreactor, mimicking natural water currents for optimal algae growth. As the algae perform their photosynthetic magic, they filter out harmful pollutants, leaving behind cleaner air.
“In addition to capturing pollutants, the microalgae cultivated in AIReactor can be harvested and utilized to produce biopolymers for 3D printing products,” said the studio. “After harvesting, the algae biomass can be dried and then undergo further processing to produce biopolymers, which are natural polymers derived from renewable plant-based sources.”
The biomass generated by the algae after it has filtered the air becomes a valuable resource. EcoLogicStudio harvests this biomass and uses it to create biopolymers, natural polymers derived from renewable sources. The studio recently unveiled the PhotoSynthetica collection, comprising the AIReactor, along with a stool and a ring made from the biopolymers generated during the air filtration process. Building on their 2018 research project, the PhotoSynthetica collection incorporates biomass, a waste material harvested from microalgae, into a series of everyday objects. This innovative approach expands upon the project’s initial exploration, which saw the creation of a large-scale tree sculpture.
The PhotoSynthetica collection is on display from 15 to 21 April as part of Isola Design Festival 2024 during Milan Design Week.
Construction is something that we probably cannot do without as we continue to build houses, buildings, and other structures. The quest for coming up with sustainable construction is ongoing as we look for materials that are eco-friendly and the process in creating them to be as sustainable as possible. There are a lot of waste in our world that can actually be used for other purposes instead of just becoming biomass as they are mostly used now. A breakthrough in terms of interior wall cladding is now available and it comes from the most unlikeliest of sources: corn cobs.
CornWall is an alternative to interior wall cladding that uses organic corn cobs, subjecting them to up to 150 degrees Celsius so as to activate and create “strong bonds”. Aside from using sustainable materials, the heating process is also eco-friendly as it uses sustainable energy. The electric heating process uses the solar panels on their factory’s roof. So from the materials to the process itself, we are seeing something that will lessen or leave no carbon footprints at all.
Mostly corn cobs are left on the fields or fermented or burned as biomass. But with this process, they are able to turn them into wall cladding. It is better than the usual ceramic wall cladding that is used or even composite materials like high pressure laminate (HPL). Another advantage to this is that it is able to store more carbon dioxide because of the absorbed CO2 already in it. It is also 100% reusable as it can be removed from interiors through the demountable anchoring system.
Based on the product photos, it doesn’t look much different from the usual wall cladding. It actually looks like those cork coasters that we’re seeing now. It comes in different colors loke DarkBlue, MustardYellow, TerracottaPink, etc. Hopefully we see even more construction materials that use sustainable materials and processes so we can have an industry that is more eco-friendly.
Our unhealthy practices and way of living are truly harmful to the environment and have been slowly leading to its deterioration. And the world has been changing (for the worse) because of this. Hence, it is extremely important to live sustainably and consciously and to take care of the environment in 2024! Integrating sustainability into our day-to-day lives has become crucial. And we can do this in various ways. Designers and creators are coming up with sustainable alternatives for almost everything. Every product that is necessary and utilized by us in our everyday routine has an eco-friendly alternative to it. Replacing our usual mass-produced designs with these greener options will make a huge difference to the environment and Mother Earth. From a Saturn-inspired sustainable lamp to a bicycle seat made from cork– we’ve curated a whole collection of sustainable product designs to help you go green.
1. Briiv Pro
Dubbed the Briiv Pro, this eco-friendly purifier uses nature and technology to cleanse the indoor air in your home. The new Briiv Pro is more powerful than ever and is a ‘mini forest’ that purifies a 16 sq.m. room in about 21 minutes. This is supposed to be 6900% more effective than house plants!
Why is it noteworthy?
The fact that the Briiv Pro is 6900% more effective than house plants is truly amazing for a purifier of this size. Besides being super functional, it also looks gorgeous, unlike the ugly appliances that get passed off as air purifiers these days.
What we like
Utilizes a layered trifecta of moss, coconut fiber, and a silk nanofiber matrix with activated carbon
Works a whisper-soft noise level
Equipped with an AI-based sensor
What we dislike
2. Kreis Cup
Meet the Kreis Cup – a sustainable and durable coffee cup designed to enhance and improve your coffee-drinking experience. The Kreis Cup is available in a cup and travel-mug style!
Why is it noteworthy?
The Kreis Cup is heat resistant and designed to keep your coffee hot longer. It is ultimately biodegradable, and a better alternative than the plastic-based to-go mugs, and breakable ceramic mugs.
What we like
Made from spent coffee grounds
You can smell the faint unmistakable scent of coffee from it!
What we dislike
There is currently no scope for personalization, which can be inconvenient for users
3. FR-1 Bike Saddle
Dubbed the FR-1 Bike Saddle, this innovative bike saddle is made from reconstituted cork and grade 5 titanium. The designers did away with the usual three plastic layers of the bike saddle and replaced it with a single piece of cork.
Why is it noteworthy?
This cork has all the properties of those plastic layers – structural rigidity, weather resistance, and foam comfort. They will also introduce various variants with different grades of cork.
What we like
Has the structural perks of plastic, but the sustainability benefits of FR-1 Bike Saddle
What we dislike
You need 2 weeks for the cork to soften and break down
4. PLANETCARE 2.0
The PLANETCARE 2.0 is a microfiber filter attachment for your washing machine. 35% of the ocean’s microplastic problem comes from the washing machine since it is mostly a blend of synthetic fibers that mix with the water, and end up in the ocean.
Why is it noteworthy?
The PLANETCARE 2.0 is a handy and practical filter that can be snapped onto the side of your washing machine. It filters all the water the machine drains out after a cycle! It is the water equivalent of you sorting out your trash.
What we like
Can be niftily attached to your washing machine
It catches all the microplastics from the machine’s drain water
What we dislike
You may need to change/adjust the position of the filter to ensure adequate water pressure
5. Dissolving Bottle Shampoo
The Dissolving Bottle shampoo bars are not just practical solutions, but also symbols of commitment to a future that is sustainable and plastic-free. As users lather up and wet the Dissolving Bottle, it slowly diminishes in size until it finally disappears!
Why is it noteworthy?
The Dissolving Bottle is an innovative and unique solution that completely eradicates the need for traditional toiletry containers, providing us with a convenient and eco-friendly solution for daily hygiene routines.
What we like
Has the familiar shape of a typical shampoo container, making the transition an easy one
What we dislike
Requires careful handling, as exposure to water could result in premature dissolution
6. Packioli
A Turkish designer was able to come up with soap packaging called Packioli that is both hygienic and non-plastic and therefore more eco-friendly. One thing missing from most similar products is convenience and she was able to add it to this as well.
Why is it noteworthy?
She used artichoke leaves and combined them with peapod bioplastics to create packaging that commercial soap brands can use if they want to be more eco-conscious in creating their products.
What we like
It not only solves getting rid of plastic for soaps but also helps get rid of artichoke waste, which is around 80% of the actual vegetable
What we dislike
The look of the packaging is not similar to what we’re used to, with the labels and other colorful decorations, so may not be preferred by everyone
7. Memory Capsule
Named the Memory Capsule, this unique concept for a design challenge with Samsung looks like a regular USB flash drive on the surface but is in fact made from eco-friendly materials from old electronic devices.
Why is it noteworthy?
The packaging of this USB flash drive is made using recycled pulp, while the entire body of the flash drive is made using metals and plastics recycled from actual smartphones. The cap of the thumb drive is made using recycled polycarbonate which comes from discarded fishing nets.
What we like
Let’s you get rid of your old devices in an upcyclable way, while also retaining precious memories from your old device
What we dislike
We’re unsure if the data will be saved in the kiosk
8. Earth Rated Products
Canadian dog brand Earth Rated has collaborated with design agency Layer to embark on a journey of rebranding, they’ve created a simple and clean rebranding that focuses on recycling and natural products and have introduced an interesting range of sustainable dog toys.
Why is it noteworthy?
The dog toys feature joyful geometric forms and textured surfaces that invite interaction, building an intuitive user experience for both pets and owners. The toys are made using recycled and recyclable materials, compostable and post-consumer recycled plastics, and natural rubber.
What we like
Eco-friendly and fun products for your doggo, providing an intuitive experience for you as well
What we dislike
9. Oakwood MagSafe Collection
The Oakwood MagSafe collection utilizes the Apple MagSafe chargers to provide actual charging function and good-looking aesthetics as well. What they offer, instead, are solid and multi-functional bases that not only keep your iPhone or Apple Watch in place but also add some life to your desk.
Why is it noteworthy?
With a mix of wood and matte aluminum materials, these stands and mounts look handsome on any motif you might have going for your desk, providing eye-catching ornaments without being distracting.
What we like
The MagSafe charger they hold can be removed and used as normal
Prevents more e-waste in the long run
What we dislike
None of the accessories come with an Apple MagSafe charger
10. Saturno Lamp
This unique spherical lamp is heavily inspired by the planet Saturn and its beautiful rings. It borrows ideas from the planet’s morphology to build something fun, unique, and sustainable.
Why is it noteworthy?
The SATURNO lamp is actually made of three disc-shaped parts that connect without the use of any glue or screws. There are cutouts instead that allow the parts to be inserted into each other at perpendicular angles. Two are made from walnut wood, while the third is made from resin, which could be any sustainable kind.
What we like
The LEDs can be controlled to showcase different colors and intensities
A versatile lighting fixture that gives a glimpse of the heavens right inside your home
What we dislike
The lamp won’t stand with its horizontal light mimicking the light scattered by Saturn’s rings unless it is provided with some support
