Have you been longing for something a little more beautiful than the typical flourecent bulb? Look out for the plumen. This recent winner of the Brit Insurance Design of the year award for 2011 (the photo source) is coming soon in a 110 volt version (US markets), and already available in a 230 volt version. Visit the plumen website for more pictures and specs. (I discovered this through EcoGeek.)
Bolefloors make the most of trees by using computer programs to decide the best way to cut each log into tightly fitting flooring pieces. Technically it may not "reduce waste", since scraps from typical board making are used to construct particle board, but it would reduce the number of trees necessary per floor, and enable the most beautiful woods to be utilized to their fullest. I think it is also a lovely new design technique; using a modern technology to create something old fashioned and homey looking. I'm a fan. (I also found this through EcoGeek, picture from Bolefloors.)
Last year was a big deal for us composting fans. Why? Because SunChips came out with compostable snackfood packaging. (And compostable in your yard, not just gigantic facilities.) I really liked SunChips even before that, so I was even more excited. Apparently though, some people did not appreciate how loudly the compostable bag crinkled when touched...it was pretty loud. So, this year SunChips has released a new bag, still compostable, but quieter because the material they created is a bit more rubbery. Want to learn more? SunChips has it all pretty well documented, and they even have a video so you can hear the crinkle comparisons for yourself.
Unfortunately, they will only be using this bag for the original flavor, and the other flavors will be switching back to plastic because of customer prefrence. Really unfortunate I think.
(I heard about this from the ENN, Environmental News Network. Photo from Our Twenty Minute Kitchen Garden, a fun blog with a nice write up on the whole process/issue.)
I wanted to add a link showing you a compostable toothbrush option, but I am sad to say all of the things I found were astronomically priced and had poor reviews, except for The Environmental Toothbrush (photo theirs). They are only being marketed in Australia, so shipping is a bit pricey, but for $36 plus $12 international shipping you get 12 brushes (in soft, medium, or child soft), or $4 per brush. Not too bad for plastic-free, though I'm not excited about adding world shipping to my toothbrush's footprint.
I would really like to see more options in this market. Toothbrushes come in all kinds of newfangled versions these days, but most of them will do nothing but pile up once we're done with them. Mixing with the soil is a much better option.
Let me know if you have any leads on compostable toothbrushes...or if you plan on visiting me on your way back from a trip to Australia....
I love the flooring!
ReplyDeleteI think it's great that so many companies are starting to offer eco-friendly options. But it's sad that the "consumer preference" is keeping them from offering more options!
The flooring is amazing, and the light bulb looks cool too. That's sad about the sun chips bag; I guess, though, if you're eating them at your office or school, it could be problematic to have an unusually loud bag. And I wish there were more options for toothbrushes as well. There are a lot of brands offering reusable handles made from recycled materials, and the only waste is throwing out the plastic head. It's not perfect, but it's certainly more economical and less waste. I can't remember the name of the original brand, but here are a couple I just found:
ReplyDeletehttp://bit.ly/4e8qH
http://bit.ly/gwt9TB
Love the flooring. Actually building a house right now - yep through winter and into mud season. Your blog gave me some great ideas to consider! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI've had the same toothbrush dilemma, we eventually chose to go with the preserve toothbrush made of recycled yogurt cups. When we couldn't prevent a waste we chose to consume from the other end of the recycling cycle. They have adult and kids sizes.
ReplyDeletethis is a great post! i'm in love with those wood floors.. such a cool look! (i also love your blog banner!)
ReplyDeletethese are all so cool! You must have done a lot of research :) The lightbulbs are especially attractive.
ReplyDeleteOh thanks for the post, some really good idea to take and use here. I think I agree with a few other comments here that the flooring is definitely an inspiring design.
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