Series 3. Eco Icon No.17
‘Cork cuff ‘ by Donna Piacenza

Designer Donna Piacenza of Chicago based Studio 1 am ( see Eco.Icon No.15) designed this sculptural jewellery piece made enriely from recycled cork with the packaging forming an integral part of the design. The cork used comes from the wine bottling industry. Discarded corks are ground up and formed into blocks using environmentally-friendly adhesives. then each cuff is cut from a single block of cork, which can then be used to store the jewelry, or simply as a display piece of design inrelief form.
The holistic approach to her concept of including the block of cork as part of the whole piece stems from Piacenza’s regard for jewelry as a continuously interactive object. So often the packaging of a jewellery piece is disregarded and generally discarded . By contrat the Cork Cuff can be displayed in its own block makes it an iconic piece of eco design.
We rarely see cork in products that venture beyond the realm of basic utility, such as bottle stoppers, bulletin boards and flooring, however Studio 1 am’s pioneering and visionary use of cork demonstrates that this renewable, recyclable, and flexible material has multi- use potential when coupled with the visionary designs of the designers at Studio 1 am.
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Tags: about finding eco, cork cuff, Donna Piacenza, eco concept, eco design, eco objects of desire, environment, hand made, in search of eco, off cuts, orianna fielding banks, recycled, recycled cork, recycled packaging, studio 1 am
Series 3.Eco Icon N.15
‘Cortica’chaise Longue by Daniel Michalik


Brooklyn based New Yorker, designer Daniel Michalik, has made this textural, ergonomic, undulating, chaise longue from pure cork (reclaimed waste material from the bottle-stopper industry), non-toxic marine-grade adhesive, and a small amount of polyurethane.
Cork has tremendous potential to perform in ways unlike any other material, as well as being an environmentally responsible material. This piece shows the material’s ability to bend in two directions simultaneously, creating complex three-dimensional forms laminated from a flat sheet. Cork being a renewable material, it is both lightweight and naturally waterproof , and resilient to rot and mould, and therefore can be used indoors or outdoors. The balanced form, along with the pliability of the material allows one to rock gently from side to side with a great degree of stability. The result is a floating sensation , weightless yet totally supported…… presumably could float in a pool……the ultimate eco lilo….don’t try this at home!!
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Tags: eco objects of desire, green, environment, furniture, eco design, recycled, natural, off cuts, about finding eco, no wastage, eco concept, orianna fielding banks, sustainable design, Daniel Michalik, Cortica chaise longue, cork, reclaimed waste
Series 3. Eco Icon No.14
‘UM’ bag by Josh Jakus
Josh Jakus is a designer based in Berkeley, California who is dedicated to exploring the connections between form and function. When people use one of Josh’s products, they experience the way his product was conceived and developed . He achieves this by using materials in their simplest form so their intrinsic qualities show through .
Josh founded his design practice in 2005 as a way of continuing his lifelong interest in the nature of structure, space, and materials. An architect by training with an M.Arch from UC Berkeley, Josh uses his understanding of the built environment and how it is inhabited , in the creation of his designs.
He developed the UM bag collection through two self imposed creative challenges: The first, to make use of the unique properties of 100% industrial pressed wool felt, which is made from approximately 85% factory excess wool and 15% mixed fibers. exploring its density, texture, pliability, and strength. And the second, to transform a flat surface using only the simplest of operations. When unzipped, UMs lay completely flat for dry cleaning, storage, or travel.
This ingenious design is the result of its simplicity , architectonic lines and elemental construction– the bag is nothing more than two layers of a cleverly shaped piece of felt and a zipper.
Definitely no wastage to be found anywhere…with this elemental, recycled, rationalised design with minimal manufacturing process…..eco…practical and covetable….
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Tags: 100% industrial pressed wool felt, about finding eco, architectonic, California, eco concept, eco fashion, eco objects of desire, hand made, josh jakus, natural, no wastage, off cuts, orianna fielding banks, recycled
Series 3. Eco Icon No.12
The ‘Cliclounger‘ by Alexander Pelikan

The CLICLOUNGER was conceived by designer Alexander Pelikan in 2004 when he was researching modernist furniture with its cornerstones being: multiplicity (industrial reproduction), clarity of use and function, absence of decoration and honesty of material. Modernist furniture is exemplified in the crate-furniture of Rietveld which were the first self assembly pieces.
Alexander Pelikan has developed a unique unit of furniture that uses no nuts, bolts or nails to keep it intact. Named ‘Click Furniture’. This modern seating unit presents a simple and elemental design based on interlocking flat packed pieces.
The ‘Cliclounger’ is not just innovative , it also requires creative thinking on part of the users to assemble the furniture, and is finished with sustainable material. Pelikan used TRESPA, an HPL material which is very dense and strong with a durable top-layer, developed for Ahrend and now mainly used for facades of buildings.
Peliker has a very visionary approach to furniture manufacturing . According to him” the future could be fully digital furniture where the customer only buys the file needed for manufacture, steps to the closest milling facility and lets his piece be produced locally on the spot”. In this way ‘immaterialized’ product would cut down a lot on transport- and material costs, and would be very environmentally-conscious and above all it would broaden the freedom of design…
Visonary approach…directional design…..sustainable and sincere……ticking all the boxes for eco-icon status…
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Tags: about finding eco, alexander pelikan, architectonic, cliclounger, eco concept, eco design, eco objects of desire, environment, fsc, furniture, modernist furniture, orianna fielding banks, sustainable
Series 3. Eco Icon No.11
Floating ‘ Lightbulb‘ by Jeff Lieberman
![[lightBulb.jpg]](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ovJS1Em-6dg/RrxZlj9WNrI/AAAAAAAAMWg/9W4qXVdW3tU/s1600/lightBulb.jpg)
What you are seeing is not an illusion, photoshop manipulation or illustration….it really is a floating wireless lightbulb.
Developed by MIT Robotics expert Jeff Lieberman who also is a photographer, artist and inventor , his floating ‘lightbulb ‘ first wowed the blogshere in 2005. Using the wireless power transfer technology invented by Nikola Tesla in the late 1890’s he developed his first floating lightbulb, which “uses a special bulb, inside which magnets and circuitry are hidden. Using a magnetic hall effect sensor, an electromagnet, and a [modified] PD feedback system, it floats a lightbulb stably in the air, while power is transmitted wirelessly from the base of the sculpture into the bulb. LEDs in the bulb rectify this AC power and convert it to light.”
Now four years later it ha been upgraded .The new version “operates at much higher wireless transfer efficiency and is brighter while consuming less energy and levitates at roughly 2.5″ from the nearest object.
This light bulb really is a levitating yet powered lightbulb. It will float stably in midair and remain on for years without any physical contact, charging, or batteries. Ironically, with the levitation and wireless power circuitry both on, this entire package still consumes less than half the power of an incandescent bulb.
This floating bulb is even more iconic and evocative because it fuses brilliant design with pioneering technology to produce a high impact, low consumption object that can be used daily…….certainly would light up my life….
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Tags: about finding eco, carbon footprint, eco design, eco objects of desire, environment, floating light bulb, Jeff Lieberman, levitating, MIT, Nikola Tesla, orianna fielding banks, sustainable, wireless lightbulb
Series 3. Eco Icon No.7
‘Community‘ eco dresser by Rob Southcott
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Rob Southcott, furniture, product, and interior designer has created Community a furniture piece that is part dresser , part room divider made from “locally produced reclaimed lumber species assembled together in an abstract configuration,” Southcott calls what he does “sculptural-based design that blurs the line between art and design.” The piece has a wonderful randomness about it- like a child trying to pile up a set of building blocks and yet has a very clear inherent design rationale . Community embodies Southcott’s belief in diversity. Like a vertical wooden collage, the furniture unites interesting and individually distinct pieces to make a statement about both harmony and humanity. Each ‘Community’ piece is unique and yet successfully highlights the whole and the parts that make such a composition possible. Definitely a reason to re-clutter……and fill those drawers!

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Tags: about finding eco, Community dresser, eco concept, eco design, eco objects of desire, environment, furniture, hand made, no wastage, orianna fielding banks, Rob Southcott, sustainable, wood
Series 3. Eco Icon No.6
Olsen Haus A/W 09 footwear collection

At first glance The Olsenhaus footwear collection appears to have all the ‘fashion forward’ design elements that you would expect from a directional , young dynamic design company. What makes Olsenhaus so unusual is that their entire collection is Vegan and 100% eco friendly. Their shoes make a mark in fashion terms without leaving a footprint in environmental terms.
The concept of Olsenhaus is to showcase alternative materials that are clever, sophisticated, fun and on trend, while promoting consciousness through example and education. Their focus firmly remains on what their goods are made of, why, and attention to the impact on the environment, animals and people. In addition, Olsenhaus works to change the face of what a vegan person looks like and work to make a difference, without sacrifices. It is all about style, truth, and the shift in consciousness to a new luxury.
The philosophy of Olsen Haus is anchored in a dedication to the expression of truth in the material world. They are committed to being 100% animal-free / cruelty-free, producing functional goods, with a high standard of ethical social responsibility in animal rights, human rights, and the environment. Products are made of non-animal materials, in sample rooms and factories that are personally checked for ethical practices & environmental impact.
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Tags: about finding eco, cruelty free, eco fashion, eco objects of desire, environment, fashion forward, natural, olsenhaus, orianna fielding banks, vegan, vegan footwear
Series 3. Eco Icon No.5
Miss Rio ‘ Flip flop’ Ottoman by Karin Wittmann Wilsmann


Designer Karin Wittmann Wilsmann has breathed a ’second life’ into post summer redundant flip flops by creating a vibrarant, colorful, fun item with a serious back story. The Miss Rio Ottoman is like an oversized ,fun, pom pom while achieving eco-friendly status being made out of the soft rubber of recycled flip flops.
In addition to keeping industrial leftovers out of landfills, Miss Rio repurposes the soft rubber without any further manufacturing. The raw material is used as is without the need for further processes..
Together with Braziliian company Gueto , Karin Wittmann Wilsmann’s design is manufactured by an organization that provide work for otherwise unemployed craftspeople from the local community. A smart, ecological design, Miss Rio provides comfortable, firm seating and is suitable for outdoor use (although colors may fade if exposed to sunlight for extended periods).
So comfy, fun, eco and fairtrade….looks good and feels good….definitely achieving eco icon status from where I’m sitting…..actually on a Miss Rio…..
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Tags: about finding eco, carbon footprint, eco concept, eco design, eco objects of desire, environment, green, gueto, Karin Wittmann Wilsmann, miss rio ottoman, no wastage, off cuts, orianna fielding banks, recycled, recycled flip flops, sustainable
Series 3.Eco Icon No.4
‘Paris‘ petal necklace by Begoña Rentero

Spanish designer Begoña Rentero , originally from Granada grew up in a family that had a profound respect for nature and the environment. These early influences developed into a passion for organic forms, colour and movement inspired by nature.
Begoña later translated this passion into a jewellery collection featuring a series of unique pieces. The colours and organic shapes winter flowers , flora and sea fauna have inspired her latest collection of hand made , exquisitely crafted jewellery.The pieces are made of special paper, fibres of silk cotton etc. that she prepares with a method she has developed to toughen them up for daily use, without compromising their delicate, organic aesthetic. Using only natural dyes her pieces both reflect and respect the environment and as she says ”are so light you have to touch them to know that wearing them”. Definitely worthy of eco icon status…..
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Tags: Begoña rentero, eco jewellery, hand made, hande made, natural dyes, nature, organic forms, orianna fielding banks, paper flowers. environment, unique one off pieces
Series 3. Eco Icon No.3
‘Colour block lights‘ from the ‘Entrelinhas‘ collection.

This high impact new lighting collection by Brazillian company Componeneti is driven by their quest for sustainable design . Their mission is a constant search for technology and innovation through actions that reduce environmental impact and contribute to people’s quality of life.
They combine technology and a craftsmanship , recognizing in design the true source of creation and innovation for their line of products .
The ‘Entrelinhas’ ( in between the lines in Brazillian) collection, was created by Componenti in partnership with Marton + Marton, who together developed the “Entrelinhas” collection, creating striped effects by combining strips of Methacrylate a totally recycled product .The idea arose during an electrical shortage, in order to disguise the infamously ecologically friendly light bulbs. This project united creativity and innovation from Marton + Marton with the technology of Componenti adding a new three dimensional effect to a previously two dimensional laminate collection of the same name.“Entrelinhas”.
Methacrylate® is a 100% recyclable raw material, which can be developed to expand the products inherent qualities while being formed into contemporary shapes with a qualit and lightness of touch..
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Tags: 100% recycled, about finding eco, Brazillian designers, carbon footprint, componenti, eco concept, eco fashion, eco objects of desire, ecology, environment, Marton + Marton, Methacrylate, orianna fielding banks, recycled, sustainable, sustainable design
Series 3. Eco Icon No.2
‘Honey Comb shelves’ by Unto this last

London based Unto This Last produces beautiful, organic in form and immaculately crafted wood furniture to order. The plywood comes from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified, responsibly managed forests in Latvia and Finland. Everything is cut by an automated machine at the back of the workshop and delivered in a weekly van around London using no packaging to minimise environmental damage.
Instead of shipping and storing furniture, Unto This Last have a stock of sustainably harvested Latvian and Finnish plywood. When an order is placed it is manufactured to order. “This system allows us to offer most of our products in a wide range of sizes with a variety of finishes” ,enabling them to offer a bespoke product range that can be adapted to suit their client’s aesthetic and budget.
Working in this way simplifies logistics and cuts costs” we do without warehousing, transportation or packaging. This is what allows us to offer their products at prices that compete with mass-production, in spite of our reduced scale.”
Now, instead of the massive infrastructure of the larger high volume furniture companies there is a growing network a network of local small companies that can make furniture locally, distribute it locally and keep the labour and investment local. According to the company : “we plan to grow by duplicating our workshop in other locations, for our client’s convenience, and the pleasure of making things differently.”.
With brilliant eco sensitive design coupled with the ’slow design’ and buy local philosophies seem to provide a ‘win’win’ option all round…..!’Eco Must haves in the making……
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Tags: about finding eco, eco fashion, eco objects of desire, fsc certified, honey comb shelves, local business, natural, no wastage, orianna fielding banks, slow design, sustainable, unto this last
Series 3. Eco Icon No.1
‘Nuno’ Felted Shawl by Vart

Lithuanian born designer Vaida Petreikiené or Vaida P to you and me…..is rocking the world of felt.
Her handmade sculptural designs are as much wearable art as they are a fashion statement. A perfect example being this dramatic charcoal grey scarf which is completely hand-felted using a traditional wet felting technique. Made from 100% Merino wool and embellished with 100% pure silk thread with a silk ponge lining this is a versatile spectacular addition to any wardrobe hat values hand crafted original design. Each of her pieces are unique ,individually made ‘one offs’ , and are made to order through her online store VART.
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Tags: about finding eco, eco fashion, eco objects of desire, lithuania, natural, no wastage, Nuno felted shawl, orianna fielding banks, sustainable, Vaida Petreikiené, Vart, wet felting technique
Series 2. Eco Icon No.20
‘Bold‘ sofa by Sanserif Creatius

Designer Ana Yago , two time winner of International Furniture Fair of Valencia (FIM), s renamed Habitat Valencia Forward, has created a multifunctional team of designers interested in redefining spaces and objects, interiors, structures and installations with their core philosophy being sustainable design.
The ‘Bold’ sofa is the latest proposal by Ana Yago and Jose Antonio Gimenez, who have formed Sanserif Creatius, in collaboration with Grupo La Plana, ‘ Bold ‘is a typographical chair developed in corrugated cardboard . This new work forms part of their iconic furniture collection based on letters and punctuation. This ergonomic design that mimics the contours of the letter “b”, is completed with an adjustable cushion that can be stored in a vacuum at the base of the chair. The piece is 100% biodegradable , highlighting the environmentally sustainable creative policy that began seven years ago with Sanserif ’s collaboration with the Group’s Flat and After creating ecological and sustainable alternative to traditional furniture industry.
B is for beautiful……Best eco practices…..Brilliant design….!
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Series 2.Eco Icon no.19
‘Leaf plates‘ by verTerra

Verterra is the brainchild of environmentalist, Michael Dwork. While doing an internship in India, he encountered a woman pressing water soaked leaves into a make shift waffle iron. She then pulled out the plate and used it to serve food she was selling. It was an epiphany for Dwork and he spent the rest of his summer and his business school years at Columbia University MBA program refining Verterra’s dinnerware.
The plates are made from organically-grown palm tree leaves from India. The fallen leaves, which would traditionally have been burned on the roadside, are collected, sterilized, steamed and pressed into plates. The process uses no chemicals, glues or bonding agents, and over 80% of the water used during the steaming and pressing process is recaptured and recycled. Verterra’s plates are 100% natural and biodegradable!as they are made of 100% renewal and compostable fallen leaves and water, and best of all, do not contain any chemicals, waxes, dyes or harmful toxins.
The Company simply applies steam, heat and pressure to the fallen leaves to create this disposable dinnerware, which will naturally biodegrade in two months. According to the VerTerra, you can throw them into the composter and if you don’t YET have a composter they will decompose in a landfill.
Verterra tableware are fair trade products as well. All products are made in South Asia where their employees receive a fair wage, work in safe conditions and have access to health care.
Definately a product that ticks all the design ,environmental and fairtrade boxes….how inspiring….
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Lisa Salzer , jewellery designer of the celebrated re-worked vintage inspired collection Lulu Frost , created these spectacular pieces for Erin Fetherston’s spring ‘10 collection. Featuring Cleopatra style collars made of elaborate combinations of gold chains and vintage crystals that seem to be also adding a Joan Collins ’Dynasty’ moment into the mix….


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