Did you know that the Japanese import more virgin timber to turn into chopsticks than they do for anything other than building, you know, houses? (Can't they use those snazzy recyclable chopsticks we liked so much?) It's particularly odd considering that (aside from their overuse of plastic bags) the Japanese are generally recyclo-conscious - low flow toilets, teeny tiny flats, etc. Kwytza Kraft takes those chopsticks and turns them into bespoke furniture, such as the Chien lamp depicted here. Chien is Japanese for 1,000, and this lamp involves, you guessed it, 1,000 used chopsticks. (All nicely sterilized of course. Like the Chicken McNugget chopsticks my dashing John has preserved in the glaciers in back of his kitchen, except not evil.)
Most of Kwytza Kraft's products are lamps, but they do also make wall hangings, coasters, floor mats, placemats such as the one here, and others. Prices are generally exceptionally reasonable (although it appears not everything is available for sale online). [GT]
From: BEST OF 2008: Eco-friendy and sustainable shoes