Design & furniture
We all spend a great deal of our lives in bed, so it makes sense for us to be surrounded by the most natural materials rather than a cocktail of chemicals. Unfortunately, cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed crops, with both insecticides and pesticides. That’s why organic really is best when it comes to sheets, pillows and duvets. The thing about organic is, it not only protects the planet, but, it is much better for us too.
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The Huddersfield based furniture company, Connection, is not sitting on its green conscience, well actually it is. The EcoStart is the UK ’s first carbon neutral office chair made with 52% recycled materials it is also 98% recyclable by weight. But the big development here is that Connection had their manufacturing process analysed by one of Europe’s leading sustainability consultancies to ensure that its carbon footprint was as low as possible. This analysis took into account the product’s materials, manufacture, transport, use and disposal at every stage of its development. That’s a pretty committed company. The EcoStart is also made with interchangeable upholstery pads so your boss doesn’t chuck out the chair when it gets a bit tatty. It’s another proof that looking after the environment can be cost effective for business too.
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Green welly brigade
Design & furniture
Ever wonder what happens to your old yoghurt pots, or your plastic coffee cups once they're sent off for recycling? Well, the lucky ones they end up in one of Milestone Eco Design's recycled kitchens. They have created a modern, functional and attractive kitchen using everyday items which end up in our recycle bins. For example 700 yoghurt pots will make one cabinet door, and 2400 plastic coffee cups make up one metre of worktop!
Milestone are part of a growing number of companies who are using renewable and sustainable materials in the manufacturing of household furniture. A standard sized kitchen will cost you around £3200.
[via newconsumer.com]
Related: Kitchen renovation the green way | Dazzling recycled worktops
Having recently swapped my city centre flat for a house in the country, I am now faced with the search for the perfect garden furniture. I want something eco friendly, which is also stylish and unique.
So how excited was I when I found this chair by Reel Furniture? It's made using a reclaimed cable reel, which is already seasoned and waterproofed, so no nasty chemical lacquers are required. The wood is gnarly and knotted, which gives each seat it's own individual character. Perfect for lounging around outside in style.
At £435 it may not be the cheapest garden chair you'll find, but what price great design?
Related: Reviewed: Reel's recycled bookcase | Crocus sustainable relaxer chair
Home & Garden
The sun is out, the birds are singing, and if you fancy brightening up your home as spring kicks in it may be good to know that Love Eco currently have a 20% sale on a range of goods, including this cheerful Summer Glory cushion (pictured).
The cushion is made from vintage fabric remnants to stop them from going to waste, and to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight Love Eco are offering free delivery on all orders placed before 11th March.
Related posts: Belting recycled bits and bobs | Lotus meditation chair
Design & furniture
The fine detail and enormous work involved in creating hand-woven rugs makes it a prime area for child labour, so it's important to know the ethical background on one before buying it. Not only does Tufenkian Outlet vet all their products before selling, they let you do the same: pay the shipping and you can "test drive" their rugs for up to two weeks before making a final decision. This is also time for their semi-annual display model clearance with rugs at up to 75% off. [GT]
Tufenkian Outlet
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Design & furniture
Traditionally, a maibaum is a tree placed in the center of a village and then reshaped in a ritual at the end of April. Building on the idea, this Claasen & Partner Maibaum is bark shaped into organic storage shapes which can be stacked atop each other. Get tired of it? Throw it in the garden, it'll compost itself. [GT]
Claasen & Partner Maibaum
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