![The Toronto Sun :: Oct. 2009 :: Fall Colours + Biodegradable Cottage Décor
Story by Connie Adair, featuring Green Design Expert Mariela Campo.
Back in the Fall of this year, I had the pleasure of collaborating with Special Reporter To Sun Media, Connie Adair, on a couple of articles about sustainable design. I was the featured green design expert and had a great time researching and being interviewed by Connie for these pieces, which first appeared in one of Toronto’s major newspapers, The Toronto Sun, followed by publication in The Edmonton Sun, 24 Hrs Vancouver, The Brantford Expositor and The Midland Free Press.
This first article was published during the first weekend of October. Knowing that many Torontonians take advantage of that last mild-weathered weekend to head North and close up their cottages for the Winter, the idea was to focus on decorative items that could be left behind to biodegrade naturally without polluting the environment — or better yet, left outdoors as treats for wildlife to enjoy while us humans begin our hibernation in the city. While doing so, it was key to incorporate as many of nature’s beautiful Fall colours into the palette.
For a full colour spread of the above article [including photos of some of the products I recommended], you can read and zoom in on the text here. For a better view of the above photo [which features a biodegradable party kit; please read the article for details], click here.
I’ll be posting the second article soon, which has a focus on how to green your new city home in the most modern of ways, which of course, was a super fun and appropriate piece for Green Design Girl to work on.](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kub7riVh851qz81plo1_500.jpg)
The Toronto Sun :: Oct. 2009 :: Fall Colours + Biodegradable Cottage Décor
Story by Connie Adair, featuring Green Design Expert Mariela Campo.
Back in the Fall of this year, I had the pleasure of collaborating with Special Reporter To Sun Media, Connie Adair, on a couple of articles about sustainable design. I was the featured green design expert and had a great time researching and being interviewed by Connie for these pieces, which first appeared in one of Toronto’s major newspapers, The Toronto Sun, followed by publication in The Edmonton Sun, 24 Hrs Vancouver, The Brantford Expositor and The Midland Free Press.
This first article was published during the first weekend of October. Knowing that many Torontonians take advantage of that last mild-weathered weekend to head North and close up their cottages for the Winter, the idea was to focus on decorative items that could be left behind to biodegrade naturally without polluting the environment — or better yet, left outdoors as treats for wildlife to enjoy while us humans begin our hibernation in the city. While doing so, it was key to incorporate as many of nature’s beautiful Fall colours into the palette.
For a full colour spread of the above article [including photos of some of the products I recommended], you can read and zoom in on the text here. For a better view of the above photo [which features a biodegradable party kit; please read the article for details], click here.
I’ll be posting the second article soon, which has a focus on how to green your new city home in the most modern of ways, which of course, was a super fun and appropriate piece for Green Design Girl to work on.
Liquid Cardboard Series: No.5
During a recent shopping stint at Chapters [the Canadian equivalent of Borders in the U.S.], I couldn’t help but be impressed by the massive display of eco-friendly back-to-school products, which included the modern Liquid Cardboard No.5 by cardboardesign. I had to snatch it immediately. I may not be heading back to school, but I’m definitely back to work here on GDG — and I just can’t resist cool eco trinkets for my home office. It’s futile.
First off, let me just say that Chapters must have a visual merchandising army, as their product displays are constantly evolving throughout the week, and from a Set Stylist’s point of view, they are quite current and make a strong impact. I’m impressed with the amount of planning and work that I know is going into their displays — particularly in their gifts section, which is always packed with unique items from all over the globe.
Back to the eco.friendly No. 5, which I picked up as part of the Liquid Cardboard series. It’s basically a free flowing “shape shifting” piece that reminds me of the classic Slinky, except that it’s made from totally recycled [and recyclable] honeycomb cardboard. The creative possibilities are endless, allowing you to fashion the object into a vase, bowl, decorative sculpture, business card and/or office supplies holder, etc. You can even mesh two different pieces from their Liquid Cardboard series together to form completely new shapes.
I must say, however, that I had a WTF moment when I got home and opened the box, only to find what appeared to be the antithesis of eco-friendly packaging inside — styrofoam peanuts[?!]. This would have prompted me to return No.5., as it would have just been too disappointing, and frankly, so wrong. Thankfully, I was greeted with a small card floating above the peanuts which read: “Our peanuts are made with cornstarch”, making them totally biodegradable. How cool is that?! No.5’s eco.points immediately soared in my books.
I also love the fact that their glues contain no harsh chemicals or animal products, along with their other green statements, which include: “Not one tree was cut down to produce our furniture and packaging” and “Not one person or country was exploited in making this product. It is 100% made in America.”
Fun, modern, creative, socially responsible and super eco-friendly — right down to the packaging! These cardboard peeps are brilliant.
No.5 sporting my new eco-friendly business cards [a post on them soon].
Um, yeah, I’ve still got a penguin fetish. Those who know me are not surprised.
Possibly my fave configuration. I like the cylindrical shape for inserting biz cards, photos, etc.
The fully recycled + recyclable box.
The “cornstarch biodegradable peanuts” used in the packaging of No.5.
I seem to be on a roll with finding unique gardening products this week. Maybe Nature’s telling me to finally get working on that wannabe green thumb. Hey, if it will stop the snow and bring us some sun, I’m totally game. These quaint little egglings caught my eye right away, but their cleverness goes beyond the aesthetic.
Handmade in Japan and sold in sets of three, the egglings are ready for you to crack open yourself. Their insides reveal organic soil and ready-to-sprout seeds for mint, petunia and wild strawberry. After they’ve set down roots, you can replant them outdoors, feeling free to leave them in their biodegradable shells. Extra seeds and three mini terracotta trays are provided.
As with Karim Rashid’s Grobal, egglings use the symbol of life as their design inspiration, but have a cuter name. Who wouldn’t smile at the mention of “egglings”? This eco-friendly trio would be a perfect gift for Spring.
Kraft Paper Collection by Domingos Tótora @ TOUCH.
This beautiful, hand-crafted and highly organic collection by Brazilian artist Domingos Tótora is available at the L.A.-based TOUCH, as well as several international retailers. His pieces include furniture and accessories, all of them made from recycled and biodegradable materials.
His kraft paper collection is simply stunning in its simplicity and textural quality. It seems incredible that these exquisitely carved works of art began as discarded piles of cardboard and paper rubbish! You can see some great photos of the process here. The items in this collection are all dyed with natural pigments and are totally non-toxic. I love the contrast of these earthy, sculptural pieces against the minimal backdrop in the above setting.
Vases by Domingos Tótora @ TOUCH.
The texture on these vases and accessories have a fun and tactile quality about them. How appropriate that they are sold at a store called TOUCH — it’s the first thing I’d want to do if I saw them in person!
Organic Bowl by Domingos Tótora @ TOUCH.
This one has an interesting silhouette, almost skeleton like. It would make a great centrepiece, with or without some fruit or decorative items inside. Though I bet some bright oranges would look perfect in there.
Oval Bowl by Domingos Tótora @ TOUCH.
I probably wouldn’t want to put anything in this one. It’s too beautiful to cover up!
