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.
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!
Deodora Pouf by Domingos Tótora @ TOUCH.
Now here’s a seriously eco.smart and modern take on the traditional pouf. The seating pads are made from banana leaf fiber, the base from recycled kraft paper, and they get their warm honey hue from totally natural pigments.
Kraft Bench 02 by Domingos Tótora @ TOUCH.
Would you like a kraft paper bench to go with those banana fiber poufs? Here we have a truly successful pairing of organic materials with the minimalist style. Love it! Now I wonder what it’s like to sit on…
