The TH Interview: Nikhil Roychowdhury, Tea Merchant Gone Green

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 13:07:52 GMT

When he started The Simple Leaf, Nikhil Roychowdhury wanted to sell tea, not save the planet. A few months into business though, and he saw just how aligned these two goals were. Four months ago, he partnered with Carbonfund.org to offset all parts of his business, and was bitten by the green bug- he's been working to make his business even more sustainable since then. We spoke with him about tea's connection with climate, childhood inspirations, and going carbon-neutral. TreeHugger: Did you originally intent for The Simple Leaf to be a carbon-free business? Nikhil Roychowdhury: When I started The Simple Leaf, I knew that I wanted to build a socially responsible company, but eliminating our carbon footprint wasn't at the top of my list at the time. Then I found Carbonfund, and their mission immediately struck a chord.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Make Time for a Green Cause: Design Event this Friday

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 11:31:11 GMT

Join us this Friday, November 16th, as Spring and Thwart Design host a design competition like no other (and I have seen a lot of design competitions). Make Time for a Green Cause invited designers to conceive and prototype sustainable clock designs, with the winners being presented during the opening event this Friday at 6pm. Standard design contest fare so far, but here's where it gets interesting: people who come to the opening will have the chance to bid on each of the clock designs, walking away with a piece of design history. Half of the proceeds from the auction will go to the designer, the other half to Trees for the Future, a non-profit that will plant ten trees for every dollar raised (certainly strikes me as a bargain). The organizers hope to plant 100,000 trees and send visitors home with some striking green design objects. The opening is this Friday, November 16th from 6pm - 9pm, at the Spring gallery: 126 Front Street, Brooklyn, NY (DUMBO). ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

The Seed Project

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 09:44:35 GMT

For some it's knitting, for others discussing books or building bikes- there's nothing like a shared task to make new ideas sprout from groups of people. That's one of the goals behind the Seed Project: an art instillation that can exist anywhere in the world, anytime someone decides to participate. You can purchase seed packets, which also contain instructions, in batches of ten - the idea being that you use one and give the other nine to friends. You then grow your seeds in some creative way, send a photo of your work back to the Seed Project, and wait for the next exhibition, where your plant will be shown along with its siblings- the same plant, each grown in a different way. Then, hopes founder David Cohen, you'll organize your own Seed event or start a totally new project with fellow growers. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

If You Were to Rebuild Your City From Scratch...

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:50:27 GMT

Likemind is an early-morning gathering of people who enjoy good conversation and free coffee. The monthly meetups have traditionally stayed away from structure and themes, allowing the participants to define the feel of each event through their informal interactions. Founders Piers Fawkes and Noah Brier tried something different this month though, and asked this question to Likeminds around the world:

"If you were to rebuild your city from scratch, how would you build it differently and what would you keep the same?"

... Read the full story on TreeHugger

The TH Interview: A Quick Chat with Steven Heller

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 12:12:36 GMT

Steven Heller is a critic, author, and design thinker. He's worked as an art director for the New York Times for over 30 years, and also writes book reviews and obituaries. Last week, a retrospective exhibition of his work opened at the Visual Arts Museum in Manhattan. Inspired by the wonderful interview he just did with Gothamist, I wanted to know more about him, and his ideas for graphic design's green potential. TreeHugger: What did you want to be when you were 10 years old? Steven Heller: A PR person in the Air Force. Who knew? TH: How does your current work as an author, educator, and design thinker feel different from art direction? SH: No big difference, really. I still have to "direct" things. And being a "design thinker," if indeed that's what I am, is what all art directors must do. If they don't think, they got nothing. The only difference is I don't buy illustration anymore. That's a bit sad.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Interview: Oulu's Designer, Evangeline Dennie

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 13:41:40 GMT

Named for the cultural epicenter of northern Finland, Oulu adds a shock of green to Williamsburg's bricks and asphalt. Unlike the other bars in the torrent that's hit the neighborhood, Oulu features a living facade and a thoroughly green design. I caught up with Evangeline Dennie, the woman behind Oulu's unique look, and we spoke about design, materials, and the therapeutic possibilities of architecture. TreeHugger: What other projects have you worked on recently? How is Oulu different? Evangeline Dennie: One of my most recent and significant projects was to design the interim memorial at Ground Zero, called the Tribute Center. I was hired by the architecture firm of record (BKSK) to be an in-house architecture design consultant. I was given the amazing opportunity to conceive the design concept and layout, which was eventually built in 2006. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Match Tree

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 08:05:09 GMT

The Match Tree's function is a beautiful metaphor that illustrates a less-than-beautiful mode of consumption. As users break "branches" off of the geometric tree to use as matches, the tree looks smaller and more broken, until nothing is left but a two-dimensional stump. Like other conceptual products that cause us to question consumption, such as "Nothing", it's unfortunate that this design uses wood and actually participates in the waste that it symbolizes. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Urban Studio Brooklyn

Sun, 05 Aug 2007 22:32:16 GMT

New York is a challenging environment for green architects, but its history and construction-happy culture affords some opportunities that exist nowhere else. Urban Studio Brooklyn (USBK) was founded to make the work of students and recent grads a part of New York's landscape. Focused more on physical projects than theory, director Lori Gibbs formed partnerships with established studios like Atelier Ten and threadcollective to work with the participants, tackling architectural problems like rainwater collection.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

The next Martha Stewart of the Green Movement...

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 14:25:18 GMT

Is Martha herself. According to The Eightfold,

"Martha should pull an Al Gore to become the icon for "creative conservation". She could be a platform for all the geek chic energy out there to use art and design to encourage sustainability and could transform conservation from cheap to chic for the masses."

... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Card-to-cradle

Sat, 21 Jul 2007 16:17:12 GMT

Cards can be a beautiful way to commemorate everything from a birthday to a book deal, but they're as transient as gifts come; unless its hand-painted, a card rarely sees more than a month on display before it hits the trash. These Bloom and Grow cards from UncommonGoods are designed with this short lifetime in mind, and in true cradle-to-cradle spirit, feed the earth once they're discarded. Seeds are embedded in each card, and with a little patience and water, will bloom into healthy flowers after the card is buried. While building an entire garden from these cards might only be possible for the super-popular, they're perfect for anyone who will actually take the time to make the seeds sprout. I only wish there was an option to send local seeds- perhaps you could choose varsities based on the recipient's climate region. Disclaimer: I was employed by UncommonGoods in 2006... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Wood Under Pressure

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 16:53:14 GMT

The shady Japanese Cedar, or Sugi, has long been a symbol of that island's cultural and religious connection to nature. Japan's national tree, avenues of these giants can often be found leading to temples and forming entire forests in the mountains. Because of the wood's softness however, Sugi has never been considered suitable for construction or furniture. This has led to an overabundance of these trees, which have began to squeeze out other species and limit biodiversity. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

(Green) House in the Hamptons

Wed, 04 Jul 2007 14:16:42 GMT

Project Greenhouse, which we covered at Sundance a few month ago, has opened up shop in the Hamptons, New York's home for vacation homes. Designed by architect Edvin Karl Stromsten to accent a secluded stretch of forest he already owned, the house was light, geometric, and nonthreatening; definitely within the realm of "friendly modernism" that characterizes many new houses built in summer colonies. The green engineering that informed much of the design, and the sponsorship it attracted, was far from standard however. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Friends of the Highline Summer Benefit

Sat, 23 Jun 2007 15:28:29 GMT

Last Wednesday, Friends of the High Line threw their 7th annual summer benefit, and were able to celebrate actual construction for the first time. The project basically involves turning 1.5 miles of abandoned elevated railway on Manhattan's West Side into a floating public park. The High Line project, which has been going on for some time, has always been exciting to me because it invites people to consider obsolete city infrastructure as a natural landscape, one that should inform the architecture that's built in its place, instead of be demolished to make room for something generic. In the words of co-founder Joshua David, the High Line "made you think of the kind of New York you envisioned before you moved here". ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

David Gibbs' Water Tower Furniture

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 11:20:12 GMT

I had the pleasure of meeting David Gibbs at the Harlem House about a month ago. Collective 4, a design group that he founded with other friends from Pratt, was tapped to design the house's office space. What really caught my attention was David's bench, made from reclaimed water tower wood, but with the look of ancient bamboo. In a later email conversation, David told me about his more ambitious plans for the water towers of New York, part of a project called NYCWTF (New York City Water Tower Furniture). The project would begin with public seating that strongly references the shape and feel of a traditional water tower, and would be the perfect places to view solar-powered LED light shows that would highlight existing water towers. I caught up with David and asked him about his design philosophy, commitment to sustainability, and his fascination with these urban icons.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

TransNeomatic Bowl

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 21:32:31 GMT

Inspired by the scooters that zip through Vietnam's streets at all hours but distressed by the mountains of used tires that end up in the country's landfills, designers Fernando and Humberto Campana created the TransNeomatic bowl. Made from a used scooter tire that's filled with a web of natural wicker, the bowls articulate the tension between modernity and tradition that informs much of the developing world. The bowl is actually a set of well-mediated contrasts: warm and cold, organic and mechanical, fast and slow. Each bowl is made in Vietnam using familiar handicraft techniques, and is part of Artecnica's Design with Conscience campaign. UPDATE: A number of sharp-eyed readers have pointed out that the tire used here is new. I'm checking to see if this is just a prototype, and if the production models actually use tires "rescued from landfills".... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From Cuchillas to Cardigans

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 16:06:08 GMT

During their quest for the perfect sweater, fashion designers Tina Lutz and Marcia Patmos realized that they had a chance to lessen the environmental impact of their knitwear. For their 2007 Eco collection, they sourced Merino wool from sheep in Uruguay who are fed on native grasses, raised without antibiotics or hormones, and shorn as humanely as possible. The wool is processed without chemical dyes and is woven locally, both to save fuel and support the local economy. Tina explained to me how, instead of contracting with a factory, Lutz and Patmos employ a network of artisans to knit products from their own homes. The pieces are contemporary, with architectural construction and muted colors, but also reflect their South American origin. You can check out the collection, as well as sweater collaborations they've done with people like Yves Behar and Liv Tyler, at Lutz & Patmos.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

New Collection by Plusminuszero

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 12:12:53 GMT

Naoto Fuksawa's company Plusminuszero released its new collection of everyday objects yesterday. The pieces, which include a coffee maker, a space heater, and old-school digital calculators, have a distinctly 80's feel that refrains from overshadowing Plusminuszero's iconic minimalism. The toaster is the greenest of the bunch; with one slot, it saves the energy that would otherwise be wasted on an empty slot when you just want one slice. Despite the collection's thoughtfulness and quiet beauty, each piece seems to be made from molded thermoplastic, as they have been in previous collections. Fuksawa has spoken before about creating design that "dissolves into behavior"; it's a shame that his materials won't dissolve into the earth for a long time. via ::dezeen... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Ting Sling

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 12:29:00 GMT

British designer Inghua Ting weaves end-of-line seatbelt fabric into this playful "Ting Sling". Though it would brighten any interior, the hammock, made from life-saving textile, is more than durable enough for outdoor use. Following her graduation from the Royal College of Art, Inghua worked in Japan developing futuristic fabrics. However, working at the forefront of fabric technology led her to considering sustainable issues, and the challenge of designing and producing a desirable, luxury product from recycled materials. When I saw the Ting Sling at ICFF, I doubted that the recycled seatbelts would provide the same "sinking-in" feeling that makes a standard hammock so comfortable; they're designed to restrain you, after all. After actually using it, I was surprised by how soft the material was, and while you can't sink into this hammock in quite the same way, the woven seatbelts were very comfortable; it made me wish I were swinging in a cool forest instead of the Javits center.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

The Dwell Harlem House

Thu, 31 May 2007 11:23:05 GMT

Where others saw a blighted structure, Alysia Reiner and her husband David Alan Basche saw a blank canvas. With help and coverage from Dwell magazine, the couple converted the neglected building into a beautiful city home in the heart of Harlem. This would be a typical tale of a neighborhood in transformation if Alysia's commitment to sustainability hadn't informed every step of the process. I caught up with Alysia and asked her about the design considerations that make her house unlike any other on the block. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Reclaiming Design Panel at HauteGREEN

Wed, 23 May 2007 15:35:39 GMT

The buckets-turned-seats filled up fast last Sunday as Inhabitat presented the Reclaiming Design panel at HauteGREEN. Jill Fehrenbacher and Emily Pilloton, along with Dwell editor-in-chief Sam Grawe, spoke with Carlos Salgado, Tejo Remy, and Matt Gagnon about how they each design with materials that would otherwise be discarded, and articulate re-use in more symbolic ways as well. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Derek Chen's Council at ICFF

Mon, 21 May 2007 16:09:04 GMT

Derek Chen's new design group - Council - launched their first collection at ICFF this year. While Council's furniture could be a lot more sustainable -powdercoating steel makes it harder to recycle; wood veneer can be replaced by bamboo- the meticulous build quality and trend-free style of the pieces means they might be the last that you (or your grandchildren) buy.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Mixko at ICFF

Sun, 20 May 2007 17:26:07 GMT

ICFF isn't just about furniture; some of my favorite (and most sustainable) products were far smaller than the typical chair. Nahoko of British design group Mixko showed me these "Heli" belts that she created from excess fabric used to make tatami mats. If you can believe it, these beautifully embroidered offcuts would otherwise be thrown away. She showed me how each strip is first reinforced with webbing material and then capped with the standard metal hardware. The gentle contrast between the traditional family crest patterns and the modern use to which they're put makes for one cute accessory, one that uses very little new material.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Reminder: Design Blogfest Tonight

Fri, 18 May 2007 15:34:15 GMT

It's Blogfest time! Join us tonight from 6-9 at The Apartment on 101 Crosby St. for drinks, design talk, and the premier of Judy Hoysak's Indoor Vegetable Furniture, your pick from our recent window competition. Send last-minute RSVP's to icff@theapt.com... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Design Blogfest Window Competition Finalists

Wed, 16 May 2007 12:55:00 GMT

About a week ago, Treehugger and five other blogs invited designers to submit prototypes to be shown in The Apartment's SOHO-facing windows during our Blogfest. The deliberation was hard, but we've picked the finalists; now it's your turn to choose the winner. Read on to find the finalists, photos of their designs, and the chance to vote on your favorite:... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Electrolux Green Design Competition

Mon, 14 May 2007 23:45:10 GMT

Appliance manufacturer Electrolux is focusing on sustainability for this year's installment of their annual design competition. Students are invited to design household products that go beyond efficient use of materials and resources- the objects should encourage the users themselves to adopt more sustainable behaviors. "Design is at the heart of the Electrolux brand," says Henrik Otto, Senior Vice President of Global Design. "I'm excited that this year's competition will bring us some innovative sustainability ideas. And who knows? What's impossible to manufacture today might be possible in 2020." Finalists receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Paris for the press conference and design workshops; first prize also includes 5,000 Euros and a six-month scholarship at one of Electrolux's Global Design Centers. via Core77... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Zen Blaster

Thu, 10 May 2007 17:06:21 GMT

Inspired by traditional bucket-and-bamboo water carriers, Designer Waikit Chung created this digital boombox for monks. While Wakit's design might be slow to market (the Zen Buddhist/ loud music crossover market is definitely niche) the blaster is a great example of design that fits seamlessly within the cultural and natural ecology of its intended users. It seems almost a reaction to the iPod and its ilk, fostering community rather than headphone-assisted isolation.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Breathe Easy: The Filter Scarf

Thu, 10 May 2007 16:41:20 GMT

Here's a filter you might want to wear whether or not you're breathing urban air. Designed by Carl Hagerling, Claes Nellestam and Martin Prame, this minimal gray scarf is lined with a flexible carbon filter that cleans all you inhale. It's also equipped with an air quality sensor that let's you know when to scarf up. Although personal-protection-turned-fashion is sad comment on the air quality of cities, this could also be a great way to prevent the spread of colds during the winter. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

ICFF Design Blogfest '07

Wed, 09 May 2007 10:00:00 GMT

Mid-may is design season in New York, and we're kicking off ICFF/ Design Week with some of our favorite blogs next Friday, the 18th. Come party with our friends from MoCo Loco, Apartment Therapy, Cool Hunting, Notcot, Curbed, and Cribcandy from 6-9 PM at The Apartment in Soho. Really good rum and pressed sandwiches will make nerding out about design even more fun! RSVP to icff@theapt.com. See you there!... Read the full story on TreeHugger

My Type of Appliance

Wed, 02 May 2007 12:31:31 GMT

There's no need to spell out why this waffle iron rocks harder than most. Fleeing the cubicle for the kitchen, this iron lets you cook up a keyboard of tasty carbs every morning. Designed by Chris Dimino as part of a group exhibit for the School of Visual Arts, the typewriter iron represents the best of reinvention: an obsolete product, minimally modified, is given a completely new function. It just wouldn't be as fun (or as green) if the typewriter's metal and plastic were melted down and turned into another forgettable appliance. Visit Chris's site for more proof that a little whimsy is often the key (had to) to recycled design that stands on its own.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

TreeHugger Welcomes writer Joey Roth

Sun, 01 Apr 2007 11:56:30 GMT

Joey Roth is an industrial designer who uses stories as the initial sketches for his products. He thinks about scenes and conversations, then designs an object that will feed this narrative. Joey used to be a student of creative writing, and loved it because it allowed him to construct entire worlds for his characters. While at Swarthmore he realized that he would rather tell stories through physical objects, and still strives to make each product an immersive world. He lives in Greenpoint, Brooklyn and wishes he had a pet rabbit. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Recent Posts by TreeHugger's Joey Roth, Brooklyn, USA