Cool Hunting

Ikea PS 2006
2 1/2 years, 28 designers, 42 pieces: The challenge Ikea set forth-- to produce socially and environmentally responsible products using simple (often reused, recycled, and repurposed) materials. By all accounts the designers succeeded, often brilliantly. Using fish nets, recyled packing crates, bamboo and Indian newspapers to mention a few sources, the designers have created a range of products that are functional (storage, seating, tables)...

Ecoist Bags
Ecoist bags. Inspired by her journeys in Mexico and concern for the environment, Ecoist uses candy wrappers, food packages, and soft drink labels that have been discarded by manufacturers. They create a variety of bags that are simultaneously eye-catching and environmentally sound. Every bag is unique. And for each bag sold they plant a tree....

Recycled Paper Vase
Most designers I know (myself included) read an enormous amount of magazines for both research and pleasure. A rather displeasing side-effect is the hideous amount of paper waste that results from this habit. Lekkerhome has a solution: hand crafted vases made from used design magazines. Yes, they are waterproof. via Treehugger 12/9 UPDATE: I've heard these vases are sold out and the artist will...

Design is the Problem: The Future of Design Must be Sustainable
Nathan Shedroff's new book, "Design is the Problem", presents a practical and layman-accessible exploration of sustainable design. In it, he breaks the progress towards sustainability into five parts: learning how to reduce, reuse, recycle, restore, and process. And Shedroff isn't afraid to get in reader's faces about the issue, either, bluntly stating that we need to "get over the guilt or shock or outrage......