Sanya Arts Space

Toxicity affects products at every stage of their life cycle, so naturally, reducing toxicity is good for business.  It reduces the liability associated with rights to workers, and via alternatives that are safer to handle, can enhance productivity and cut workers’ compensation claims.  And of course, there’s the opportunity to market to the growing number of mainstream consumers looking for safer alternatives.

One company that recognizes the importance of this is Nike, who aims to eliminate noxious adhesives with its Considered line which is targeted towards “deep green” consumers with innovative design that eliminates the need for excess lining and reinforcement.  Compared to Nike’s established lines, the manufacturing process reduces solvent use by 80%.  To strengthen corporate responsibility, Nike is now incorporating the principles of the Considered line into other products, such as Air Jordan XX3.

Nike’s knows that their consumers are focused on maximum performance. So, focusing on increased performance in ads instead of health benefits. Though the Nike brand gets a halo from the initiative, which in turn builds a stronger company reputation, and positions Nike as a leader in sustainability, with all the corporate benefits that accrue to happier employees, investors and other stakeholders.

Note: This post is excerpted from Jacquie Ottman’s soon-to-be- published book on doing green marketing right. Learn more and sign up to be notified of its release by linking here.

Ashley Bakelmun contributed to this post.

Inoda + Sveje is a duo consosting of Japanese-born Kyoko Inoda and Danish-born Nils Sveje. They bring educational backgrounds from ISAD in Milan and the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, School of Architecture respectively. Their awards include first prize in the Pure Design Awards in 2002, a finalist for the International Furniture Design, Asahikawa, and a selected entry for the Hokkaido Good Design Competition. Their pieces have been on exhibit throughout Japan, Italy, Sweden, Germany and the UK. The minimalism and simplicity of their organic furniture is inspired by both of their backgrounds, and the duo is sure to have a bright future in design if things continue the way they are.

Check out our Modern Furniture collection on PadStyle Shop.

Here is a cool, modern, and very versatile ventless ethanol fireplace from Vauni that can be moved from a wall mount, stand mount, or sit simply on the floor. The Vauni “Globe” fireplace can also be used inside around the house, or as a patio heater just as easily thanks to a lightweight chimney free design. Available in Matte White or Black See more modern fireplaces from Vauni here. Via

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I suppose I have not thought about recycling shopping carts. Come to think of it, in every urban place shopping carts tend to litter the city being abandoned near apartment complexes and other general housing places. Ramon Coronado created this urban art project called “Mercado Negro” which means “Black Market”. In the series, he transforms shopping carts into furniture and other useful items such as chairs, umbrellas and swings for children. Ramon lives in Los Angeles and was struck by how the shopping cart is an icon in the Los Angeles landscape. Via – Tevami and Ramon Coronado.

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Red roses, chocolate and champagne scream out romance to your loved one on Valentine’s Day – but at what environmental cost? While you’re planning a sweet treat for your lover, don’t forget to be sweet to the planet as well.
As you walk through the shop-o-plexus’s in the next week or two, you may not feel [...]

The Mighty Wallet is tear-resistant, water-resistant, expandable and, most importantly, recyclable. Made from Tyvek (think express mail envelopes), the Mighty Wallet resists tearing because of thousands of interlocking plastic fibers spun in random patterns giving the wallet incredible strength.

The ingenious origami design reinforces that strength by using a single folded stitch less construction allowing the [...]

Love mid-century design so much you want to wear it around your neck?  Well now you can. Tiny Little Chairs is a series of collectible pendants that celebrates mid-century design. Each depicts a popular vintage chair design, which I’m sure you will easily recognize!

Each is handmade in Montreal by Bruxe Design.

More than two weeks after the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit the nation of Haiti, relief efforts continue to build in order to bring aid to survivors. The Haitian government has confirmed the death toll to be well over 150,000, while another quarter of a million individuals sustained injuries. Thousands of buildings were destroyed, leaving [...]

Every year the most incredible designers from around the world gather at the MAISON&OBJET in Paris to show their latest and greatest wares in a wide variety of categories. One of our favorites is of coarse furniture and design greats like Jean-Marie Massaud, François Azambourg, Vincent Van Duysen, and Karl Lagerfeld contribute to one of the best collections assembled anywhere. The dates for the 2010 MAISON&OBJET are January 22-26 with the first just ending, and September 3-7 in fall of this year. I am sure we will bring some of the incredible home fashion and furniture pictures to you in weeks to come.

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The Mobeius house was created by Tony Owen Partners in Sydney, Australia. The amazing rounded house design was the concept of the client with the intention of maximizing light and developing a concept a bit different than the standard “90 degree right angles” found in most homes. As a result almost everything is custom in the home including the windows, frame and roof. The frame is created of steel that had to be specially cut to create the rounded look. Once the frame was up the rest of the features could be built and fastened to ensure the proper shape was kept throughout the house construction process. Via.

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