In a world of cities that drive us crazy and habits that make us die (contributing to pollution and destruction of the environment), it is increasingly important to make sustainable choices.
In order to take care of our planet, it will also be crucial in 2023 to integrate awareness into our daily lives. How? In so many ways. Even by replacing current mass-produced products with more eco-friendly options: for example computers that repair themselves more easily, or cork bike seats instead of plastic.
Here are some sustainable and interesting ideas that come directly from designer and inventors - any of them will become part of our daily life in the near future.
Root full
During the 2022 London Design Festival, the artist Zena Holloway presented an amazing collection of sculptures, products and clothing made from small roots in the subsoil.
“Rootfull”, this is the name of the exhibition, explores the future use of sustainable materials such as roots for products of all kinds: clothes, furnishings, even lamps. A project… Radical! (Sorry, I had to do it).
Bamboo Washing Machine
Perhaps readers of Futuro Prossimo will remember her: Bamboo Washing Machine is a smart home appliance that washes clothes efficiently without requiring electricity. Made entirely of bamboo wood, this machine uses river currents to spin its basket, washing away the dirt in a completely autonomous way.
This eco-friendly device won the prestigious Red Dot Design Concept Award, which recognizes its creativity and ingenuity. And it is an example of how sustainable solutions also involve the intelligent use of local resources. And detergents without surfactants, por favor.
FR-1 sustainable saddles
If you are looking for sustainable products for your bike, take a look at these FR-1 Bike Saddle produced by a small Scottish startup, the Frame Cycle.
They are made of cork: an extraordinarily underrated material (perhaps only hemp is more "opposed"). It may surprise you with its resistance and lightness. Not only that: it's also water resistant and offers excellent cushioning for longer rides.
An idea to consider also for the do-it-yourself!
B-Wise
How about growing a chandelier? It is the core of this interesting furnishing accessory: among the most sustainable and organic materials are mushrooms, organisms with an intelligence yet to be discovered and even a complex language.
In this case, the designers of Myceen they take an empty mold and fill it with mycelium along with organic waste materials from the wood industry and agriculture, such as sawdust and straw. The mycelium feeds on these materials and, in just 5 weeks, takes the shape of the mold: once dehydrated (to prevent the chandelier from continuing to grow on its own) here is your furnishing object.
