Oriel - C2C

The Cradle to Grave model of living is the way we have lived for hundreds of years.  The home, the business world and industrial production rarely view an item to have a longer life or greater purpose than the single one for which it was made.  Even in our most basic and simple effort we can make at home, biodegradable kitchen scraps are not composted in many homes and Recycling is still a big effort for some people.

So, while many households struggle to “do their bit” in enhancing their world, it is encouraging to see that major industries are creating such massive change.  Admittedly the change has come about through force – change, move or close!

Cradle to Cradle is so new to us in our modern way of thinking.  Again the simple act of composting is a perfect example of waste = food.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cradle_to_cradle

www.mcdonough.com/cradle_to_cradle.htm

Plastics are one of the most difficult materials to break down after use.  For this reason, plastic has been developed to recycle, ie. Downcyle.   There are 7 types of plastics, most of which cannot be processed by community recycling plants.

http://www.virtualweberbullet.com/plastics.html

There is also Degradable Plastic, Biodegradable Plastic and Compostable Plastic.  For plastic to be Compostable it must meet three criteria:

“1. Biodegrade - break down into carbon dioxide, water, biomass at the same rate as cellulose (paper)

2. Disintegrate - the material is indistinguishable in the compost, that it is not visible and needs to be screened out

3. Eco-toxicity - the biodegradation does not produce any toxic material and the compost can support plant growth.”

(from http://biopak.com.au/Products2.html)

This is a fine example of Waste = Food.

Many large Festivals now insist food stalls only provide biodegradable plates and cutlery for their customers.  (Bluesfest: "paper, wood or cornstarch"; Splendour: "certification that packaging is biodegradable"; BDO: can only find recycling notes)

Above: Compostable Plates & Cutlery made from bamboo & sugarcane fibre.

Here are some other interesting designs where materials saved from landfill have been “up-cycled” to a higher form.  

RD4 Chair:

“The RD4 (Roughly Drawn) Chair is an instantly iconic design hand-woven in 100% recycled plastic waste material, with no two chairs being exactly alike. The RD4 Chair is a tour de force piece heralding the future of sustainable design, and makes a striking visual statement uniquely its own.” 

Price: USD1,848.00 http://www.branchhome.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=345

Vintage Belt Floor Mat:

“This handsome, handmade floor mat is made of artfully assembled vintage leather belts that have been rescued on their way from waist to waste. Its rich tones, textures, and tread-friendly patina evoke the look of a wonderfully worn wood floor, albeit with a decidedly warmer under-foot feel. Each Vintage Belt Floor Mat is a one-of-a-kind creation, and as such, colors and characteristics will vary slightly from those pictured.”

Price: USD688.00 http://www.branchhome.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=278

Shoulder Bag:

“This eye-catching piece is the latest twist on JoshJakus's clever line of handbags. The ingenious design is the result of its simplicity – the bag is nothing more than two layers of a cleverly shaped piece of felt and a zipper. Like the popular Tote, Carry, Clutch and Hold bags, this easy-to-carry tote unzips to a flat piece for easy travel or storage.

Available with an orange zipper/shoulder strap.

Please note that wool felt is made from factory waste, so color and texture may vary slightly from what is shown.”

Price: USD135.00 http://www.branchhome.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=23&products_id=416

Six-pack Wine Rack:

“This clever wine rack is made from naturally renewable and recyclable materials. It holds and protects six standard wine bottles. It also ships flat and stores easily when not in use.

Please note that wool felt is made from factory waste, so color and texture may vary slightly from what is shown.”

Price: USD40.00 http://www.branchhome.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=30&products_id=339