Bent-steel Furniture

Looking back at midcentury modernism, bent-ply furniture (short for bent plywood) characterized much of the era's iconic imagery. Looking now at contemporary modernism, we predict that bent-steel will be doing the same for this era's innovative design. Why? Because like bent-ply, bent-steel is very efficient in terms of material usage. Resource efficiency is particularly important today because we understand that there are finite limits to our raw materials. Bent-steel is appealing because, when it is 'folded' into place by the end user, items can be transported flat and reduce on shipping fuel used. As a pure material (vs. composites containing adhesives), steel can also be fully recycled, and likely will be at the end of a product's lifespan. Green designers such as mio are coming up with some innovative designs, like this origami table and bent-metal lighting fixtures, all priced affordably at under $200. Available at re:modern.

Voltaic Solar Bags

Photovoltaic backpacks seem to be all the rage. This new one by Voltaic is actually powerful enough to charge a laptop computer with up to 14.7 watts. Each bag comes with a battery pack so you're not limited to only when the sun is out. Various other styles are available in daypacks, messengers, and laptop cases. Pretty cool.

ModRocks: Ceramic Tile Alternative

Ceramic tile is a great material for bathrooms and kitchens, but sometimes you want a little more 'umph' and a bit more 'eco.' These ModRocks are a nice alternative. ModRocks are pebbles made from 100% recycled glass. Consumer glass bottles are crushed and tumbled, and mounted on a tile mesh. Very little energy is used in the production of these. Wouldn't they be lovely for a modern, spa-like room?

Recycled rubber floormats

Rain, rain, go away. But if you don't, at least we can enjoy keeping out the dirt with this recycled tire doormat. Other designs are available as well. Get it here.