Spring 2012

Fourth Annual Eco-Choice Awards By Kristin Larson Contino

Most Sensitive Use of Materials

Winner – Honeycomb Vase from Made by Humans
madebyhumans.net

Vancouver-based Made by Humans started out making suction-cup vases out of plastic bags. Sales manager Freddie Boersma said about three years ago the company decided to launch even more eco-friendly products, such as vases covered with recycled magazine strips. These vases eventually evolved into the honeycomb vase.

“We slice paper strips and fashion them into tubes, making it look like a honeycomb. This vase is made from recycled paper treated with non-toxic dye, and then it’s covered with a water repellent coating,” said Boersma of the Honeycomb vase.

He said the combination of contemporary design and eco-friendly materials is what put the product as a strong contender for the award. “As much as we like to be green, it’s not enough for the marketplace. It has to look good, too. We try to develop products you don’t see everywhere.”

NOTABLES

Hinterveld Throw from Mohair International
mohairinternational.com

The Mohair International’s Hinterveld throw is made from naturally sustainable mohair wool. The style is ‘Hannah’ from the Willowmore collection. This is a new application for woven mohair. Durable organic mohair wool fibers can be reclaimed for other uses. Water is reclaimed in the spinning and dyeing processes to reduce utilities usage in an area of the country where water is an important resource. Remnants and overstock are given to local communities. This company is B.E.E. (Black Economic Empowerment) compliant, and supports equal opportunities for the disadvantaged.

Aprons from One World Projects
oneworldprojects.com

The aprons are made from recycled posters and designed by SPEED Trust—Slum People Education and Economic Development. Manufactured by Baladarshan, India. The apron has two layers; one is recycled poster advertising, the other is natural dyed cotton. The two materials could be separated and recycled. The kalamkari printing process uses natural dyes made from madder bark, indigo, pomegranate rinds and jaggery. The artisans are employed through SPEED Trust, a nonprofit organization based in Chennai, India. It supports socially and economically disadvantaged women from urban slum areas through vocational training, financial support and income generation.

Kristin Larson Contino

Kristin Contino is a freelance writer and copy editor based in Philadelphia. She writes for a variety of print publications and blogs, and also covers women's fiction for examiner.com.