Make takeout greener with these paper food containers

Kari-Out, makers of takeout food packaging containers, invested over $10 million in sustainable paper manufacturing to support their work greening restaurant leftovers. Kari-Out is a leading manufacturer, importer and distributor of paper, aluminum and recyclable packaging products for the restaurant takeout industry.

The company’s largest investment to date will be used to expand manufacturing capabilities in Kari-Out’s specialty quality packaging facility in New York. That’s where Kari-Out’s popular food trays, eco box and eco earth paper food containers are produced. 

Related: Notpla plant-based packaging is helping the world plastic problem

“State-of-the-art machines with new die-cutting, folding and forming technology will allow Kari-Out to double its capacity for paper containers, producing innovative new shapes and sizes to accommodate the changing carry-out industry,” said Dominick Fontana, head of operations for Kari-Out.

Furthermore, the investment will focus on six-color printing and photo processing for labels on the inside and outside of packaging.

Moreover, Kari-Out formed a recent new affiliation with the U.S. Composting Council. They hope to better serve customers with eco-friendly compostable packaging.

Currently, about 80% of all the food packaging the company makes is paper based, However, they will increase their output of sustainable products like the Eco Earth closed container. It is made from 100% recycled board and is both recyclable and compostable. Additionally, ramped up operational efficiency is also expected to reduce waste by five to 10%.

+ Kari-Out

Images via Kari-Out

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Plarn mats help homeless people get a drier night's sleep

Knitters have long known about the health benefits of their hobby: reduced depression, anxiety and blood pressure and an increased sense of wellbeing, to name a few. But now, more and more knitters are finding a way to help both the environment and the homeless — by using recycled plastic yarn, or plarn, and knitting mats and sleeping bags for people sleeping outside.

What is plarn?

The origins of plarn are hazy. The material mentioned on the internet for more than a decade, but there’s no official inventor. It’s probably that multiple people came up with the idea independently.

Related: LEED gold LGBT senior complex provides homes to the homeless

So, here’s how to make plarn. First, sort your plastic bags by color. Then, choose a first color. Let’s go with white. Lay your first white bag out flat. Fold it in half lengthwise, then in half again. Use scissors to cut off the top handle. Then, cut your folded bag into strips about an inch wide. This will form loops. Once you have a nice pile of loops, you link them together using a lark’s head knot.

See the whole plarn making process in this YouTube video. Once all your white bags are looped together, you roll the plastic string into a ball of plarn. Repeat these steps with your other color bags and soon you’ll have a whole basket of different plarn colors. Depending on your project, you might want thinner or thicker plarn, so cut accordingly.

You can use plarn for knitting, weaving and crocheting to make your own chair covers, placemats, purses or just about anything you’d make with fiber.

Plarn for the homeless

Or you can knit plarn for a good cause. Many organizations around the country have started projects to make sleeping mats for homeless folks.

The National Council of Jewish Women of Michigan (NCJW) took up the cause. Carrie Kushner, vice president of NCJW, knitted for as long as she can remember.

“It’s the exact same thing,” she said, as reported by Fox 2 Detroit. “But it’s shaped differently and for a much better purpose than an extra sweater or an extra scarf.”

Her chapter, based in Southfield, Michigan,  is making mats measuring about six by three feet and donating them to local groups like Corner Shower and Laundry that serve the homeless in Detroit. They’re accepting donations of used plastic bags from the public, and also looking for volunteers to make plarn.

Janet Ray, cofounder, board member and volunteer at the Corner Shower and Laundry, said that not only do the mats provide comfortable bedding, they help to keep people’s clothes dry and presentable.

“But more than that, the mats are a message that people care,” said Ray, as quoted by C&G Newspapers. “They are saying, ‘You are important enough to me for me to make these mats.’”

In Texas, the Texas Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) hosted a series of plarn making parties, resulting in 65 mats being crocheted and donated to local homeless veterans. More than 110 DAR volunteers joined with Girl Scouts and 33 children from a nearby community recreation center to turn more than 46,000 bags into useful mats.

Making the mats

According to Marilyn Mossman, the co-chair of NCJW’s Green Committee, grocery-style plastic bags work best for making sleeping mats. Newspaper sleeves are also okay.

“When you think of how much plastic is already on our planet, and yet we are creating more plastic every day, the problem seems insurmountable,” she said, as quoted by The Jewish News. “We must start somewhere to rid our planet of this waste. Being able to take something that is harming our environment and using it to help people in need makes me think we can make a difference.”

According to Kushner, making plarn is easy. You just need scissors and plenty of plastic bags. Crocheting the mats is quicker, but they look nicer when knitted.

“During the pandemic, I’m not out and about as much as before, so while I’m watching TV, I might as well be doing something that is helpful to people, like knitting the mats,” she said. “I am in a position that my life is blessed and because of that, I feel I have a need to give back.”

Plarn movement picks up momentum

If you Google “plarn for homeless,” you’ll see many groups are making organized efforts to create and distribute plarn mats. They have great potential for anybody sleeping rough, from houseless people in Los Angeles to folks in refugee camps worldwide.

Knitted or crocheted plarn mats create a barrier between a person’s body and the ground, which helps retain body heat. Plastic is less attractive to bugs than textiles. And when the mats get dirty, it’s easy to hose them off and dry them. Since plastic is lightweight, plarn mats are more portable than heavier padding. At the same time, they keep plastic bags out of landfills. If you’re feeling inspired, start or join a plarn mat making group near you.

Via C&G Newspapers, Fox 2 Detroit and The Jewish News

Images via Pexels

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Sustainable housing complex features amazing bursts of color

Studios 90 is located in the town of Kodla in Karnataka, India, and is one of Sanjay Puri Architects’ recently finished works. The project provides housing for workers of a new local cement factory. The sustainable housing complex adopts a tripartite design model encompassing the socio-cultural context, environment and economy.

The building consists of pop-out cubical forms, including 18 studio apartments, 54 hostel rooms and 18 guesthouse rooms. These spaces share facilities on the ground level, including a cafeteria, lounge, gym, and game room.

Related: ODA’s vibrant new complex transforms a conventional DC block

Three primary colors, red, blue and yellow, add a pop of color to each balcony. The colors pay homage to regional Holi celebrations. Holi, the festival of color, is celebrated using vibrantly-colored pigments. These colors include those used in the residences.

The architects carefully designed the housing complex to mitigate local climatic conditions. This is because the region is prone to high temperatures that exceed 35°C (95°F) for most of the year. Due to the intense heat, the apartments and balconies face north to prevent direct sunlight. The spaces also capture India’s prevailing winds that hail from the northeast, maximizing natural ventilation. The stacked cubes playfully cantilever from the structure and cast shadows on the spaces below. Further, their thick walls keep the interiors cool. These passive design strategies are environmentally friendly and require less energy to maintain comfortable temperatures.

By building with efficiency in mind, the residential project is also very economical. It optimizes resources, including materials and energy. Fly ash brick, a lightweight, recycled-material composite, is used for the walls. The building also features water recycling systems and rainwater harvesting to limit water wastage. Since the cement plant is nearby, its residual energy provides electricity for the housing complex.

While Studios 90 takes a minimalist approach, its response to the site, energy efficiency and culturally-inspired aesthetics contribute to its multifaceted sustainable design.

+ Sanjay Puri Architects

Photography by Ricken Desai

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HP moves toward 100% plastic free with Choose Packaging

As consumers, we make countless purchasing decisions daily. Moreover, we are often limited by the options companies provide. It becomes challenging to find environmentally-responsible alternatives. A newly-developed packaging company, however, is changing the entire landscape of single-use plastic. Their zero-plastic bottles can be used for countless everyday products. 

Choose Packaging, based out of Edinburgh, is determined to eliminate all petroleum-based bottles with a better solution. Their innovative paper bottle is now the first and only commercially-available, zero-plastic bottle of its kind. While some of the sizes and shapes are standardized, each bottle can be customized to meet the customer’s needs with options from 30 milliliter up to one liter.

Related: Notpla plant-based packaging is helping the world plastic problem

HP Inc. recently acquired the brand in alignment with its own sustainability goals. Hewlett-Packard (HP), primarily known for computers and printers, might seem like an odd parent for a packaging development company. However, HP is already uniquely positioned to expand their position in sustainable packaging. They are building on their introduction of a fiber-based, 3D printing-enabled molded fiber tooling solution.

“As a plastic-free packaging development company, we’ve successfully created technology that can provide a viable alternative to plastic bottles to help eliminate single-use PET packaging,” said James Longcroft, founder and managing director of Choose Packaging. “HP’s world-class capabilities and expertise can help scale our impact at a global level. We are thrilled to join the HP team and couldn’t have chosen a better match in terms of our shared goals for business, technology, sustainability and a values-oriented culture.”

The Choose technology can be used for a variety of liquid products. Additionally, the paper-based bottles are made from natural materials that are organically non-toxic. The bottles are constructed from a paper casing lined with a plant-based waterproof liner.

Best of all, the materials used to make Choose bottles are 100% plastic-free. Labels are made from paper or companies can choose to skip the label and have their message or logo directly imprinted onto the bottle. The bottle’s paper exterior is made from recycled newspaper and the cap is metal. The cap is sealed using a cellulose-based tape. 

“Henkel drives active progress towards a circular economy by creating smarter packaging for the benefit of people and the planet,” said Berthold Schreck, R&D Vice President Laundry Care, Henkel.  “Choose and HP bring together a game-changing combination of packaging technologies and we are excited to collaborate to develop new sustainable packaging solutions and reduce plastics in our consumer goods products.”

+ HP Inc. 

Images via Choose Packaging

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Eco-friendly furniture from Studio Seitz can last a lifetime

If there is one word that embraces the idea of sustainability better than any other it has to be quality. It’s a simple concept, especially considering the traditional ways products were made to last prior to humanity slipping into a wasteful throwaway culture. Studio Seitz puts the concept of quality at the center of its mission statement. As a result, Studio Seitz’s eco-friendly furniture is built to last many lifetimes.

Two aspects of Studio Seitz furniture rise to the top of the eco-friendly ladder — quality materials and craftsmanship. As the company proudly proclaims, “The Seitz collection is produced with our family of skilled craftsmen whose unparalleled passion is passed down from the generations before them—so that our furniture can be too.’’

Related: Massproductions chair is slow furniture at its finest 

Choosing quality items is a value often forgotten in modern society. However, one quality product eliminates the need for replacements over the lifespan, thus protecting the environment from unnecessary pollution and waste.

Studio Seitz furniture is made from real wood, such as European Ash sourced from FSC-certified forests. Similarly, the company relies on aluminum (the most recyclable metal), natural cork, recycled brass, glass and stone, whenever possible. These quality, long-lasting materials are selected by Studio Seitz with the hopes the furniture will proudly be handed down for generations to come rather than being prematurely diverted to the landfill.

In addition to consciously-sourced materials, Studio Seitz furniture is made using enduring, traditional craftsmanship that has been taught for generations. For example, Swiss craftsman Adalbert Fässler embellishes the pieces with traditional metal stamping practices, a timeless practice handed down through six generations in his family. Similarly, carpentry and joinery specialist Urs Mätzler continues the traditional practices the company started in 1888. As a fourth-generation craftsman with the Mätzler joinery company, he represents the antithesis of mass production. Thomas Seitz leads the precision machining team for Studio Seitz products as a fifth-generation craftsman.

+ Studio Seitz 

Images via Studio Seitz 

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Green Laundry Lounge bridges sustainability and community

Located near Greenville, South Carolina, Green Laundry Lounge (GLL) is a first-of-its-kind multi-use space. It integrates two main components, a laundromat and a café. Founder Jay Desai envisioned a space that reinvented the typical laundromat concept with an added twist of sustainability and community. The center serves as a space for people to do their laundry while spending quality time with family and friends.

The laundry lounge’s spatial layout allows for flexibility and maximizes sustainable design. GLL’s spaces encourage various interactions and activities. These spaces range from the gathering areas such as the patio to the more introverted spaces like the iPad station. In line with GLL’s eco-friendly ethos, several building components feature repurposed materials. These include reclaimed wood walls and furniture made from recycled materials. Additionally, the space has tall ceilings to maximize natural light and limit the use of artificial lighting.

Related: These detergents are eco-friendly, cruelty and waste free

GLL’s selection of laundry equipment supports its goal to remain environmentally friendly. The laundromat utilizes ultra-high-efficiency Electrolux equipment with EcoPower technology. The machines have cascade-like water flows, maximizing washing while minimizing water usage and cycle time. They can also wash or dry up to nine loads of laundry at once. The machines’ incredible efficiency slashes the time, electricity, water, and carbon footprint involved in the laundry all at once.

Alongside the incredibly efficient machines, GLL also uses environmentally-friendly detergents and cleaning processes. Its cleaning products contain no harsh chemicals and are locally sourced from Nood Clean. Additionally, GLL offers wet-cleaning services that recycle water as an alternative to dry cleaning. Wet cleaning uses eco-friendly, water-soluble products to gently launder clothing. Since the process lacks harsh cleansing solvents, wet-cleaning laundry products are better for the environment and help fabrics retain their vibrant colors. These intentional decisions balance cleaning solutions with preventing harm to the surrounding ecology.

The café at GLL also features sustainably sourced food and beverages with an Indian twist. Desai partnered with the nearby Oak Hill Café and Farm to source ingredients and create the menu. This menu includes a range of pastries, salads, bowls and sandwiches, most of which incorporate flavorful Indian spices. Similarly, beverages are also locally-sourced and served in cups made of 100% recycled materials. The café offers various local beers, canned wines and coffee from Due South Coffee Roasters. Desai’s family’s masala chai is also a big hit.

Green Laundry Lounge’s sustainable strategies all work to limit negative environmental impacts and support local community members. The space transcends the typical typology of a laundromat and transforms it into a flexible environment that allows for balance between mundane chores and community interactions.

+ Green Laundry Lounge

Via Off the Grid Greenville

Photography by Jay Desai

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Sustainable design guides the eco-conscious Trellis House

Trellis House in Washington D.C. goes above and beyond to deliver on climate promises to residents of this new eco-friendly apartment building. What’s better than a new LEED Platinum mixed-income apartment building? A LEED Platinum development that reduces the environmental effects of the previous on-site development. Trellis House not only delivers sustainable design and healthy indoor living spaces but also reduces the heat island effect and consumes 21% less energy than the site’s previous building.

Trellis House is a multi-family mid-rise apartment building project in Washington, D.C., developed by Rise Real Estate to address community needs on all levels. It is mixed-income, mixed-use and sits just across the street from Howard University. The building’s design reduces the heat island effect from the site’s previous development by introducing a green roof and non-absorptive hardscape materials. Voluntary remediation to remove underground storage tanks and contaminated soil from the prior development also improves the site’s health and safety.

Related: ODA’s vibrant new complex transforms a conventional DC block

The dense, pedestrian-friendly project offers easy access to transportation, employment and recreation areas. The building even includes a yoga studio, fitness center, pool, pet spa, hydroponic garden and electric vehicle charging stations. Bicycle storage for residents encourages sustainable transportation. The project even saves 21% more energy than the baseline building and uses 30% less water.

Alongside high-efficiency equipment and appliances in the building, ventilation systems deliver outside air for a healthy indoor environment for residents. Further, construction favored recycled, locally sourced and low-emitting materials.

This smart design combines environmentally friendly and wellness-focused features for a high-end and healthy living space. Trellis House’s sustainable design even won the project a National Association of Home Builders’ 2019 Best in American Living Silver Award. Judges praised the development for its “unexpected” details and embracing “the history and context of the neighborhood while delivering the first multifamily midrise LEED Platinum-certified project in the Washington D.C. market.”

+ Trellis House D.C.

Photography by Joel Lassiter

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Airsign has the most sustainable vacuum on the market

Airsign created a vacuum that claims to be the most sustainable on the market. The new vacuum, called the Airsign HEPA Vacuum In Jet, “represents the future of clean and the next new generation of aesthetically pleasing and well-designed home appliances, built with user experience in mind,” according to the designers. Not only that, it’s affordable and eco-friendly, a rare combination.

If this vacuum seems like it comes from the human-centered design movement, there’s a reason for that. Airsign’s Joseph Guerra is an industrial designer and founder of Guerra Office, cofounder of Visibility Studio. He specializes in spatial design that is anthropologically-minded. Also, he is a pro in product development designed around the user experience, from appliances to furniture.

Related: World’s first smog vacuum cleaner heads to Poland

Furthermore, the vacuum has buttons for foot operation, has rounded edges and minimizes labels or extra parts. Additionally, it avoids glue and paint or snap fits that would make it challenging to change out parts for long-term use. It’s a streamlined vacuum for a generation that kind of hates vacuum cleaners and their history of shoddy design. To make it sustainable on top of well designed is the cherry on top.

“Through extensive research and design, the team has developed the most sustainable vacuum on the market — and one that is (finally) beautifully designed,” Airsign said. “Airsign’s HEPA vacuum is made of 20% recycled plastic, and its biodegradable bags means it leaves no waste behind.”

Moreover, the Airsign vacuum has a 1200 watt motor. It aims to create the suction of a vacuum twice as expensive. HEPA-14 and charcoal filters trap 99.995% of particles, making it great for allergy sufferers. Best part, the vacuum works on any surface, from carpet, to hardwood, to tile.

Lastly, the HEPA vacuum is so new, the first product shipment is in April. It costs $295. We love the thought that’s gone into the recycled plastic body and biodegradable bags. As a result, the production and reusable pieces help create more sustainable options for the vacuum market.

+ Airsign

Images via Airsign

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First of its kind apartment complex in San Francisco

A unique community model for housing has been erected along the San Francisco skyline. Set in the Mission Bay neighborhood, the Edwin M. Lee Apartments are the first of its kind in the city. Grateful residents can enjoy the view and access to amenities. 

The apartment building combines supportive housing for both veterans and low-income families. It pulls homeless people off the streets with the offer of new apartment living.

Related: A vacant lot in New Orleans is converted into resilient and affordable housing for war veterans

Furthermore, the project was a collaboration between Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects, Saida + Sullivan Design Partners, Swords to Plowshares and Chinatown Community Development Center. It had an emphasis on equitable shelter with easy access to community resources. The 124,000-square-foot development provides 62 apartments for formerly homeless veterans and 57 apartments for low-income families. Additionally, there are ground-floor services for families, veterans, neighbors and the greater community. Not only does the building provide for over 100 families, but it also considers the needs of the environment in the passive design. 

With wellness and access in mind, the design incorporates wide ramps for wheelchairs or strollers. There’s a community garden, kitchen and indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. In addition, there are gender-neutral restrooms, EV charging stations and bike parking. Pedestrian walkability is rated high and nature-inspired art by local artists is on display. 

Moreover, the building was designed with energy-efficiency in mind. It earned a GreenPoints-Rated Platinum Certification. Solar panels are estimated to produce 91% of the building’s common area electrical energy and solar thermal panels are estimated to produce 60% of the building’s hot water heating energy. 

Material selections marry into the green design. There is the use of bamboo plywood, recycled curbs and cobblestones found on site used in landscaping. There is also sealed concrete flooring on the ground floor to minimize materials during construction and into the future. 

The building was orientated to take advantage of passive design elements. It features a tight envelope and highly energy-efficient windows. Energy-saving lighting and appliances were installed throughout the building.

The building was dedicated to the late mayor of San Francisco, Edwin M. Lee, in a tribute to his goal to end homelessness for veterans. The project received a 2021 AIA National Housing Award and the AIA California Residential Design Merit Award.

+ Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects and Saida+Sullivan Design Partners

Photography by Bruce Damonte

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