Are 3D-printed homes a sustainable option for the future?

Few industries have seen the fast-paced level of innovations like the 3D-printing world. What began as a high-priced device capable of printing a small figurine in 12 or more hours has exploded into technology that can print the framework of a house in a few days’ time. The process is being touted as a sustainable solution for housing shortages, but is it? The answer is yes, possibly no and it depends. 

Reduction in construction waste

Perhaps the most notable step towards sustainability in the 3D realm is the ability to print houses with nearly zero waste. The technology is so precise it allows structures to be printed to exact specifications. Even better, because the printing information is provided by software, changes from one design to another are easily accomplished with a tweak to the programming. 

Related: First 3D-printed school in Madagascar is finally complete

In standard construction, board and metal cutoffs are prolific, resulting in copious waste on the construction site. Without a doubt, well-designed 3D houses are a win for the environment in this category. However, “well-designed” is essential. Not all 3D printing companies have their processes dialed in. Those who don’t can produce waste through inefficiencies.

Lower transport emissions

3D-printed houses, either printed off site and transported as prefabricated units, or printed onsite where the structure will sit, predominantly require much less transport than traditionally-built homes. Think of all the separate contractors, suppliers, subcontractors and other invested parties that show up to a traditional build over the multi-month timeline. In contrast, 3D-printed homes typically require limited equipment and transports, significantly cutting the embodied carbon during the build. This is especially true in remote locations and for small structures like tiny homes. However, this is again contingent upon the sustainability efforts of the 3D-printing provider. 

Types of materials used

Most 3D-printer ingredients for home construction include some concrete in the mix. Concrete is responsible for up to 8% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions and contributes to global warming and water runoff. Inasmuch, there’s some debate about the sustainable aspects of the materials used in 3D-printed homes. 

However, there is a lot of exciting research going on in this segment of the field. Companies are developing a variety of low-concrete or no-concrete options. Many of these concepts are made from natural materials such as hemp or clay. Other companies are experimenting with recycled plastic and glass. Since the industry is still in its youth, these materials aren’t yet widely available, but they offer promising hope for the future of 3D-home printing. 

When considering emissions, it’s important to look at other aspects of the build in addition to the 3D-printing itself. For example, is there a foundation required? Is that made from concrete? What about the windows that are typically added after the build? Most windows contain gasses such as argon and krypton, which are seen in both traditional and 3D builds. Onsite activities such as welding and site preparation should also be factored into the overall footprint of the process. 

Addressing housing shortages

One distinct advantage of 3D-printed houses is the speed at which they can be completed. This creates a viable solution for housing shortages. As it pertains to the environment, it means villages or subdivisions can be printed in a fraction of the time it would require from traditional builds with less waste. Plus, the technology makes it easy to produce homes that are highly energy-efficient.

Long-term durability

Like any new technology, we don’t yet know the long-term capabilities of 3D-printed homes. If they don’t stand the test of time as well as brick or wood houses, we could see a massive waste issue in the future. Even though we won’t have those answers for decades, it’s certainly part of the 3D-printed home sustainability equation. 

Are people interested in 3D-printed homes?

More than ever, it seems. According to a recent survey by 3D printing experts Hubs, there’s been a dramatic increase in the number of people inquiring about both the technology and the availability. When people search 3D technology, printed homes are the number one most Googled search around the world. It’s not too surprising, considering the potential it has to address housing shortages in a potentially sustainable way.

“In the last 12 months, Google searches for ‘what is a 3D printed home’ have risen significantly by 250%, while ‘where can I buy a 3D printed house’ is up 70%,” stated he Hubs report. 

The 3D-printing trend report for 2022 shows the 3D printing industry is here to stay and is expected to see 24% growth in the next four years. With a large percentage of that action being directed towards 3D-printed houses, all evidence points to a continued interest and effort to rely on the technology within the construction sector. 

We’ve covered a lot of 3D-related topics here on Inhabitat. While we don’t have all the answers yet, the pros seem to outweigh the cons so, for now, responsibly made 3D-printed houses remain on the list of sustainable construction options to watch in the near future.

Via Hubs

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Your next watch could be made of and smell like coffee

You didn’t realize until just now that you want your next watch to be sustainable, made of recycled food waste and have the slight scent of coffee. The world’s first watch made from recycled coffee has just launched and is called The Coffee Watch by Lilienthal Berlin.

In collaboration with Berlin-based independent label Kaffeeform, the designer has created this watch after a successful Kickstarter last fall. The watch will be available in Lilienthal Berlin’s online store. In fact, the new design has already won multiple awards which include the iF Design Award, the Green Product Award, the German Design Award and the Green Good Design Award.

Related: Asian woman-owned EQUO creates 100% plastic-free utensils

Kaffeeform brings expertise in materials while Lilienthal Berlin brings experience in watch design. Together, they produce this one-of-a-kind creation for a sustainable product line. The watch doesn’t just use a bit of coffee in the design — it’s so full of recycled coffee ground waste that it even has the wonderful aroma of coffee.

Three years ago, Jacques Colman, one of the three founders of Lilienthal Berlin, first held a coffee mug from Kaffeeform and thought the material was interesting. “The Kaffeeform material felt robust and solid, so I thought, why not make a watch case out of it?”

Therefore, he approached Julian Lechner, the founder of Kaffeeform. After numerous prototypes, the resulting product is made from recycled coffee grounds collected from Berlin’s cafes and sent to workshops for processing. The designers want to emphasize that this innovative material composition is made exclusively of natural ingredients and is in no way inferior to the other watches from Lilienthal Berlin.

The Coffee Watch comes in four different designs made with straps of organic leather, vegan leather or mesh. The dial comes in black or silver, both printed or engraved with hour markers in a minimalist or classic design. It’s the round case that is made from Kaffeeform material, which has the look and feel of a coffee cup or coffee bean. The Coffee Watch has a case diameter of 42.5 millimeters and is equipped with a R756 movement from Swiss manufacturer Ronda.

The idea of this watch is to set a new standard for the watch industry on sustainability for the future. “There is a major trend towards more sustainability in many areas. In our industry, unfortunately, the clocks sometimes still run a bit slow. It is our express aim to change that,” says Colman.

But the demand is there. The Kickstarter for this product passed its funding target fourfold after just a few days last year, and the first series was able to be produced from that funding. The designers say that the next goal is to inspire more people to purchase sustainable watches.

There is more than enough product to use for this line because, in Germany alone, each person drinks an average of more than 164 liters of coffee a year. That’s 43 gallons.

But beyond making us ponder how caffeinated our German brethren are, we feel encouraged that companies like Lilienthal Berlin and Kaffeeform are changing the industry. They do this by showing how companies can produce sustainable products with inexpensive, recycled materials. The Coffee Watch is priced from 299 euros, or 286 U.S. dollars.

+ Lilienthal Berlin

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Newest Adidas Free Hiker 2 shoe uses recycled ocean plastic

The Free Hiker 2 from Adidas has all those cool performance features that buyers want in an athletic shoe, plus all the good looks and styles you might want. But these shoes are made with ocean plastic and they’re standing strong as an example of how even the biggest brands can start changing the world for the better.

The Free Hiker 2 is part of the Adidas TERREX line, which is made for high performance and comfort in all terrain in all weather conditions. Coming as no surprise, this shoe is the latest edition of the original Free Hiker. It also comes in a number of colors.

Related: Adidas 100% recycled jacket is solving plastic pollution

The company’s goal is to end plastic waste altogether, which is a pretty lofty ambition. In the world, plastic is being replaced with other more eco-friendly materials in many products. That includes this shoe from Adidas.

A strong commitment to ending plastic pollution is definitely needed. Unfortunately, plastic pollution has found its way to every single corner of the Earth. In addition, it can be found at the top of Mount Everest and at the bottom of the deepest trenches in the ocean.

Plastic isn’t biodegradable. In other words, it doesn’t go away or break down over time. Single-use plastic, the thing that you use up once and then throw away, accounts for 50% of all plastic produced.

When huge companies like Adidas address this problem, it’s good for everyone. The Free Hiker 2 shows that shoes can have all the features but not all the plastic that makes consumer products such a problem. This shoe has a weatherproof membrane, a molded toe cap, a great gripping tread, and a comfortable, performance-enhancing fit that cups and molds to the foot in a sock-like fit. These shoes are made to provide energy return with every step and to handle multiple types of terrain.

In short, they’re everything a good pair of hiking shoes should be. Meanwhile, the upper part of the shoe is made with a special yarn. What’s special about this yarn is that it’s comprised of 50% Parley Ocean Plastic.

Furthermore, Parley for the Oceans is a platform where innovators can find ways to address plastic and ocean pollution.

Designs like this one by Adidas show how the world’s biggest companies can help to resolve the world’s biggest problems.

+ Adidas TERREX

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Hues, the new PET-based acoustic solution for interiors

Turf is a Chicago-based company that provides innovative products for architectural acoustic solutions. They recently released a new collection of acoustic damping material called Hues, which features 32 different color swatches. The new palette explores the connections between color, sound and texture, while offering solutions to achieve the desired sensory stimulation in a space.

The collection features felt acoustic solutions made from 60% recycled PET plastic. They also use on-demand manufacturing to limit inventory-associated waste. By using post-industrial waste, the team had to understand how the material would behave and showcase the different colors in the selected palette.

Related: Baux unveils sustainable acoustic panels made out of chemical-free pulp

Through much experimentation, the Turf team was able to harness the recycled material to their advantage and successfully capture a beautiful range of hues using the nine-millimeter felt. The fabric can be used as is or to make elegant ceiling baffles and wall tiles.

To put together Hues, the Turf team carried out research to understand what designers and occupants require for optimal acoustic solutions. Firstly, they began by exploring trends and the market landscape in 2019. They then worked with designers to understand their needs for acoustic solutions, particularly concerning color specifications and textures. Furthermore, the team explored how to put together a material palette that was inclusive for all communities, including a neurodiverse and inclusive population.

Through the spectrum of warm and cool colors in both neutral and vibrant shades, Hues caters to a variety of commercial spaces. Moreover, selected felt swatches can enhance the interiors to match the mood and atmosphere the designers would like to evoke.

Since colors impact occupant well-being and the perception of one’s environment, using Turf’s new collection can make spaces more conducive for their respective functions. This includes optimizing spaces for healing, living, working, learning and playing.

Over the span of almost three years, Turf was able to create and hone its new collection of optimal acoustic solutions. Through their explorations of color, tactility and acoustics, they were able to put together a material palette that caters to varying spatial requirements and communities. Their recycled PET-felt swatches are not only visually appealing but maximize occupant wellbeing and soundproofing.

+ Turf

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Billionaire Patagonia founder donates his company to Earth

Patagonia Founder Yvon Chouinard announced that he will be giving away his company towards fighting the climate crisis through a new trust and nonprofit. The rock climber who founded the billion dollar empire says that this gesture will work for the benefit of the whole world instead of benefiting a few people through privatization.

“Instead of ‘going public,’ you could say we’re ‘going purpose.’ Instead of extracting value from nature and transforming it into wealth for investors, we’ll use the wealth Patagonia creates to protect the source of all wealth,” Chouinard said in a statement on Wednesday. 

Related: Patagonia’s Black Hole Bags are made from recycled plastic bottles

Chouinard, who is now 83 years old, told reporters that he feared that the values of the company would be compromised if sold to another owner. He, therefore, opted to transfer the company valued at about $ 3 billion to the Patagonia Purpose Trust and Holdfast Collective.

“It’s been nearly 50 years since we began our experiment in responsible business, and we are just getting started. If we have any hope of a thriving planet — much less a thriving business — 50 years from now, it is going to take all of us doing what we can with the resources we have. This is another way we’ve found to do our part,” Chouinard said.

The transfer of the company now means that all the profits that are not reinvested back into the business will go to Holdfast Collective and be redirected towards environmental causes. It is estimated that this amount will total about $100 million annually.

Patagonia was founded 50 years ago by Chouinard and has been known for its commitment to planet Earth. While talking to The New York Times, the founder said that he hopes the latest move will inspire other businesses to work for the good of the globe.

“I didn’t know what to do with the company because I didn’t ever want a company,” Chouinard told The Times. “I didn’t want to be a businessman. Now I could die tomorrow and the company is going to continue doing the right thing for the next 50 years, and I don’t have to be around.”

Via Insider

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Carbon neutral certified cocktail gives you a happy buzz

Bizzarro Aperitivo, a canned cocktail brand, created an alcoholic beverage that is now certified carbon neutral. The base is made from biodynamic organic Vermentino grapes from Australia’s Riverland. These grapes are suited to the environment better than other varieties so they need less water. They also happen to produce lower alcohol wines with high levels of acid and a fresh fruit taste.

What is Bizzarro? It’s a cocktail infused with organic orange and lemon peel grown in the same region as the grapes. You can use the base Bizzarro Aperitivo in any cocktail recipe that calls for bitter red aperitivo or drink it plain with ice or soda water and a slice of orange. It’s basically white wine, water and carbonation. Mischief Brew is a grapefruit and herb tinged cocktail you can drink alone or add to other drinks.

Related: Sip on these clean, vegan botanicals from Optimist Drinks

Additionally, the brand makes several varieties of canned cocktail that can be served alone or mixed into other drink recipes. Spritz is a blend of the Bizzarro base cocktail plus more of the organic and biodynamic Vermentino added in. Meanwhile, tonic is a blend of Bizzarro base plus local artisinal tonic water from Mischief Brew that is made with natural extracts.

The carbon neutral certification was given by Trace, a digital platform that helps climate conscious businesses measure, reduce and offset their carbon footprint. Bizzarro Aperitivo now offsets all of the carbon it creates through making, promoting, administering and shipping products by investing in carbon positive projects in South Australia and Southeast Asia. They are also working on programs to handle wastewater management and solar power. They are truly creating a clean product that is organic, biodynamic, sustainably packaged, vegan and free of preservatives.

Lastly, even the holders for a four-pack of cocktails is made from biodegradable sugarcane pulp. The aluminum cans can be recycled multiple times, which makes them more recyclable than glass. The cans are also 400 times lighter than glass, which saves carbon emissions from transport. These drinks are also available in 24-pack cases.

+ Bizzarro Aperitivo

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Are "eco-friendly fireplaces" true to their name?

Fireplaces evoke feelings of coziness and nostalgia. They come in various architectural styles and materials depending on the region. Nowadays, the term “eco-friendly fireplace” has been coined. However, this begs the question, how environmentally friendly can a fireplace actually be? It depends on the type of fireplace and its fuel. By taking a look at some of the most common types of fireplaces, we can understand how eco-friendly they truly are.

Wood fireplaces

Wood-burning fireplaces actually can be broken down into two groups: traditional (open) wood fireplaces and high-efficiency (closed) wood stoves.

Related: Could thorium be the future of fuel and energy?

The first type of wood fireplace is the common open-air fireplace. These are not very efficient as much of the heat escapes through the chimney, requiring more wood. The traditional, open fireplaces also release lots of smoke into the atmosphere, including toxic particulate matter, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds. The greenhouse gases emitted by the smoke exacerbate climate change, as the gases worsen global warming by trapping solar heat in the atmosphere. Alongside their negative effects on the environment, the fine particles also impact human and animal health. The toxic substances impact key organs like the heart and lungs, which can lead to asthma and bronchitis.

On the other hand, high-efficiency wood stoves are safer for human and animal welfare. Because they are sealed they burn wood more efficiently, which consequently produces less smoke. The stoves are safer for humans and the environment compared to open-air fireplaces because there is less contact with toxic particles, VOCs and harmful gases. However, since they burn wood more efficiently than open-air fireplaces, they can be expensive to maintain.

One of the primary issues with wood fireplaces, regardless of their type, is that they require large quantities of wood. The wood’s source is a primary indicator of how environmentally friendly the fireplace will be. Some businesses sell locally-sourced wood acquired from dead trees, however, this is not always an option depending on location.

A lot of firewood is obtained from clear-cutting, as this allows for larger quantities and controlled-quality wood. These deforestation practices lead to habitat loss for species in the ecosystem and can result in degraded soil quality and desertification.

Gas fireplaces

Gas fireplaces use fossil fuel gases, such as liquified petroleum or natural gas, to generate heat. These typically produce fewer emissions than open wood fireplaces and are more efficient, as they produce higher amounts of heat with less fuel.

However, their dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels for energy is the main reason why they are not sustainable. Natural gas and LP extraction from the ground is disruptive to flora and fauna. Furthermore, the emissions from gas fireplaces are high in carbon dioxide and methane (up to 95%). Just like wood fireplaces, these greenhouse gases threaten biodiversity and exacerbate global warming, which in turn leads to climate change.

Electric fireplaces

Electric fireplaces sound great in theory because they do not require any fuel, do not produce off-gases and emissions and are 100% efficient since all the electrical energy is converted into heat. However, they do require substantial amounts of electricity to power them, especially over long periods. This can make them expensive to run and depending on the source of energy being used to power the fireplace, they can indirectly harm the environment.

For those that use renewable energy sources to power their homes, electric fireplaces are a useful, environmentally-friendly option. Yet, for those that obtain their electrical energy from fossil fuel-based power plants, the use of these fireplaces is indirectly detrimental to natural habitats and the atmosphere.

Pellet fireplaces

Pellet fireplaces are typically one of the more sustainable fireplaces because of their fuel source, high efficiency and low emissions. These fireplaces use pellets made from bio-based materials like agricultural waste, compressed sawdust, and even bamboo. By using recycled or easily-regenerated materials, these pellets do not contribute to deforestation, therefore protecting biodiversity.

Pellets have several advantages because of their production process. They are non-toxic and their minimal moisture content, which is about 8%, makes them more efficient to burn, especially when compared to common firewood which can have a moisture content ranging between 20-60%.

Because of this, pellet-fuel efficiency is typically between 75-90%. When pellets burn, their energy density is similar to that of coal. They also produce significantly less ash and smoke than coal or cordwood. This makes them a safer option, particularly for humans and animals in the vicinity. Pellets are also small and easier to store than firewood. They also do not harbor bacteria or fungi, giving them an infinite shelf life.

Some of the drawbacks of pellet fireplaces are that they are expensive to fuel and the stove requires more maintenance than other types of fireplaces for it to limit smoke and remain safe. Additionally, pellet stoves do require electrical power to operate the feeder and exhaust fans in the system. This way, they cannot be used during power outages unless backup power is available and may indirectly exacerbate harm to the environment if fossil fuel-based electricity is used to power them.

Bioethanol fireplaces

Bioethanol fireplaces run on ethanol from bio-based sources, including by-products of crops like sugarcane and corn. Because these plants grow quickly, they are considered renewable energy sources. Additionally, alcohols like bioethanol burn very efficiently, resulting in fireplaces that are almost 100% efficient. They also do not produce smoke or soot and therefore do not typically have chimneys to vent out emissions.

Some of the by-products of the fuel are water vapor and carbon dioxide. These are created by absorbing oxygen from the air in the space where the fireplace is located. Because of this, appropriate ventilation is necessary. In some more extreme instances where indoor air quality was compromised by pollutants, these bioethanol fireplaces were observed to produce toxic gases like carbon monoxide, which cause harm to human health. However, these risks can be mitigated by ensuring the stove door is sealed for a safer, controlled burn.

One of the main environmental arguments against bioethanol fuels has to do with agriculture. To make space to harvest fast-growing crops like sugarcane or corn, the land must be cleared. This in turn results in habitat loss and threatens biodiversity. Another con of bioethanol fireplaces is that fuel and maintenance costs can be expensive to maintain.

While none of the fireplaces mentioned above are the perfect heating solution, pellet and bioethanol fireplaces are still regarded as more sustainable than those of other types. Though they can be costly to power and maintain, their renewable fuel sources make them better choices for human health and environmental sustainability in the long run.

Via GreenCoast, Treehugger

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Let these sustainable chairs put Verve in your space

There are a lot of places you go during life where you have to sit such as the dentist, office reception areas, school meetings and more. Usually, you’re going to be doing that in a horrible chair. Luckily, the Verve seating collection is a line of commercial chairs that are designed for the human body using ergonomics.

Verve is a synonym for spirit or liveliness, according to the company’s literature. Therefore, a good chair should offer you a little more liveliness after you’ve rested your feet and body.

Related: 3D-printed kelp chair is made of recycled fishing nets

The line of chairs is meant for all commercial spaces. In fact, the designs work as desk chairs, waiting area chairs, lobby chairs, break room and cafeteria chairs. If you need to sit in a commercial building, Verve has a chair designed for that.

Verve chairs are made with an aluminum or wood frame in multiple stain shades and powder coatings. Plastic glides, glides with felt pads and hard or soft casters finish off the feet of the chairs.

Furthermore, these chairs were made in the USA and they are Greenguard IAQ and Level 1 certified for sustainable design. The aluminum frame is made with recycled material and the powder coating is VOC-free and water-based.

These chairs are ergonomically designed to support and soothe the human body but the design is also about looking nice, too. Additionally, the clean lines and gentle curves create a look that’s pleasing and inviting. There are no sharp edges or hard angles on these chairs. There’s also no excess. The sweeping lines and simplistic style create a streamlined, minimalist appeal that isn’t bulky or overbearing.

Meanwhile, the backs of these chairs are angled, which makes each one feel like a lounge chair. There is also built-in lumbar support to relieve and prevent lower back tension.

Verve chairs are available in 11 colors. The tough outer shell is soft but durable recyclable polypropylene. Mark Kapka designed Verve chairs, which are sold by Stylex.

+ Stylex

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Turning motion in the ocean into incredible wave energy

Sea Wave Energy Limited (SWEL) is a research and development company based in Cyprus and the U.K. They designed and developed a wave energy converter (WEC) called the Wave Line Magnet, which converts energy from ocean waves to store for later use. The design was developed over 10 years and involves multiple patents for this unique technology that can pull useable energy straight off of the movement of the surface of water.

“[This] technology is a robust and durable WEC that can supply substantial power on demand at a low cost, with minimal maintenance and can be deployed in any wave environment,” the company said.

Related: Floating platform “blowhole” can generate energy from waves

Clean energy is the obvious and necessary future for the planet. With wave energy generation, it is creating a viable alternative of renewable energy for the planet, which is mostly oceans anyways.

So what kind of deployment would be required of these devices to equal fossil fuel needed by the current Earth population to power society? SWEL claims that a single Waveline Magnet device, scaled to suit the wave climate at EMEC (European Marine Energy Center), would satisfy more than the hub’s current grid-connection capabilities. Additionally, SWEL devices have been developed in wave tanks and tested in live sea environments. R&D indicates that the current model can produce substantial power levels at low cost to compete with non-renewable sources.

The wave energy converter is designed to embrace the surface of the sea, or the “wave line” as it is often referred to by SWEL. This allows the WEC to become one moving mass with the wave itself. Thereby, creating a unique interaction that allows SWEL to regulate how much energy is extracted from the wave in a controlled and non-disruptive manner. The seamless and frictionless interaction is a matchless characteristic of the technology. It allows it to work in harmony and in synchronization with the deployed sea area, producing high levels of power irrespective of the wave profile or weather conditions.

Furthermore, the wave energy converter is designed to hug the surface of the ocean, or the “wave line.” This allows the WEC to become one moving mass with the wave. This allows SWEL to regulate how much energy is extracted from the wave in a controlled manner. The frictionless interaction allows these devices to harvest energy from the ocean regardless of calm or stormy weather conditions.

Even cooler, the SWEL magnet devices can be produced using recycled materials, preventing them from becoming part of the ocean pollution. SWEL devices are also modular, which lowers maintenance cost and timelines for easy repairs. A low mass of materials is needed and no special manufacturing is required, making these cheap and quick to produce. It also does not require wasteful amounts of materials to construct.

You might someday soon have your energy generated by wave magnet devices like these deployed across the oceans. SWEL has created a fleet of generators that offer a levelized cost of energy below the 2020 target.

+ SWEL

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Happy Earth apparel puts the planet first

As the Happy Earth motto goes, “When it comes to the planet, we actually give a damn.” It’s a statement backed up with clothing made from natural materials and attention to every step of the product cycle.

Calling itself a sustainable lifestyle apparel brand, Happy Earth is a Certified B Corporation, a hard-earned classification that requires evaluating the impact of business decisions on workers, customers, suppliers, community and the environment. All products are vegan, cruelty-free, organic and made from sustainably-sourced materials.

Related: These bags are made with Fairtrade Certified organic cotton

The apparel line includes sweatshirts, joggers, leggings, dresses and tees. It also sells blankets, hats, jewelry, water bottles and other accessories. Most of the clothing relies on GOTS-certified organic cotton that comes from naturally-watered fields.

Although the leggings, traditionally made from various forms of plastic, are constructed using a touch of Lycra (6%), they are primarily organic cotton and Tencel. The blankets are woven from recycled fibers reclaimed from discarded textiles. Jewelry and hat logos are made from cork, a renewable resource that doesn’t harm trees during harvesting.

The dedication to the environment is easy to see with participation in 1% for the Planet. At checkout, customers can choose where they want donations to go. Each item in your cart can support the planting of 15 trees, 150 pounds of carbon offsets, or the removal of waste from parks, beaches, and streets.

As a Certified B Corp and a company that gives a damn, Happy Earth works with Fair Trade organic cotton farmers, sustainable cork harvesters, and artisans using reclaimed fibers. Manufacturing takes place in WRAP-certified facilities to further ensure fair prices, fair wages, good working conditions, and economic independence.

The certification also means the company is transparent about these steps toward social and environmental performance and legal accountability in the hopes to accelerate “a global culture shift to redefine business success and build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.”

Along the supply chain, Happy Earth looks for where emissions occur and evaluates options for reduction. Any remaining carbon footprint is offset through a partnership with the CarbonFund.

The company identifies as a social enterprise. Inasmuch, it takes the extra step to educate consumers about environmental concerns. The company website features an impact section that discusses climate change, the fight against deforestation, the importance of reducing plastic and the steps the company is taking in the battle. The community page offers resources and challenges as well as a journal full of information.

Review of Happy Earth products

The company offered to send me a product to test, which I, of course, eagerly accepted after considering its stance on social responsibility and the statements on the clothing itself. A few days later I received a pair of joggers, a baseball cap, a sticker my son immediately snatched, a pin verifying the donation of trees, an informational card and a nice note.

The packaging is cute, stamped with the Happy Earth and planet-related logos. I was very disappointed to see the items arrive in a plastic bag. However, I did some research and discovered all packaging is made from 100% recycled materials, so I gave back the lost points on that. Plus, it’s strong enough it will be used when we scoop out the kitty litter.

Inside the bag, clothing was left loose rather than being enclosed in additional packaging. A minimalist paper strap was sufficient to hold the joggers in place and everything was in great condition.

The baseball cap is a basic one-size-fits-all design with an adjustable strap on the back. It’s a gorgeous forest green with a very white, White Fir tree embroidered on the front. The company also sells two other hat designs that feature cork logo patches. The White Fir hat is soft and pliable. The cap is made from 100% organic cotton and the flexible fit means it feels broken in from the first wear. Its unisex design appealed to my son as well, who tried to snatch it before I could review it. He might find it gifted for Christmas.

The Arboretum Joggers exceeded my expectations. They are thick and have really nice quality cotton. They feature durable stitching throughout, a soft feel and a comfortable fit. For sizing, note these are snug fitting with a short, jogger fit on the legs. They are unisex sizes so go with the sizing chart, but size up if you want a looser fit. For reference, I’m around 5’6” and 140 pounds and I wouldn’t want them any smaller but I consider the small size a perfect fit.

The cuff hits slightly above the ankle and is loose enough that you can pull it up higher to a Capri length. Generous depth in the pockets makes them a very comfortable and natural place to rest my hands. The drawstring at the waist allows ample room for tying without a lot of excess. I immediately tied knots at each end of the drawstring to avoid losing it in the wash. Perhaps my favorite feature, though, is the band around the waistline. Around three inches deep, it doesn’t dig in or fold over but offers a strong grip and a bit of support around the waist. 

In addition to a great fit and quality feel, I love the look of these joggers, with the two-tone color and botanical accents up the sides. I can see myself living in these, and I probably will.

 + Happy Earth

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Indonesia's Studio N is the Bali retreat of your dreams

Stilt Studio has created an extension of an existing building called Grun Canggu, in Bali, and it is the ultimate Airbnb. Studio N is a spacious one-bedroom studio living concept that was constructed in a set of four separate buildings on a narrow and tricky building site of 745 square meters, or 8,019 square feet.

“The Studio N is designed to seamlessly blend the indoor-outdoor living experience and extend the view towards the expansive rice fields while remaining low-tech and low-impact in the design”, says Therresa Shannen Budihardjo, Architectural Design Lead at Stilt Studios.

The structure is elevated on stilts almost 16 inches off the ground to minimize the building’s footprint and environmental impact. Large sliding window panels are juxtaposed with natural wood elements to create a simple but elegant structure.

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“For this site, we wanted to emphasize the surrounding landscape and how the indoor-outdoor living concept brings nature inside”, says Cokorda G. B. Suryanata, Product Design Lead at Stilt Studios.

The layout is open and combined with low, casual but elegant furniture, which creates a natural sense of flow through the space. Studio N was also designed for hospitality with a blend of indoor and outdoor living. The living area then extends outside toward the rice fields where there is a barbeque area, fire pit, plunge pool, garden and outdoor lounge area.

Additionally, Stilt Studios has its own hospitality operations under Grun Canggu. Such operations allow the development of iterated and highly optimized living units. Meanwhile, the open layout creates an efficient space with living and sleeping areas back to back next to a private bathroom. The home is also equipped with a full kitchen for visitors who are interested in a longer stay.

With the design vision to “tread lightly on earth,” Studio N is an improved version of an older Tetrapod design by the architects. They improved the design by using prefab building elements and sourcing sustainable building materials. Stilt Studios says they learned through the design process of these buildings how to select responsibly sourced materials, optimize waste reduction through prefabrication and save time to minimize the carbon footprint of construction.

Studio N uses solar panels, reclaimed wood decking, recycled river plastic for bathroom panels and more to create the ultimate sustainable vacation retreat.

+ Stilt Studios

Images via Stilt Studios

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