This product reduces laundry frustration and energy use

We’ve all been there. Those seemingly lightweight sheets go into the laundry separate and free, but come out the other side as a giant wadded ball. That ball often causes the washing machine to go off-balance, stopping the load mid-wash. It also creates a mess in the dryer when it creates a cocoon of wet items to be untangled and re-dried. Wad-Free for Bed Sheets solves the issue of tangled, twisted sheets with the goal of saving time, money and energy. 

“I was fed up with the way my sheets would wad up in the washer and dryer,” said Wad-Free Inventor and Owner Cyndi Bray. “I was tired of wrestling with wet sheets. It was maddening how much time and energy I was wasting just getting my sheets to dry. Since a solution to this ubiquitous problem didn’t exist, I tasked myself with inventing one. The sheet wad has finally met its match!”

Related: These are the best tips to help you establish an eco-friendly laundry routine

Faced with the obvious problem, Bray wasn’t deterred by the fact that she had no experience in product design, engineering or marketing. Instead, she dug into the science and successfully launched Wad-Free during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. 

The square device works like the old-school sheet straps with the knob that clips into a channel to hold the sheet corner in place. Before doing a load of laundry, attach a Wad-Free to both the bottom and top sheet. It comes as a set of two for this reason. Then wash your sheets as usual. The “parachute” effect keeps the sheets from tangling together or becoming twisted in the wash. When the wash cycle is done, dry as usual. Wad-Free also keeps the sheets from balling up in the dryer. 

The simple act of keeping sheets from tangling provides cleaner sheets and saves you from having to rewash. This saves water, detergent, time and energy. Even better, keeping the sheets loose in the dryer significantly cuts back on the time required to reach a dry state, again saving time and money while improving energy efficiency. 

Bray suggested attaching Wad-Free for Bed Sheets as you remove them from the bed so the corners are easy to locate. The device doesn’t have to be directly on the corner, but works best when placed as close as possible. Once all four corners are properly attached, each sheet is shaped a bit like a hot air balloon and ready to wash. 

Wad-Free can be used on any size of sheet. If you have a split-mattress bed, you may need two packages since you have a total of three sheets. However, reviewers reported if they used the Wad-Free on two sheets, the third remained untangled without it. 

Wad-Free is made entirely in the U.S. and all oil-free, odor-free and non-toxic materials are sourced within the country. It won’t melt in the dryer, become damaged in the process or result in damage to the surface of either appliance. It’s safe to use in all laundry temperature settings and isn’t affected by laundry products, including bleach. However, Bray recommended following the actual washing and drying instructions for the material you’re washing, which is typically a gentle cycle and low dryer settings. 

The Wad-Free 2-pack (enough for one sheet set) is $18.99 on the website. Also available at Amazon. 

Review of Wad-Free

The concept is simple, yet I’m pretty sure it includes a bit of pixie dust in the recipe because, I’ll be honest, I don’t understand how it works. In the end, though, I don’t care if it includes magic. The company sent me a sample product to try out. I’ve had the opportunity to use it and found it to work great. 

The product is easy to use and there are step-by-step instructions to follow if you have any questions. It added a few extra minutes to the chore of washing the sheets. However, the sheets came out of the washing machine loose and ready for the dryer. I even threw in some kitchen hand towels and a few other, smaller items to test the separation ability and it stood up to the challenge. 

The marketing materials claim up to 75% less drying time, but I can’t confirm this claim. I will say they were definitely dry in less time than without the Wad-Free. Even better, I didn’t have to untangle the mess or search for wet items wedged into the pockets of balled-up sheets. This kept me from having to restart the load or put any of the items back in for further drying. 

I was disappointed to see the product is made from plastic. I’d rather see a combination of elastic/fabric and steel since I avoid plastic whenever possible (a HUGE challenge in the modern world). 

With a bit of research, I found the material is actually two types of durable non-toxic plastic. The base is made of a recycled type of polypropylene and the straps are a custom-compounded TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). Not great, but they appear to be durable and, at least in theory, are endlessly reusable, so I’m hoping for a long and resource-saving relationship with my Wad-Free before it ever sees a landfill.  

+ Wad-Free

Images via Wad-Free

Editor’s Note: This product review is not sponsored by Wad-Free. All opinions on the products and company are the author’s own.

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These eco-pods are setting a new standard for remote space

The Trees Breathing Experience is a forest of 500 Paulownia trees that trap 50 tons of CO2 per year, connected to IoT sensors to track the real-world impact of planting this efficient carbon capture species. The data captured by IoT sensors is analyzed by machine-learning algorithms that are arranged as digital avatars in blockchain and displayed by an eco-sustainable SEED Room.

The SEED Room is made of Paulownia wood in the shape of a seed and is usable as a meeting room, coworking and showroom space. What on earth is all that effort for? Well besides the innovative use of trees as avatars in an algorithm that can track the climate impact of tree planting, the Trees Breathing Experience and SEED Room are a new way for companies to obtain environmental credits and make the eco-experience possible for guests or employees and help them observe climate change mitigation in action.

Related: First ceramic geodesic dome in the world is affordable

Paulownia trees absorb up to 10 times more CO2 than other trees and grow very quickly. They can also reach five meters in height after just one year. At full maturity, one of these trees capture two tons of CO2 per year. Companies that want to mitigate their climate impact can use a program like the SEED Room and the Trees Breathing Experience to balance their impact on the environment by sponsoring the planting of Paulownia trees and sharing that effort with customers or collaborators. It’s great PR, but it also helps spread the word about how much difference certain types of climate initiatives can make.

The SEED Room and Trees Breathing Experience was designed by Giancarlo Zema Design Group after years of research by EcoLandLife. It was developed in collaboration with Paulownia4Planet and 17tons. The SEED Room is a housing unit of 25 square meters equipped with 25 square meters of solar panels that generate the internal energy needs of the suite. The interior of the SEED Room is finished with sustainable furnishings made from Origami Furniture recycled cardboard. The room can be configured as a living space or a work space.

SEED isn’t just designed as a one-time experience of the trees in action. SEED suites can be recreated and placed in various areas in nature to replicate this project or to create eco-resorts with multiple pods. The units are 98% recyclable and are classified as low-consumption residential habitats due to natural internal micro-ventilation and cooling systems.

The SEED Trees Breathing Room allows an inhabitant to listen to the sounds of the Paulownia forest in season, observe climatic conditions and examine the state of the plants in the forest. Multi-instrumentalist Simone Vitale has used special sensors and equipment connected to the trees to produce original music from the movements of the plants. Scent Company created aromatherapy inspired by Paulownia trees’ flowers, leaves and bark.

The IoT sensors in the Paulownia forest are positioned in the ground and on the trees to forward real-time data about the trees’ health, state of the soil and air quality around the trees. This data can be used to measure carbon being removed from each tree and to track biodiversity of the forest.

Each tree gets its own digital avatar in the digital forest. Machine learning algorithms aggregate this data to certify the ecological and economic value generated by the plants. Carbon removal certificates are then issued based on how many tons of CO2 are trapped by each tree. The data from each tree is transferred in blockchain to respective NFTs. It’s like investing in blockchain to support a company fighting climate change, except you are directly tracking your impact via the trees.

The traceable information for each tree ensures the integrity and impact of this climate initiative. The founders of the project say this digital connection between people and trees was intended to help people feel a part of the natural capital and commitment necessary to make our planet sustainable.

+ Giancarlo Zema Design Group

Images via Giancarlo Zema Design Group

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8 things you probably didn't know can be composted

Rich, moist compost is every garden’s favorite food. If you’ve ever ordered a load for home delivery, you’ve found it comes at a premium price for that very reason. However, composting is easy and fun to DIY, and you might be surprised what you can throw into the pile.

The composter

Don’t let the fact that you don’t have an expensive prefabbed composter derail your efforts. You can easily build your own composter from scrap lumber or metal. Even a loose pile will work so start small, but start!

Related: Eco-innovations tackling food waste at every level

The right combination

Composting is about combining natural ingredients that can decompose, turning into nutrient-rich dirt that can be used to refuel the next round of gardening goodness. That means what you put into the compost pile should be valuable as a component to your future plant food. 

Put simply: You’ll need a balance of brown and green items in addition to the often-discussed food scraps. We’re not necessarily talking about color here, but rather the type of items. That means you’ll want some brown items like small twigs and green material such as grass clippings. 

Organic material

As a reminder, food waste is a central and important component in nutrient-rich compost. The compost pile loves egg shells, coffee grounds, corn husks, veggie stalks, banana peels, onion skins, nut shells, grains, tea and basically any non-animal, natural product. 

Brown materials

To supplement the food scraps from the kitchen and garden, you’ll want some natural brown materials. 

1. Bark and sticks

Use small pieces of wood and thin branches. Turning them into chips or bark works best, but any size will break down eventually. 

2. Paper products

You may not realize that paper is another valuable food for your compost. Think about items in your home that most closely resemble the tree they came from. Avoid bleached and chemically-treated materials but toss in toilet paper rolls, paper bags, paper plates that are not waxy, cardboard, egg cartons, shredded newspaper, coffee filters, paper towels, popsicle sticks, napkins and paper towel rolls. 

Avoid recycled paper, which should go out with your household recycling instead. Again, the closer to the original form the material is, the better it is for your garden. 

3. Other natural products

Along the same lines as material that comes from trees, you can also include products made from other plants. Cotton is a good example. However, only include organic cotton without dyes. Cotton balls, strips of sheets and old shirts all make the cut. Similarly, hemp, jute and burlap can all be added to the pile.

Other common household items can also be recycled back into nature. You’re looking for natural materials here, created without chemicals or plastic. Think wine corks, pine cones, acorns, toothpicks, wood chopsticks and leaves. 

Green materials

The third component in the compost triad is green materials. Layer in plants and plant products to balance out the nutrient base. 

4. Grass and plants

Grass clippings offer essential nutrients to the mix, but make sure your layers are thin and consistent for the best compost recipe. You can also include hay and bedding from herbivore animals like guinea pigs, along with their waste. Do not include animal manure from dogs and cats.

Be sure to recycle your garden plants back into the composter once the harvest is complete. Tomato plants, herbs, flowers and other living plants are just a few examples. 

One caveat here is to avoid putting diseased plants into the mix. Although the heat of the composting process eliminates many forms of bacteria and disease, it’s possible to transfer last year’s problem into next year’s crops.

A few surprises

There are some other household items you may not have considered suitable for the compost heap. 

5. Dryer lint

Technically, your dryer lint may contain a small amount of microplastics if your clothing and linens aren’t made from natural fibers. However, dryer lint is mostly made up of small bits of fibers that sluff off clothing so it’s similar to composting organic cotton tees. 

6. Ashes

You can also add fire ashes to the compost bin as long as the wood you burned was chemical free. In other words, avoid the ashes from garbage burns, but toss in those from the fireplace. 

7. Loofahs

Loofahs and natural sponges are another little-known ingredient. If you’re no longer using it, toss it into the compost pile. 

8. Vacuum ingredients

When you’re cleaning the house, feel free to dump the swept-up dirt, dust, and even pet hair into the pile. You can even put your full vacuum bag in, as long as the contents are mostly dust and dirt, rather than legos and Barbie shoes. 

The things to avoid

Do not add any animal products, fat, dairy, plastic, foil and other non-organic materials. If it did not come directly from the earth, it should not go back into it. Also, avoid grass clippings that contain pesticides. Remember that even though it will break down into dirt, these items will eventually go into the next round of food you produce and eat.

Size matters

The truth is that all natural materials will break down eventually, even if you don’t have the ideal location, proper amount of moisture or precise combination of ingredients. However, your compost pile will perform better with attention to creating somewhat equal layers and cutting material into fairly consistent sizes. For example, an entire pumpkin will take longer to break down than one that is cut into a dozen pieces. The same is true for citrus, branches, etc. 

Make the effort to layer your compost with a robust combination of ingredients. Your garden will thank you. 

Via Better Homes & Gardens

Images via Pexels

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Solar electric catamaran has AI tech for zero emissions

Rossinavi’s Oneiric catamaran concept is a sustainable technology dream boat, quite literally. It’s a catamaran that features three levels of solar panels to power fully electric navigation. Plus, there is an AI-driven control center that manages energy consumption to reduce environmental impact.

Italian shipyard Rossinavi collaborated with Zaha Hadid Architects to chart a new era of sustainable yachting with the Oneiric concept. ZHA’s design combined with the best efficiency and functionality that cutting edge technology can support. As a result, it made the Oneiric a beautiful experience for boaters while prioritizing the health of the ocean.

Related: IMMERST floating community is adaptable, modular and prefab

An efficient battery pack stores energy from the solar panels, while the control center monitors energy consumption on board the Oneiric. The AI can observe environmental impact and use that information to advise on the most sustainable navigation. Furthermore, the boat is actually a hybrid, but it can operate in full electric mode with zero emissions for a day trip. If the owner wants to cross larger parts of the ocean for a longer journey, the yacht can run in all electric mode 70% of the time, which saves 40 tons of CO2 compared to a conventional boat.

Moreover, the solar panels can be removed and repurposed to power a family home while on land. We don’t know how many people will be moving and reinstalling their solar panels, but it’s a nice concept for a traveling vessel. Along with the solar power, Oneiric has energy-efficient multihulls. The hulls’ length-to-width ratio allows for greater hydrodynamic efficiency when moving through the water.

Meanwhile, the sleek wood paneling and smooth surfaces of the interior and exterior of the Oneiric are inspired by the fluidity and dynamism of ocean waves. The curved walls and ceiling of the cockpit also serve the purpose of opening views to the water. On the lower level swim platforms, it creates an open space that is directly connected to the water behind the boat.

There is also a media room, multiple interior and exterior lounging and dining spaces, an owner’s suite and four small guest cabins. Many of the interior recycled and recyclable materials were chosen to reduce the weight and energy needs of the catamaran. Best of all, the Oneiric is equipped with Rossinavi Zero Noise technology. It’s the perfect sustainable vacation yacht for relaxing in peace without damaging the oceans.

+ Zaha Hadid Architects

Images via Zaha Hadid Architects 

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An installation creates a vivid sensory experience in Milan

For Milan Design Week 2022, Nature Squared and ANOTHERVIEW collaborated to create VIEW 20. The project is a limited-edition custom installation that celebrates culture through an immersive experience. Unveiled to the public on June 6, 2022 in the Rossana Orlandi Gallery, the installation will remain until Milan Design Week 2023. Its presence will reinforce gallery founder Rossana Orlandi’s passion for sustainable design.

ANOTHERVIEW records continuously for 24 hours from a fixed position to create video windows to transport viewers visuospatially and temporally to different sites across the globe. These range from the Canal Grande in Venice to waterholes encircled by wildlife in rural Namibia. VIEW 20 features one such scene in a small Indian village called Ranakpur. The landscape features a large, central banyan tree and its interactions with people and animals alike.

Related: These beautiful tiles are made from recycled eggshells

Filming in Rajasthan

VIEW 20 began with ANOTHERVIEW’s trip to Rajasthan in August of 2018. During their journey, they visited Ranakpur, where they were entranced by a large banyan tree they found on private property. This became the filming site for VIEW 20. With permission from the owner, ANOTHERVIEW filmed for 24 hours to capture the essence of the tree. Banyan trees are the national tree of India and are well-known for their lush, dense canopies and aerial roots. Additionally, because of their 200 to 300 year lifespan, banyans symbolize immortality.

To capture the nature of the Ranakpur village, the ANOTHERVIEW team invited locals from the nearby village to spend the day by the tree. The gorgeous banyan attracted animals and villagers alike throughout the 24-hour filming period. In the morning, children visited to play under the tree’s immense shade. Around lunchtime, shepherds visited with their large flocks of sheep. Monkeys were attracted by a local monkey charmer and the experience was capped with musicians and dancers after sunset. The result was a rich portrait showcasing the daily life of the rural community, celebrating their culture and surroundings.

Creating an eco-friendly spatial experience

To feature this immersive experience for Milan Design Week, Nature Squared was in charge of creating the screen’s frame. Nature Squared works with natural waste materials to create architectural products. VIEW 20’s frame is no exception to this. It was designed by Nature Squared’s Chief Material Innovator Elaine Yan Ling Ng. Though the team used numerous material finishes for the installation, they only used three core materials. These were eggshell waste sustainably sourced from bakeries, reclaimed bamboo and abaca, a sturdy fiber from a Philippine banana species.

To create the frame, Nature Squared worked with ANOTHERVIEW to capture the essence of their trip to Rajasthan. One of the first spatial components drew inspiration from the filming experience. To record the scene for VIEW 20, ANOTHERVIEW set up a tent made from bamboo and local textiles as their 24-hour observation station. The tent’s fabric had a pattern of a temple entrance, inspiring Ng to frame the viewing window as such.

Blending the realms of design and research

The main structure of the frame is made from a wall of Ng’s PASTORALE textile. PASTORALE was a textile collection designed exclusively for Nature Squared and is made from abaca. The textile’s open structure makes it versatile for various uses and allow fibers to move freely, thus creating dynamic effects. VIEW 20 incorporates PASTORALE through a screen and as an inlay for the curved structure to further demonstrate its flexibility.

The frame around the screen transcends a conventional border. Instead, it invites viewers into a physical space that emulates Rajasthani architecture. Ng drew from Rajasthani temple designs, featuring their intricate pillars and crafted the installation using sustainable materials. The project’s earthy, beige color palette is also inspired by the vernacular architecture and creates a calming visual effect.

To create the 3D architectural pillar details for the frame, Ng used TERRAMIQUE. For Milan Design Week in 2021, Ng created a collection called CArrelé. This featured eggshell tiles made from TERRAMIQUE’s eggshell-based substance. The word TERRAMIQUE means “ceramic from earth” and is created using eggshell waste that is crushed, mixed with a binding agent and baked. The mixture can be colored using natural dyes and resembles terrazzo. Like PASTORALE, TERRAMIQUE is also very versatile, as it can be used on large surfaces or molded and carved into desired forms, such as the architectural columns created for VIEW 20.

The final element of the installation is a 2.8-meter curved viewing bench made from reclaimed bamboo. It incorporates Nature Squared’s signature starburst pattern, which is inlaid by hand. The bench brings together the viewing experience and encourages the audience to be immersed in the installation.

Engaging the senses

For a truly holistic sensory experience, the project collaboration extends to the Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia gourmet restaurant. Two-Michelin star chefs, Fabio Pisani and Alessandro Negrini along with pastry chef Domenico Peragine, celebrate VIEW 20 with a luscious, vegan dessert. It is inspired by Indian cuisine and incorporates a myriad of spices. The dessert is composed of nutmeg, pepper and clove-spiced bread, cinnamon shortbread and Bavarian creamed rice with saffron and turmeric.

Through the amalgamation of visual, tactile, auditory and gustatory details, the VIEW 20 installation becomes a meditative, immersive experience. ANOTHERVIEW and Nature Squared’s collaboration presents how the realms of art and design can blend with research and science. From this incredible installation, viewers are inspired to connect with the rural Rajasthani community and their surroundings, while appreciating the project’s sustainable design.

+ ANOTHERVIEW and Nature Squared

Images via Nature Squared

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Furniture factory opens in a forest in Norway

Bjarke Ingels Group and Vestre, a furniture maker in Norway, opened up the PLUS. This is a furniture factory but it’s a whole lot more. In fact, it’s also an experience center and a 300-acre public park. This is an entire manufacturing village.

The PLUS is an enormous facility that also has areas for public hiking, camping and enjoying nature. How many factories in the world have public hiking trails do you think? The PLUS is a green manufacturing hub and it could become a model for manufacturing facilities of the future.

Related: BIG designs neuroscience center with the brain in mind

Additionally, the facility is made of local timber, low-carbon concrete and recycled steel. It is expected to become the first industrial building to achieve the BREEAM Outstanding Rating, the highest environmental honor in construction. The plan, according to CEO of Vestre Stefan Tjust, is to create “the world’s most environmentally-friendly furniture factory.”

The facility has four main production halls. These areas house the color factory, warehouse, wood factory and assembly. These wings connect at the center to form a plus-sign shape, which is what gives the PLUS its name. This allows for efficient workflow between all the literal arms of manufacturing. Moreover, it creates a pretty cool experience for visitors. It’s a simple layout that can be immediately understood and followed. To make it even easier, the interior is color-coded. Specifically, all the production units are built with cross-laminated timber.

As a result, the process of making furniture are visible. Other companies hide their secrets, fearing corporate espionage and copycats. This factory is open, visible and nothing is hidden. The goal is to share knowledge of sustainable manufacturing processes, not to hide them. The furniture is made from locally-sourced wood and the facility is powered with hydropower. The public can visit the energy and clean water center to learn more about sustainable, circular energy.

A public, circular courtyard is part of the central hub. This is where the latest furniture collections will be displayed. It’s also a visitor area where several factory processes can be viewed. The design includes inclined roofs that create viewing areas into the production halls and the forest outside. The public forest is sprinkled with huge pieces of furniture. The hiking trail outside the factory leads to the green roof. This is where 900 photovoltaic panels harness the sun’s energy. The green roof is ADA-accessible as well.

The PLUS will generate 50% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than a more standard, conventional factory. Maybe one day, designs like this won’t be a rarity. They’ll be the norm.

+ Bjarke Ingels Group

Images via BIG

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The tallest shipping container structure in the nation

Architectural design comes in all forms. In the case of the newly opened IDA on McKinley apartment building, that form is six stories of steel shipping containers that make up commercial and residential space. 

The build, designed by shipping container specialists at Local Studio, is the fifth container project by the firm and the tallest container structure in the country. Local Studio worked in collaboration with the city of Phoenix on the project to align with the city’s climate action plan, which includes more sustainable housing options. IDA provides ground-level commercial space along with 18 one and two-bedroom apartments. 

Related: Recycled shipping containers make up this off-grid retreat

Not only does IDA prominently feature 822,000 pounds of recycled steel in the form of shipping containers, but the finished building showcases renewable energy through its 33-kilowatt-solar system. Solar panels double as a roof overhang and a shaded sidewalk alongside the building. Additionally the structure is equipped for rainwater harvesting with bioswales and a 3,000 gallon storage tank.  

The surrounding landscaping features low-water-requirement desert plants and trees to offer shade along the street. To further adapt to the Arizona sun, heat-reflective paint was chosen to keep temperatures down and reduce energy consumption.

IDA broke ground early in 2021 and is located on a small corner lot in the Roosevelt Row arts district. It’s equipped with an outdoor shower and e-bike charging station, as well as a bike repair station, to encourage commuting via bike. Moreover, the structure will serve as an architectural example for students, developers and employees of the city who are studying engineering, sustainability and shipping container design.

“IDA on McKinley is an architectural feat, the nation’s tallest shipping container development, and an historic addition to downtown Phoenix,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “It is innovative in several ways: the reuse of shipping containers, and the novel way it adds shade to the right-of-way. These are the kinds of multi-layered approaches that will carry Phoenix toward its sustainable future.”

+ Local Studio 

Images via Local Studio

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