An intricate lamp that is made out of banana paper

Inspired by designs using Japanese paper and made with paper handmade in Bali, Indonesia, these luminous sculptures designed by Alexis Dornier definitely evoke a feeling of nature. It is what makes these lamps so special.

The luminous sculptures belong to the Tamashī Jiwa collection. The paper of these sculptures is made with banana fibers. The fibers from the plant are cooked into a pulp, which is then molded and dried. Then, the paper is sewn and stitched together to create cells. The cells are filled with polyurethane wool, which creates soft, strong shades in a sustainably-made design that allow light to shine through.

Related: Artist 3D-prints biodegradable agar floral lamps

As a result, the overall design reflects a minimalist design, with clean, sweeping lines and simple, elegant shapes. The luminous paper shapes lighten and brighten any space, creating a soft glow of illumination. Banana fibers are harvested from banana plants. This material is entirely sustainable and renewable. The polyurethane used in these sculptures was created from recycled plastic. The materials combine to create lightweight, durable, beautiful shades that soften the illumination and disperse the light over a wider area.

Additionally, the supporting framework of the sculpture is black, a contrast against the lighter shade of the paper-polyethylene combo. Made and manufactured in Bali, Indonesia, these sculptures look delicate but they’re made to last. Not only that, they bring light and joy to all who see them.

“Just like the mind and the heart are an inseparable amalgam that constitutes us humans, Alexis brings the Rational and the Intuitive into one selected snapshot,” said a spokesperson for the Tamashi Jiwa.

+ Alexis Dornier

Photography by Pete Kamynin

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Vegan boxer Kollins Ezekh is a role model for athletes

If you’ve ever seen Kollins Ezekh or followed one of his workouts on Instagram, you surely noticed his chiseled muscles and six-pack abs. But this incredibly fit boxer is also a vegan – one of a growing number who is reaching high visibility in their sports. Ezekh talked to Inhabitat about why he adopted a plant-based diet and how boxing and being vegan fit together.

A vegan fighter’s background

“I was born in the communist USSR,” Ezekh said. When he was twelve, his family moved to Thailand. “Which was a huge cultural shock to go from one extreme to another.” While living in Thailand, he got into Thai boxing. He later added jujitsu, boxing and other martial arts to his repertoire.

Related: The first 24/7 plant-based convenience store in the US

Changing countries early in life wasn’t easy for Ezekh, but it taught him an important lesson. “That let me understand that I can be anywhere I want to be and do anything I want to do. That’s how I ended up deciding to move to the United States down the line.”

Winding up in Los Angeles provided another opportunity for culture shock. But Ezekh used his martial arts skills to dive into fitness training. Now he’s been at it for almost 20 years, training Angelenos famous and not so famous, and owning a franchise of Mayweather Boxing + Fitness on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. He’s helped Mayweather open other gyms around the country, including in Tampa, Houston, Chicago and Atlanta. He has more than 84,000 Instagram followers, where he goes by the handle @BuiltByGod.

Going vegan

Once Ezekh landed in L.A., he noticed a strange practice among many Angelenos: abstaining from animal products. This was contrary to his upbringing. He mentioned his curiosity about vegan lifestyles three years after moving to L.A, and how he sought to understand how athletes can be successful without eating meat. So, Ezekh decided to try it for himself.

Remember how I mentioned those abs? Ezekh lost no muscle mass. In fact, he noticed an improved energy level without his standard meat rations or eating four egg whites in the morning. He felt good. The new habit stuck.

“Now I stand for a plant-based diet for athletes,” Ezekh said. “We were able to achieve great results without hurting any animals.”

Ezekh is in good company. “The movement for plant-based athletes has been huge,” he said, noting pro-vegan Netflix documentaries as one driver. “I believe more and more athletes [are] moving towards a vegan lifestyle as a lot of them see a significant boost in their performance and recovery.”

Other leading vegan athletes include ultramarathon runner Scott Jurek, super famous tennis champ Venus Williams, surfer Tia Blanco, silver Olympic medalist and speed cyclist Dotsie Bausch, and FIFA Women’s World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist Alex Morgan.

Plant-based sports nutrition

Ezekh used to recommend lean chicken and wild-caught fish for his clients who wanted to build lean muscle. Now that he’s vegan, he recommends chowing down on vegetables. His own diet can serve as a model for a plant-based athlete’s diet.

As Ezekh told The Beet, he eats oatmeal with berries about an hour before his morning workout. Then, just before exercising, he downs black coffee. After working out, he replaces his glycogen stores with foods like avocado toast and a plant-based protein shake.

His biggest meal is lunch. Plant-based burgers and veggie pizzas with dairy-free cheese are favorites. Or he’ll eat a bowl of quinoa, kale, mushrooms, broccoli and tomatoes. He tries to eat dinner before seven at night. Usually, this is a big bowl of green vegetables with plant-based protein and avocado.

Of course, when people change their diets, there could be some backsliding. Maybe one day a client can’t resist a real burger or a hunk of cheese. Or maybe they eat a whole pint of vegan ice cream. “Just keep pushing,” Ezekh urges would-be vegan athletes. “Don’t give up. You might slip one day, but then get back on track the next.”

Vegan boxing gear

Of course, vegan boxers face an additional obstacle beyond diet. What are boxing gloves made of, anyway? Leather, usually. And non-leather boxing gloves are often seen as fake and inferior.

Fortunately, some enlightened companies are now making quality vegan-friendly boxing gear. Ezekh recommends Hayabusa’s T3 gloves, which you can find on Amazon here. They’re made of something called Vylar-engineered leather, which is typically a mix of leather and recycled materials. But Hayabusa’s version is vegan.

To some people, saving animals and punching an opponent in the face may seem like contradictory activities. But Ezekh has a different take. “I always believed in doing whatever makes you happy without hurting anybody around you. That’s including animals,” he said. “Fighting is a sport. We don’t get in the ring to hurt each other. We get in the room to compete and win.” And plant-based athletes using vegan gloves are a definite win for animals.

Images courtesy of Kollins Ezekh and Pexels

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A carbon-negative shoe collection made out of cork

Each year, the footwear industry produces 700,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Approximately 34% of this accounts for the extraction and processing of fossil fuels to create synthetic materials like ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and polyurethane foams for shoe soles. By making more sustainable choices, the fashion industry can reduce its environmental footprint to better support the planet. One way to do this is by adopting materials made from renewable and ethical sources. ReCORK aims to do just that.

ReCORK is an initiative organized by the SOLE footwear company in 2008. It launched as a wine cork recycling program and is now the biggest of its kind in North America. The program has collected over 128 million corks and ReCORK’s Research and Development team devises innovative solutions by using cork as a natural, sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-based plastics and foams. The ReCORK team’s most recent innovation is their groundbreaking carbon-negative midsole material. This is featured in ReCORK’s newest footwear collection, the SOLE x UBB Jasper Chukka.

Related: Newest adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2 shoe uses recycled ocean plastic

Cork is an incredible raw material that can be used as a renewable resource and to absorb atmospheric carbon. Cork grows as bark on the cork oak tree and can be harvested without having to cut down the tree. It is also an excellent carbon sink. Its absorption properties mean that despite the emissions pertaining to the manufacture and transport of the SOLE x UBB Jasper Chukka collection, each pair of midsoles has a negative carbon footprint.

Usually, cork-based footwear is not very flexible nor water resistant. It is hard to bend and twist and cannot withstand water or strain. However, SOLE’s new collection is far from this. The midsoles are made from over 75% recycled natural cork, mixed with about 25% of binding agent. Alongside being non-toxic and eco-friendly, the SOLE cork midsoles are very flexible, anti-microbial, water-resistant and sturdy. They also provide great cushioning for arch support and are lightweight.

While the comfy cork midsoles are a key component, the collection does feature other sustainable materials. These include materials made from renewable carbon sinks, post-consumer recycled items and upcycled waste.

For example, the shoe soles are comprised of the insoles, midsoles and outsoles. The insoles are made from an I’m Green sugarcane-based footbed. These work alongside the cork midsoles to provide cushioning and are also an incredible carbon sink. The outsoles make up the bottom part of the sole and are perfect for outdoor and sporting activities. They are made from sustainably-harvested rubber sap, which allows them to be durable and grippy. Furthermore, their production process uses seven times less energy than outsoles made from petroleum-based rubber.

To give the collection its stylish look, ethically-sourced fibers and waste-minimizing processes are used. The shoe’s upper consists of an ethically-sourced Merino wool knit design. All the wool is obtained from Wool standard-certified, cruelty-free farms and allows for comfort, moisture resistance and temperature regulation. This is complemented by United by Blue’s BisonShield material, which is made from bison hair salvaged from the ranching industry that would otherwise be thrown away. By using a single-knit design, the shoes’ upper ensures that energy requirements are reduced by 30% and waste is reduced by up to 60%. To tie it all together, the laces are made from 95% recycled PET plastic, from items such as single-use water bottles.

By combining a range of environmentally-friendly and ethically-sourced materials, the new SOLE x UBB Jasper Chukka collection is a fashionable, carbon-negative alternative to other products in the footwear industry. Its meticulous design minimizes environmental impact without sacrificing comfort and versatility. The shoes come in the colors black, beige and dark grey, and can be an elegant yet functional addition to your wardrobe that does not hurt the planet.

+ ReCORK

Images via ReCORK and SOLE Footwear

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High quality lamps that are made from recycled product waste

In a collaboration between the design team at MVRDV and upscale lighting brand Delta Light, a new range of luminaries was on display at the 2022 Milan Design Week. The series called High Profile is a marriage between innovative design, handmade quality and recycled materials. 

The industrial look comes from a product found in the Delta Light factory: leftover aluminum profiles. With the creative insight from the MVRDV team, those castoff pieces were recycled into wall, ceiling and floor lamps. Saving the scraps from the waste pile was a primary goal for both teams and came with the added benefit of convenience. However, it wasn’t a concession to rely on the aluminum pieces. Instead, the decision delivered a beautiful element that may have never been considered before. 

Related: Lamps by Biohm are made from coffee and orange peel

The partnership between these two firms seems like a natural fit with Delta Light’s history of collaborating with architects on other designs and its repeat appearance at the Milan Design Week. The company also wanted to ensure a quality, bright and colorful addition to the product lineup. MVRDV is known for this type of design in its architectural projects and those skills proved complementary in the Delta Light work too. 

“The project started with the question of whether we could develop new possibilities with Delta Light’s waste material, instead of inventing a completely new product,” said MVRDV founding partner Jacob van Rijs. “In particular, the stacks of aluminum profiles in various shades of white, silver, black and gold proved to be a source of inspiration. The amazing details of these profiles are usually hidden inside the wall or ceiling; we wanted to make their beauty visible as the main feature of the new design.”

As a result, the cube-shaped pendant light, wall fixture in the shape of an arch and a freestanding model with profiles placed side by side. Although it starts with an industrial material, the look is softened with colors of pink, ochre, light green and light blue, among others. The color profiles are a bold step for Delta Light, who typically sticks with standard white, black and gold assortments.

Additionally, the project offers modular aspects for the future through the use of automated design technology that can generate dozens of configurations to consider. From a sustainability standpoint, the project earns points for reusing industrial waste that only needs to be transported from the backroom to the showroom. It is also recyclable at the end of the useful product life. 

+ MVRDV 

Images via MVRDV

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Plastic bottles look fabulous as Recycled Glamour

For too long, the fashion industry has contributed to the environmental problems that continue to make the world a polluted place. This RAFFAUF clothing collection made with plastic bottles shows how high-end fashion and doing the right thing can come together in a fabulous way.

Everything in this collection from RAFFAUF is recycled. That means the outer fabric, the padding, the zippers, all of it. Some of this is thanks to “Recycled Glamour.” This is a special fabric that is made completely out of recycled plastic bottles. The end result is a shimmering, slightly ribbed dark purple material that absolutely stands out. Meanwhile, the rich purple shade is perfect for fall and winter fashion.

Related: Upcycled clothes collection inspires to break the pattern

To make this material, PET bottles were collected in northern Italy. These bottles were then melted and spun into threads while the threads were woven into recycled polyester fabric. In fact, recycled polyester consumes 60% less energy and 90% less water than virgin polyester.

As for the PET bottles, they’re part of an enormous plastics crisis. To be frank, the Earth is covered in the stuff. There are enormous floating piles of it in the ocean that represent only a fraction of the story. For all the plastic you see floating on top of the blue ocean, just as much plastic is below. And that’s just in the water. What’s more, single-use plastics like plastic bottles make up about half of all the plastic pollution on the Earth.

Moreover, Recycled Glamour and products like it help to resolve the plastic problem. Additionally, the collection is made with classic silhouettes in trendy designs, with A-line cuts, distinct cuff detailing and shawl collars with hoods. Small accents also add detail to the design, and fitted drawstrings allow you to customize the way you look.

The clothing line is a gorgeous example of how fashion can create a path forward by fixing problems in the present. Fashion can change the world, so that’s exactly what this Recycled Glamour material from RAFFAUF is trying to do.

+ RAFFAUF

Images via RAFFAUF / David Kavaler

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Are celebrity products green for Earth or their wallets?

There’s no doubt Hollywood stars carry clout when it comes to politics, social campaigns, fashion and the like. Alongside the perhaps questionable influences, celebrities also work as a driving force for protecting the environment. 

More and more celebrities are making headlines for creating their own product lines that are labeled as environmentally friendly or sustainable. The question then becomes whether they’re sincere in their efforts to care for the planet or if they’re tapping into the sustainability zeitgeist to increase sales. While some definitely seem to be focused on making meaningful change, others have been rightfully called out for greenwashing. 

Related: 17 green beauty brands that you may not know

What is greenwashing?

Greenwashing is promoting an unsubstantiated idea in order to increase product interest or sales. In the clothing industry, for example, fast-fashion brand H&M has continuously made headlines for promoting green tactics that turn out to fall short.

A few years ago, clothing recycling bins popped up at the stores, where customers could receive a coupon in exchange for donations. However, the clothing mostly ends up being shipped to other countries or downgraded to lower quality merchandise, while increasing transport emissions and failing to reduce the end waste fast fashion creates.

Just last month, the company was sued for greenwashing in response to a more expensive clothing line the company claims is more environmentally friendly. An independent study found that was not the case. At one point, the company was also called out for using the fame of Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams to clean up its image after hiring her as the company’s “sustainability ambassador.”

Are celebrities greenwashing too?

Yes, no and partially. Many celebrities are dedicated to low-impact lifestyles and launch businesses with the same philosophy in mind. Others perhaps lean into certain Earth-friendly aspects of the business model while ignoring the footprint in other areas of the business. Does it mean they are greenwashing? Not necessarily, as long as they aren’t lying about the sustainability aspects. However, without looking at the full product cycle, it’s pretty hard to claim a product is sustainable.

No company is perfect, but some rise above the rest in transparency. On the other hand, some green product lines aren’t that green at all. Here’s our take on some notable celebrity brands. 

Pharrell Williams Bionic Yarn and Humanrace

Pharrell Williams has been in the sustainability realm for a long time. Starting with his interest in Bionic Yarn in 2009, he’s taken an increasing role in the company. They convert post-consumer plastic waste into textiles that are then used in bags, jeans and other clothing. Many companies have begun similar campaigns and Williams’ contributions seem legit. While recycling plastic that’s already in existence is good for the planet, microplastics in the clothing continue to be a problem. 

More recently, Williams launched Humanrace, a company dedicated to wellbeing. The product line includes skincare, body care, suncare, Adidas clothing and shoes and some ceramic pieces. While the ingredient list is transparent on the personal care items and many of them come in a partially-refillable container, it feels like a stretch to call this a sustainable brand, especially when the shoes are marketed as a partnership between Williams and Adidas with no effort to incorporate recycled or natural materials. 

Yes, it’s better than some. Also, yes, it’s more about profit than environment. 

Drew Barrymore Flower Beauty

Run a quick search of celebrities and green companies and Drew Barrymore often makes the list. Looking closer, however, the many sides of Barrymore don’t all face towards sustainable business. Take, for example, her beauty line Flower Beauty. The website proudly mentions they are a cruelty-free brand. Yay for the animals! However, there’s no attempt to limit waste in packaging and although the (long) ingredient lists are included for each product, natural materials don’t seem to be a priority either. Inasmuch, with an emphasis on cruelty-free only, this doesn’t rate as a green product.

Honest Beauty by Jessica Alba 

On the other end of the sustainability beauty spectrum is Honest Beauty. They are a subset of the Honest Company. They rank high for quality ingredients, responsible packaging, limited waste and a devotion to sustainable practices. 

Jaden Smith Just Water

Jaden Smith comes from a recognizable family as the son of Will and Jada Smith. At 10 years old, the sight of plastic floating in the ocean inspired him to find a better solution. A few years later, he launched his first business.

Just Water skips the single-use plastic in favor of paper cartons. The newest carbonated options are housed in endlessly reusable aluminum containers. The company is a certified B Corp, upholding the highest social and environmental standards.

Expanding on the idea of healthy water without waste, Smith invested in a water filtration system called a Water Box. The system filters up to 10 gallons of water per minute, which Smith saw as a solution to aid the citizens of Flint, Michigan following the water crisis there. Placing the Water Box in a neighborhood church provided free water to anyone who needed it and launched his philanthropy mission to help the community. 

Código 1530

While many distilled spirits, beers and wines are produced with minimal environmental impact, some producers go out of their way to make it a priority. Such is the case with Código 1530, a tequila company backed by country star George Strait.

It begins with the plant use and waste reduction. Agave fibers are recycled as fertilizer and used as mulch to improve soil and reduce water evaporation. Plant production is closely monitored and select plants are allowed to bloom to serve as a food source for the local bats, who are an essential part of the tequila equation. The mixture then goes into oak barrels, which are converted into furniture and other useful items at the end of the tequila-making life. Even the bottles the spirit goes into are produced from recycled glass and are later packed into recycled paper and cardboard for transport. 

Código 1530 is an example of a full-circle sustainable product that Strait can be proud to promote as such. 

Images via Pexels

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Kinetic Dancefloor creates renewable energy from dancing

Based out of the Netherlands, Energy Floors creates clean and renewable energy-producing systems that are activated by movement. Dance, walk and compete your way towards creating energy that then runs the lights and charges phones. The systems offer a fun way to market a brand and inspire conversations about sustainable responsibility.

The Kinetic Dancefloor by Energy Floors is a temporary or semi-permanent system. It comes in three sizes plus a customizable option. Moreover, the floor panels absorb energy produced by dancers on the surface. The energy production can be monitored in a variety of ways, encouraging dancers to keep moving.

Related: New technology could harness energy from trees

In detail, the smart tiles are solar panels equipped to collect additional energy from the movement. The most basic model, called the Regular Impact, is a system of eight smart tiles capable of producing up to a 160-kilowatt peak. A larger 16-tile system can generate up to 320 kilowatts and an even bigger 32-tile unit can amass 640 kilowatts.

The company promotes the advantage of installing the system for festivals, company parties, special events and other functions where messaging about sustainability and fun go hand in hand.

The Kinetic Dancefloor can be enhanced with add-ons such as LED lights that light up the floor in a colorful and engaging way, powered by the movement of course. An energy meter gives a visual measurement of the energy generated and makes a statement about the energy-efficient aspects of the dancefloor. This data can also be found online.

The band Coldplay has made a public effort to reduce the tour’s greenhouse gas emissions by half of the amount produced on the last tour. It’s using the Kinetic Dancefloor as part of the equation. The durable floor, topped with a layer of recycled plastics, was custom-made to meet the aesthetics of the intergalactic theme and function as a dance floor for hundreds of people at any time.

Throughout the world tour, Energy Floors will collect data about energy production for each song and each concert, providing feedback about when fans are most energetic. Fans and organizers can then easily access the information online or in real time.

Energy Floors also has other products, including The Walker, which is an energy-gathering solution that can be used in nearly any public indoor or outdoor space. As crowds leave the subway, enter the mall, or walk down the street, the panels collect energy and send it back to the grid, making it a renewable energy option for the public domain.

+ Energy Floors

Images via Rick Scuteri: Invision/AP/ANP, Anneke Hymmen and Energy Floors 

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