This whirlpool-inspired home tucks into the landscape

Chuzhi is a residential project located in Shoolagiri, Tamil Nadu, India. The house was designed by Wallmakers, an architecture firm that focuses on utilizing mud and waste products as the key building materials for their projects. This way, they produce architecture that is both functional and alluring. The project is a two-bedroom, open-plan residence. Its minimalist design complements the lush site and celebrates its beauty.

The house is located in a gated community called Sanctity Ferme, in an obscure plot at the edge of the site. The grounds are characterized by dense vegetation, large trees and a steep, rocky topography, which made it a challenge for the designers to intervene. Nevertheless, the architects created a form that integrates beautifully with the landscape without sacrificing inhabitant comfort or aesthetics.

Related: Thailand home connects to its beautiful surroundings

“Chuzhi” is the Malayalam word for “whirlpool.” This sheds light on the project’s form. The spirals encompass the three large tamarind trees on the plot. These swirls of precast poured debris earth are supported by bottle beams. These structural components are made from over 4,000 discarded plastic bottles. To further maximize sustainable materials, the wood floor is made from pieces of reclaimed wood that have been pieced together.

One of the primary design intentions of the project is an immersion into the lush and rocky landscape. As such, the spirals begin as walls at the subterranean level and swirl upwards to form the roof. These walls emerge from the subterranean rock bed, which tucks the project into a pocket of the earth, giving residents a sense of being grounded and safe. Meanwhile, the roof is made of glass to further enhance the feeling of living under the tree canopies.

Besides a connection to nature within the living spaces, the swirling roof structure also serves as an opportunity to interact with the site. The roof forms a seating area that wraps around one of the tamarind trees for shade and views.

Through this project, the architects create a successful home that creates harmony between inhabitants and the site. They do this through the use of locally-sourced and recycled building materials, a visual and tactile connection to nature and by ensuring that the surrounding landscape thrives despite human intervention.

+ Wallmakers

Photography by Syam Sreesylam

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Get your chores done without wasting water and plastic

Every day we perform chores that impact the environment. From cleaning with chemicals to buying products enrobed in plastic, cleaning needs to become… cleaner. Tru Earth is on a mission to achieve exactly that, with a full array of safe and sustainable options for your home. 

Tru Earth cleaning products for the bathroom, laundry and kitchen are all made without animal products or testing. They are all in condensed form to avoid plastic jugs. This not only means less plastic production and waste, but also less required space for shipping, saving on transport emissions and the associated pollution. 

Related: Shinery’s plant-based jewelry cleaner also cleans your hands

In the case of the multi-purpose cleaner, the condensed products allow you to use regular tap water. For the toilet cleaner and laundry detergent, you simply drop the strip in and let it work. 

The laundry strips are available in several package sizes and scents. A standard 32-count package replaces an equivalent 32-load jug of laundry detergent without any post consumer waste. The strips dissolve in the laundry without additional steps and the sleeve they come in is made from recyclable paper. The same is true for the multi-purpose and toilet bowl cleaners. 

Recently, the company released their newest product: dishwasher tablets. Unlike many wash pods, these tablets do not contain plastic. Packaging is minimalist and recyclable when your tablets are gone. 

“With our newest innovation in the household cleaning products space, Tru Earth is introducing a dishwashing solution that gives families another opportunity to further eliminate plastic containers in their homes without forgoing the effectiveness they expect and deserve from their cleaning products,” said Brad Liski, CEO and cofounder. “Our Tru Earth Dishwasher Detergent Tablets deliver a cleaner way to clean and demonstrate how our collective impact can make true lasting change.”

The company has expanded beyond cleaners, offering sustainable swaps for many single-use items. It offers dryer balls, a laundry basket made from natural materials, cotton swabs, compostable sponges, dishcloths, mesh produce bags, stainless steel straws and reusable grocery bags. It also produces beeswax snack bags and food wraps, a bamboo cutlery set and reusable bamboo makeup remover pads. 

Tru Earth has offices in Canada and the United States. In addition to its dedication to fully biodegradable, natural products that are good for consumers and the planet, Tru Earth donates 32 loads of laundry detergent for each eco-strip subscription. 

Tru Earth product review

The company reached out with an offer for samples. Having used the laundry detergent before, I was happy to see what else they had in the pipeline. When I discovered Tru Earth laundry strips several years ago, it was an innovative idea in the world of washing. Since then, the company has expanded its cleaning product line to include multi-purpose cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner and dishwasher detergent. They sent me some of each. 

I haven’t had a chance to try all of the laundry detergent scents, but scent is a personal preference anyway. I’ve relied on the Tru Earth laundry detergent for everyday washing in the past and can happily vouch for its efficiency. The strips dissolve completely, unlike some pods I’ve used. They don’t leave any slimy residue either (another issue I’ve found with some pods). Simply put, they just work like they’re supposed to. 

Plus, the Tru Earth toilet bowl cleaner couldn’t be easier to use. Simply rip off a strip and drop it into your toilet water. Give it a few minutes to dissolve and get to work. Then clean as normal. Again, it’s easy and effective. What more could you ask for?

The multi-purpose cleaner is fun to make. I might be easily entertained, but it’s a bit of magic really. Each strip is mixed with just over a cup of water (250 milliliter). I rolled up the strip and placed it into a recycled squirt bottle. Then I added the warm water and gave it a shake. The strip dissolved quickly and completely. Then I got to cleaning. I wiped down appliances, cabinets, countertops and floors, all with great results. At one point I was making sauce for lasagna and my husband was brewing beer. Between us, we made quite a mess of splattered red sauce and boiled-over wort. The Tru Earth multi-purpose cleaner tackled it all with ease. 

Finally, there is the brand new dishwasher detergent tablets. I was only able to run one load so far, but the tablet performed well. I have an old dishwasher and well water, so achieving cleanliness is expected, but dishes that come out looking shiny are often unachievable. Tru Earth dishwasher tablets have a built-in rinse agent that did a nice job on everything from the stoneware to the glassware. The tablet dissolved completely and didn’t leave any residue in the detergent compartment or on the dishes. 

In conclusion, I encourage you to try Tru Earth for yourself. With the money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose. 

+ Tru Earth

Images via Dawn Hammon 

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

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commissions at no cost to you.

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These pellets are made from waste into thermoplastic

Take a good look at UBQ materials. Sure, it might not look all that thrilling at first glance. Honestly, they look like simple, grayish little pellets. But there is a whole lot more to these little pellets than what meets the eye.

UBQ materials are made from unrecyclable and organic waste material. Rimax, a company that makes a ton of plastic products, launched a line of pet accessories made with UBQ materials. Rimax unveiled cat litter boxes and doghouses created with UBQ materials, and this is just a first step. By choosing to use UBQ materials rather than oil-based plastic, Rimax prevented up to 11.7 kg of CO2-equivalent emissions. That’s what has been achieved by replacing the plastic in a single line of products from one company.

Related: A foundation upcycles ocean plastic waste into new products

Furthermore, swapping out the plastic for UBQ materials is quite easy. The material can integrate into existing manufacturing processes. All it takes is a simple replacement and all kinds of items can be manufactured with this material. Additionally, all types of household waste are used to create this unique material. Through a conversion process, waste is converted into a thermoplastic. No oil is needed. It’s just that simple to make a massive change.

Moreover, the benefits of this are far-reaching. By using waste, UBQ keeps that waste out of landfills and incinerators. By replacing plastic, UBQ helps to manage the massive plastic waste problem the world finds itself in. All of this reduces the carbon footprint in manufacturing items and helps makes the Earth a much healthier place.

And remember that if oil-based plastics are removed from manufacturing, there is another reason why the world no longer needs oil. Look again, now, at UBQ materials. It looks pretty simple and pretty unremarkable… at first. But this stuff could end the world’s dependency on oil-based plastic. That makes UBQ materials some of the most beautiful stuff you’ll ever see.

+ UBQ Materials

Images via Rimax 

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You'll feel good using Lift, a plant-based cleaner

Cleaning the house isn’t at the top of most people’s “brings me joy” list. It’s a chore we all manage, sometimes better than others, so anything that makes the job easier is a welcome addition. And major bonus points for products that don’t leave a mark on the environment while aiding in the cleaning process. Lift, a truly all-purpose cleaner, achieves this goal. 

Lift is a newly released product by V-Wholesalers. It’s a delightfully simple idea: make a condensed cleaner that serves multiple purposes or, in this case, surfaces. It works by giving the user the power to mix different strengths depending on the task at hand. Since it’s just a combination of the Lift concentrate and water, that means less waste when performing basic household tasks and more efficient use of the product when tackling grimier jobs. 

Related: DIY natural cleaners for every household chore

Additionally, the condensed cleaner means less plastic (smaller jugs) and less water in the bottle. What does come in the bottle is a plant-based cleaner with a clean ingredient list. I don’t want to give anything away here, but what the heck — the list is water, salts and plant-derived surfactants. Some products also contain naturally-derived fragrances. The blend is non-toxic for all applications. 

Lift is formulated to remove dirt, grime, grease and stains without harsh chemicals that can damage eyes, skin and the respiratory system. The company provides a mixing chart to refer to when addressing different cleaning needs. For example, standard maintenance cleaning of counters requires a mixture of one part Lift and 20 parts water. For tougher stains on some surfaces, a mixture of two parts water is used. The product can also be used straight for maximum stain removal on surfaces like grout or carpet. 

When it says multipurpose, Lift means it. This product can replace many cleaners in your arsenal, with directions for wiping down or scrubbing painted walls, leather, countertops, glass and even fabric. It can also be used for vehicle cleaning on wheels, the interior, exterior and even for greasy engine parts. 

As an all-natural product, it’s completely biodegradable yet effective enough to manage a variety of surfaces ranging from fabric to stainless steel. Lift is available in 32 ounces spray bottles, one-gallon jugs and five-gallon buckets, and is available on Amazon or V Wholesalers.

Lift review

The company offered to send a sample for review and the package arrived a few days later. I received a sample bottle as well as a full-size 32-ounces spray bottle. Each bottle came with a separate nozzle sprayer for storage options. In addition, Lift included a cloth and a small scrub brush. 

In reviewing the directions, the company recommends most surfaces are wiped with a cloth. Some tougher jobs necessitate a soft or medium brush. I’ve used both the cloth on countertops and the brush on carpets and found both to be solid recommendations. 

Fortunately, with seven pets and three kids, I have ample surfaces that need cleaning, so it was easy to explore different options. While I haven’t worked through all the mixing ratios, a combination of one-part Lift and two parts water has come in handy for everything I’ve cleaned so far. It’s easy to see that I could get by with significantly more water for general after-dinner countertop cleanup, for example.

In fact, the minimum recommended mixture is one part Lift and five parts water. My 1:2 ratio, while overkill, has been delightful for counters, cabinets, appliances and vinyl flooring. I mixed it in order to deal with some carpet spots (worked great with the little brush), and just hadn’t gotten around to mixing a lighter formula. 

The spray bottles are basic plastic, refillable options made from #2 HDPE. I’d love to see a more environmental alternative here, but that goes for nearly every multipurpose cleaner. Meanwhile, the delivery was sent in a recyclable cardboard box without any excess packaging waste. 

I didn’t have an extra squirt bottle around, and since the Lift bottle doubles as storage for the concentrate, I poured the green cleaner (seriously, it looks like an earthy spinach and kale drink) into a recycled glass bottle, clearly labeled it, and put it with my cleaners. That freed up the squirt bottle for use. 

I’m excited to try Lift out on some other household cleaning chores, like the exterior windows, just as soon as the motivation kicks in to tackle that project. 

+ Lift

Images via Lift

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

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commissions at no cost to you.

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Compostable packaging from TIPA takes plastic out of the equation

TIPA, a compostable packaging company, makes fully compostable bags for shipping products in multiple stages of the supply chain. Swapping out traditional plastic bags in the food and fashion industries means introducing a fully circular system that gives back to the planet instead of straining it. 

We wanted to better understand the role TIPA’s compostable packaging plays in this process, so we asked Daphna Nissenbaum, CEO and cofounder of TIPA to provide her thoughts on the matter. Her answers provide a robust plan of action for the reduction of waste and pollution.

Related: Meet Great Wrap, the completely compostable cling wrap

What are TIPA’s goals and missions?

Nissenbaum: TIPA’s mission is to reduce plastic waste in the food and fashion industries, without adding emissions and high costs to the manufacturing process, but still upholding the high consumer expectations. At TIPA, we believe packaging should be part of a circular economy, where materials that are produced can be reused for another valuable purpose: our compostable packaging biodegrades into nourishing compost, leaving behind the same nutrients left by organic waste.

TIPA’s vision for flexible packaging is to have the same end-of-life as organic matter while maintaining the qualities of conventional plastics that consumers and brands have come to rely on, like durability, transparency, barrier, sealability, printability and shelf-life. TIPA’s sustainable packaging solutions use a fabless model — the manufacturing process seamlessly fits with existing industrial machinery and manufacturing practices, eliminating the need to build new manufacturing plants or buy and ship expensive machinery. 

How are TIPA products compostable?

Nissenbaum: TIPA’s innovative polymer-based material allows for all of the packaging to compost within six to 12 months when placed in the right environment. All of the packaging is compostable at industrial facilities, and most are also home-compostable. TIPA’s packaging is certified as compostable in the U.S., Europe and Australia. 

What does it mean for the consumer and planet?

Nissenbaum: When a consumer uses compostable packaging, and composts it properly, the consumer is not only reducing plastic waste, but is actually creating something new — compost — that nourishes the Earth instead of harming it. Using this compost on agricultural fields can increase crop yields, reduce planet-warming carbon in the atmosphere and help fields retain water, cutting back on irrigation needs. With plastic packaging making up 40% of all plastic waste in the world, a shift to compostable packaging in the food and fashion industries will make a huge difference. 

How are the bags being used?

Nissenbaum: TIPA focuses on two industries for compostable packaging: food and fashion. 

Over 60% of flexible plastic packaging is consumed by the food industry. TIPA works with local farmers and larger importers to provide compostable packaging for their fresh and frozen produce and dry foods, including Sunrays to package their grapes, Fresh Harvest for their produce delivery service and InstaBrew to package their coffee cubes. Fresh Harvest even uses a collection service to ensure that the packaging is being composted.

The fashion industry uses copious amounts of plastic — an estimated 180 billion polybags per year — throughout the supply chain, and brands are slowly beginning to adopt more sustainable options. TIPA works with these brands to provide compostable poly bags to store and protect the merchandise from the elements throughout the supply chain: from large packaging for shipping in bulk, to small packaging for shipping individual items to the consumer. Some examples include Pangaia, Le Col Far Afield, Isadore and Scotch & Soda. And, most recently announced, Apiece Apart has replaced all of their packaging with TIPA’s compostable alternative — for all levels of the supply chain. 

Does TIPA donate to nonprofit causes? 

Nissenbaum: We donate our time volunteering in several nonprofits, especially those that promote sustainability. Moreover, we send our packaging to schools and other institutions, for sustainability education.

Does TIPA use recycled or recyclable packaging in the office?

Nissenbaum: TIPA’s headquarters strives to be as sustainable as possible, sorting waste, never using disposable tableware, etc. We are also aware that recycling often doesn’t provide a good solution. In fact, only 9% of plastic produced in the world is actually recycled. That is why we often choose glass and other reusable tableware.

Do you offer Fair Trade work?

Nissenbaum: The TIPA model is fabless, which means we have no factories or plants. We use the facilities that are already available. Moreover, we only ship within continents, never between them. This is how we ensure sustainability throughout the whole process. TIPA does its best effort to only work with suppliers, manufacturers and converters who uphold the Fair Trade working conditions. 

What are TIPA’s goals for sustainable manufacturing, and what progress have you made so far? 

Nissenbaum: TIPA aims to have production and the conversion of plastic rolls into bags performed as local to its customers as possible to remove the environmental damage done by shipping across the world. TIPA has converters in Europe, and the U.S. (Midwest), and plans to expand to Canada and other parts of the U.S. 

What else is to be done for a sustainable future?

Nissenbaum: We as humans are poisoning the earth as we try to meet our daily basic needs of food and clothing. In addition to striving for sustainable products, like ethically-sourced textiles and locally-grown produce, we need better ways to package these goods in order to really make a difference. Almost everything we eat or wear comes wrapped in plastic. We need to change that, or our planet will continue to suffer: we’re already drowning in microplastics and struggling with rising temperatures that threaten our future.

When it comes to sustainability in the food and fashion industries, we must think holistically. We must consider both the sources of products and materials, as well as their end-of-life. And we need to make sure that consumers have access to the waste services they need in order to easily and correctly dispose of sustainable alternatives like compostable packaging.

+ TIPA

Images via TIPA 

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Shoes made out of unused dildos feel like dancing on clouds

You might be thinking, “Wait — Shoes made from what now?!”

This is even printed on a greeting card when you buy a pair with the title all in caps, “Sustainability because f*ck you.” It sums up the entire vibe for Rose in Good Faith, a Los Angeles-based company that combines modern and luxury apparel, accessories and footwear. They’re in Nordstroms and have partnered with celebrities, including Machine Gun Kelly and Lil Wayne. But, more importantly, they are all about quality over quantity and the materials they use in their products. 

Related: Buy a pair of these luxury shoes made out of dildos

Mentioned on their website are their three stages of responsibility: transparency, up-cycling and innovation. These three values are especially apparent in their Plastic Soul shoes, which not only look unique, but is upcycled with unused sex toys from Doc Johnson. Basically, they managed to turn dildos into shoes and make them fashionable and comfortable.

The Plastic Soul shoes come in three colors, the latest called Crème Brulee ($135), followed by Endless Black ($145) and, the one that started it all, Cloud Dancer ($130). I was curious how well dildos actually feel on your feet — to my delight, I was sent a pair of Cloud Dancer to find out.

A big box of surprises

The shoes came in an elegant or ominous (you decide) cardboard black box. After opening, a red box was nestled inside wrapped in a simple black ribbon bow. Within that red box was a durable black cloth bag and, finally, within the bag was the shoes wrapped in paper. I have to applaud Rose in Good Faith for the grandeur, the suspense they built in their packaging. 

I will definitely be reusing the cloth bag as a book bag or for travel. And the red box, indeed, can be reused for storage. At the same time, however, it does seem excessive, but what do you expect from a $130 shoe? Good news is that there were no plastic use, aside from the shoes, that is.

Art on your feet

The Plastic Soul shoes are elegant and effortless in fabrication. The specific materials that they are made out of are unused thermo plastic elastomer (TPE) and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. These are the same materials used in sex toys, medical tubing, cables and many other items because it’s moldable, has electrical resistance and is hypoallergenic. Inside, the insole is made from natural, recycled cork lined with organic cotton and designed with an arch support to provide all-day comfort.

In person, the shoes look a lot chunkier than the photos, but still retains its funky and futuristic design. Another thing to note is that it’s designed to be worn slightly loose. Depending on the shoe company, I wear either a six or a six and a half in U.S. women, so I was expecting a tight fit. However, if I scooched my feet all the way to the top, I could still stick my index finger to measure the amount of space left. When I walked in them, my feet don’t slide a lot and they are wonderful for any casual wear.   

Wearing it out

According to the sticker on the insole, it’s going to be stiff, but you have to wear the shoe for six to nine hours for it to mold to your feet. However, it’s already so comfortable from the get-go and the more you wear it, the squishier it gets. I’ve worn it a couple of times running errands and grabbing lunch and, honestly, it lives up to being an everyday shoe. 

I’m one of those people that put up with laces for the snug feel and because Velcro straps for adult shoes are minimal. Therefore, this is a slippery slope for me to just wear the Plastic Soul every time I need to go somewhere. I am a sloth, and when a fashion item combines comfort with style, it’s endgame for me. 

Furthermore, it is apparently waterproof, but with the cutout design, I suggest it best not to get it too soaked unless you want your feet wet. And as for how it cleans, the material looks like it’s easy enough to wipe down, but that is yet to be seen as time wears on. 

The everyday shoe for everyone

Perhaps a little poetic, the company said it best, “The Plastic Soul by Rose In Good Faith evokes the energy of sustainability, sexual freedom and purpose.”

If you are someone who has been on the lookout for a slip-on, everyday footwear with a special, chunky design to it, the Plastic Soul may be a match made in heaven. And, with the cream and black colors, those are great options if white doesn’t seem like for you. The price tag is rather hefty, but if it lives up the name, these shoes will last for a good long time. All euphemisms aside, the shoe is inventive and wearable by anyone. 

And, if someone compliments you on your shoes, you can say to them, “Thanks, they’re made from dildos.”

+ Rose in Good Faith

Images via Rose in Good Faith

Editor’s Note: This product review is not sponsored by Rose in Good Faith. All opinions on the products and company are the author’s own.

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Luxurious pods offer lodging in undisturbed landscape

Oculis Lodge offers a new way to enjoy nature while embracing the luxuries of a high-end hotel experience. Rather than dealing with the hustle and bustle of hotel lobbies and check in process, Oculis offers individual igloo-shaped pods that are more like a private AirBnB rental. 

Each 700-square-feet dome is set up for either two or four guests. The standout feature is the massive, 15-feet oculus that provides direct views into the sky. Inside the unit, guests can enjoy their own kitchen, sitting area, bathroom and bedding. The interior design is natural and inviting with minimalist lines.

Related: Join the sustainable vacation movement with Oculis Mountain Side

Furthermore, the dome architecture requires less materials to build and results in an energy-efficient structure that requires 50% less energy to heat than traditional builds. Plus, the skylight provides copious natural light during the daytime. At night, guests can use the provided telescope to take in the starry sky. 

Oculis Lodge is located in the Cascade Mountains in northern Washington state. Already a vacation destination due to its orientation near Mt. Baker, the dome village provides a mountain escape vacation with a modern and pampering appeal. It’s surrounded by seven acres of untouched land, which is a stark difference from developed parking and other aspects of a hotel. 

Visitors can enjoy a private sauna and hot tub, as well as a heated outdoor space to do yoga or simply hang out. A little further from the comfort of the dome lies trails for any number of outdoor activities. 

The domes offer green design with eco-friendly construction methods. There is low material waste and minimal site impact. They rely on recycled concrete and reclaimed wood in the design. Additionally, Oculis Lodge is located two hours from Vancouver, B.C. and two and half hours from Seattle. 

This is not the first development by founder and designer Youri Benoiston, who previously launched a similar village in Costa Rica, called Igloo Beach Lodge. Oculis Lodge is not taking reservations yet, but the crowdfunding goal was wildly popular and abundantly funded so watch for arrival soon. 

+ Oculis Lodge

Images via Oculis Lodge 

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