Decorating & Design
November 15, 2022
The Healthy Home: 70 Eco-Friendly Products We Love
Every month in House & Home, we share our favorite products that are good for you and the planet in our regular column, The Healthy Home. Scroll down to see a complete list of these finds.
The Pebbles Collection
Inspired by nature, Caesarstone’s Pebbles collection is created with low-emitting materials and is part of the company’s move to reduce its carbon footprint, including using 34 per cent less water by 2025 and decreasing its waste by two per cent. But don’t just take the brand’s word for it: when the quartz collection launched in May, environmental groups LEED and GreenGuard independently verified the claims.
Stackabl Lighting Collection
Stacklab and Maison Gerard’s sustainable design brand, Stackabl, which turns waste into new pieces, has launched its debut lighting collection.
Designers such as Anthony Frank Keeler, Sarah Coleman and Wisse Trooster created pendants made from cast acrylic, leftover felted wool, and recycled PET and aluminum. Look for ready-made and customizable options.
Nook Modular Sofa
Frédéric Aubé, founder and CEO of Cozey, launched new direct- to-consumer modular sofa brand Nook earlier this year. The seating is similar to products from Cozey, except Nook pieces are produced in Canada and the quality is top-notch. “We worked with our manufacturer to pick the best materials, in terms of wood, foam and fabric,” says Frédéric.
A bonus of producing the customizable sofa locally is that it drastically reduces its carbon footprint. Nook has taken other steps to up the sustainability factor, too, including reducing packaging and offering a lifetime warranty. “There’s nothing more sustainable than keeping something forever,” says Frédéric. Modules can be used to make something as small as an ottoman or as large as a six-seat sofa.
Nook is now working with Canadian designers, architects and manufacturers to release other pieces for the living room, starting with Montreal companies Flavio Studio, for throw pillow sets, and Allstudio, for coffee tables and side tables. Flavio Studio’s new pillows for Nook will come in several “mood sets” and are all made with recycled materials.
More partnerships are on the way, and Frédéric (pictured) is looking beyond the living room, as long as it stays local. “We want partners that really fit our values of made in Canada, high-quality craftmanship and an ability to personalize the product.”
The Silestone Sunlit Days Collection
The new Silestone Sunlit Days collection is Cosentino’s first carbon-neutral quartz surface. It uses 100 per cent renewable energy during manufacturing and at least 20 per cent recycled raw materials. Cosentino has also partnered with Spanish organization Equilibrio Marino to help preserve the Mediterranean seabed, since the collection is inspired by the Med.
Rainstick Shower
The RainStick Shower system recycles water from one shower to use for your next (up to six times) by capturing, cleaning and circulating the water in real time. Along the way, it removes hair and debris while disinfecting and killing bacteria and viruses using UV-LED lights. The shower has twice the flow rate of a regular low-flow showerhead and saves 80 per cent more water and energy. The Kelowna, B.C., company has even won an innovation award at major tech event CES, and was featured at Toronto’s Interior Design Show, as well as in The Wall Street Journal and Forbes.
Lomi Composter
Kelowna, B.C., company Pela has launched its debut product, a countertop composter, after several years of research and development. Lomi breaks down food scraps and compostable packaging into a nutrient- dense fertilizer in as little as four hours. “In Canada, because it’s so cold six to eight months of the year, composting outdoors takes a long time,” says CEO Matt Bertulli. Pela is thinking big: it aims to sell enough composters to remove 10 billion pounds of waste from landfills each year.
The three-litre appliance uses electricity to generate and control humidity, heat and oxygen to speed Mother Nature’s process. Bonus: It’s no louder than an oven and looks sleek on your kitchen counter. “We think it’s as useful as a dishwasher,” says Matt.
Bio Wasty Caddy
Available in a variety of colors, this handy caddy is made from 100% recycled and antibacterial plastic. A removable lid makes clean up a breeze, while a hook on the back means you can easily hang it on cabinet doors and drawers while you’re cooking or cleaning.
Stainless Steel Compost Bin
This award winning compost bin is made from the highest grade recycled stainless steel and is dishwasher safe. The modern lid design means you can install is directly into your counters, or keep it on the surface.
Bamboozle Composting Pail
Convert your organic waste straight into your garden soil with this composting pail. The dishwasher-safe pail features a charcoal carbon filter in the lid which keeps odours at bay.
Recycled Glass Vases
Recycled glass is the new ‘it’ material for home brands. Did you know that, unlike plastic or wood, glass can be recycled without any loss in quality?
Recycled Glass Pendant
Only one-third of glass in North America is currently being recycled and, for companies that are looking to be more sustainable, this presents an opportunity. This pendant is made from recycled mouth-blown glass in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory.
Recycled Glass Woven Plate
Taiwan design company HMM partners with local craftspeople to make its glassware, including the new Woven plate. Malleable, renewable and full of creative possibilities, recycled glass is a clear winner.
Recycled Drinking Glasses
Perfect for summer cocktails or lemonade, these artisanal drinking glasses from Crate & Barrel are unique in shape and 100% recyclable.
Recycled Glass Candleholders
These classic candle pillars are stylish, ec0-friendly and made from earthy glass.
Natural Mast Humidifier
Made from Japanese hinoki cypress wood, Ohashi’s Natural Mast humidifier passively absorbs water from the hull and diffuses it into the air.
Air Purifier
By automatically sensing and capturing 99.97 per cent of pollutants, acting as a fan and cleaning the air quietly, the Dyson purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde does it all.
Programmable Humidifier
This programmable HoMedics TotalComfort Deluxe humidifier dispenses a cool mist to ease symptoms of the common cold, limit skin dryness and create a more hospitable environment for plants.
The Unscented Company
When Anie Rouleau, founder and CEO of The Unscented Company, launched her company in 2016, a driving force was her own sensitivity to scent. She quickly found out that scents can trigger asthma and allergies in everyone, not to mention disrupt the body’s hormones. Anie also discovered that companies don’t have to list fragrance ingredients on labels because they’re considered trade secrets. The company launched with dish soap, laundry detergent, hand soap and all-purpose cleaner, which are still its bestsellers.
Hand Lotion
Many retailers took convincing that unscented and eco-friendly products were even sellable, but now major chains such as Bulk Barn, Sobeys, Metro and Canadian Tire carry the products across Canada, in addition to local boutiques and health-food stores.
The Flax Linen Sheet Set
Ethically produced and designed in Toronto, this sheet set is made of 100% flax linen. They’re like sleeping on a gentle, stylish, organic cloud.
Handwoven Weighted Blanket
This hand knit weighted blanket provides the same benefits of a traditional weighted blanket without glass pellets.
The Sustainable Home by Ida Magntorn
This book is filled with great tips for living more thoughtfully, without sacrificing style. It covers topics such as reducing plastic consumption, buying multifunctional furniture and what plants are good for you. There’s also advice on choosing eco-friendly paints and energy-efficient lighting.
Acacia Wood Bed Frame & Side Table
This organic bed uses Japanese joinery, a method of carpentry that produces furniture without nails or screws, and is made of sustainably-sourced 100% acacia wood. Pair it with the matching nightstand for a streamlined look.
Bosch’s 500 Series Washer & Dryer
The hardest working room in the house is now more adaptable than ever, thanks to the latest wave of laundry essentials. Last year, the 500 Series from Bosch received Energy Star’s most efficient rating, operating on about 50 per cent less energy than conventional models. The pair can be placed side by side under a counter or tucked away in a cabinet.
Surrey Laundry Drying Rack
Favored by designers for its classic good looks, this drying rack can be raised to keep floor place clear, and is available in two lengths with four or six rails.
Swedish Sponge Cloths
Ten and Co. is a haven for eco-friendly household staples. Pictured is shop owner Christen Irwin with the Swedish sponge cloths that started it all. A single cloth can replace upwards to 30 rolls of paper towels.
“I wanted to make sustainable products really accessible, attractive and not overwhelming,” says Christen. Favorite finds include recycled blankets handwoven in Mexico by Indigenous artisans, biodegradable brushes from Germany, enamelware dishes are more.
Two-tone Cork Trivets
New Zealand design company Città’s two-tone cork trivets are water resistant, wipeable and bring a hit of texture to the table.
Cork Made Modern
The resilient combo of oak and cork in DAM’s Alice Cork dining chair and marble and cork in the Celeste Cork side table make these pieces from Portugal especially hardworking.
The Ombré Blue Glassware
Through a collaborative process, each piece of this collection is made in a family-owned workshop in Hidalgo, Mexico.
The Grey Otomi Sublime Framed Print
The symbolism and iconography in this textile design reflect time-honored traditions and beliefs of harmony with nature.
The Red Clay Decorative Pitcher
Red clay, or barro rojo, from the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico gives this piece its deep-red pigment.
The Strata Linea Tile Collection
Ten types of salvaged natural stone make up this stunning collection by Clé, including Carrara, Crema and travertine, that combine for a chic, patchwork look.
The Cosmos Lightning Tile
An answer to the love of geometric, black and white tiles in the design world, this tile is full of details, texture and contrasting color combos.
The Honeysuckle Tile
This PaperStone tile incorporated recycled paper, recycled melamine and non-petroleum-derived resins that are heat-pressed to form a durable, vividly patterned surface.
The City Bricks Tile Series
This collection by Walker Zanger remakes the classic subway tile, mixing heavily textured clay with one-third recycled content from manufacturing processes.
The Waste-Free Wrapping Paper
Reducing single-use paper has brought new attention to furoshiki, the Japanese tradition of wrapping gifts in reusable fabrics. Toronto-based Wrappr commissions original artwork for its vibrant silk, cotton and satin gift wraps.
The Muscle Salve Made From Organic Oils
Pá7pawtn Nettle and Arnica Sore Muscle Salve is formulated with organic olive oil, arnica oil, nettle oil, beeswax and peppermint essential oils, and comes in a brass-toned tin that slips nicely into a stocking (hint, hint).
The Vegan Pet Accessories
With its vegan leather and classic details, the Walker Black + Leash Small set takes dog walking in a stylish direction.
The Minimalist Incense Holder
This Flat Burner incense holder is made from recycled brass, lending a refined presence to your coffee table.
The Multipurpose Candle
These refillable candles feature soy wax and wooden wicks, and come in a handmade concrete vessel that’s designed for a long, multipurpose life. Pro tip: the repurposed vessel makes a great planter!
The Fossil-Fuelled Seed Resin Bowl
Resin from a byproduct of the oil industry form the basis of these catchall dishes available in various sizes.
The Second Life Vase
Large enough to accommodate long-stemmed branches, the rose-colored Babylon vase is made from 100% recycled coated glass.
The Family-Friendly and Planet-Friendly Building Blocks
The pieces of this classic tumbling tower game are handmade in Vancouver using discarded wood and bamboo chopsticks.
The Recycled Throw
From the Canadian-owned brand meshing luxe and sustainability, the Siempre blankets are made entirely from fabric scraps that have been shredded and rewoven into new, luxuriously soft yarn.
The Woven Wild Nettle Pillows
French brand Mille et Claire’s minimalist throw pillows are woven on traditional looms in India from organic cotton or wild nettle, a material touted as an earth-friendly fibre of the future. Embellished with contrasting threads in graphic patterns, the pillows are a timely blend of age-old craftsmanship and contemporary style. Toss them on sofas and beds for an instant update.
The Recycled Brass Towel Ring
Mi&Gei has a knack for turning everyday items into artisanal moments that take rooms up a notch. The studio’s unlacquered Libre Forme No. 13 towel ring resembles a slim bangle and is hand-cast from recycled brass, giving it an artfully sculpted appearance.
The Vegetable-Dyed Rug
When temperatures dip, layer bare floors with Dash & Albert’s durable Kuba Black Woven Jute rug. Jute grows quickly without the need for pesticides, fertilizer or lots of water, giving it an appeal that reaches beyond its good looks. In ivory and black, this chunky vegetable-dyed flatweave reads like polka dots for a look that’s both playful and sophisticated.
The Responsibly Harvested Wood Furniture
Vancouver furniture maker Jeff Martin uses responsibly harvested lumber to create his wood furniture. Additionally, 300 trees are planted for each piece sold. Pictured is a selection of furniture by Jeff including his Shaker desk and Tuning Fork bench. The art is by Rubeena Ratcliffe and the floor lamp is from Lambert & Fils.
The Cast-Off Vessels
Jeff Martin also elevates production methods to high art, repurposing the material remnants, moulds and casts used for his custom furniture to create new pieces like his vibrant glassware collection, Excavated Vessels. “We recycle as much cast-off material as possible in order to extract the most use and beauty from it,” he says.
The Healthy Hand Sanitizer
Toronto company Dom launched with a product now in everyone’s purse or pocket: hand sanitizer spray. Made locally in two scents, Lavender and Rosemary, this product sets itself apart by being vegan and free of gluten, silicon, phthalate, paraben and sulphate. It’s also never been tested on animals, and the minimalist bottle design is made using post consumer recycled materials.
The Bee-Free Candles
Handmade in Ishikawa, Japan, using a century-old technique, Obakki’s Sumac candles are made from wax derived from Haze trees. Available in smooth or totem shapes that recall turned-wood spindles, their hollow wicks cast a long, bright glow.
The Vegan Design Brand
“Our wood stains, finishes and glues — which we apply by hand — are non-toxic and vegan, and we work with FSC-certified wood,” says Chelsea and James Minola of design studio Grain. Recently, the couple went a step further and is now offering vegan options for all of their designs. Grain’s shapely rugs can be created with fade-resistant Sunbrella yarn made from 50 per cent recycled content or 100 per cent undyed Canadian wool from Saint-Éphrem-de-Beauce, Quebec. Likewise, its pillow inserts can be made from recycled PET bottles or standard feather and down fill. “There’s been a shift in how we live — I feel that conversation happening around me,” says Chelsea, who notes that Grain is in the process of becoming a Certified B Corporation. “We’re spreading awareness about the things we’re doing and why, and we hope it expands. We’re tiny, so our impact is nothing unless we do it collectively. There’s still so much to learn and improve upon.”
The Upcycled Denim Rug
The Upcycled Denim collection from Oliver Yaphe turns the textile industry’s leftover cotton into rugs and runners that fit into homes like a perfectly worn-in pair of jeans. Canadian designer Katherine Yaphe teamed up with The New Denim Project, a family-run sustainable textile lab in Guatemala, to source the salvaged yarn. It’s then woven into Katherine’s five designs by local weavers, who are able to earn a living from this traditional craft.
The Plant-Based Watch
Made from a mix of ceramic and plastic derived from the seeds of the castor oil plant, C-collection watches from Swatch mark the company’s boldest exploration of plant-based materials. The design eschews the brand’s familiar colors and patterns in favor of a dramatically outsized scale that highlights the ultramatte, almost powdery finish. Available in Black, White, Grey and timely pastel shades, Blue and Pink.
The Ethical Bicycle Basket
Kit out your uk ebike with a bicycle basket that’s sturdy enough to carry picnic and beach essentials. Adjustable leather straps and brass buckles secure the basket in place. Each basket is handwoven from vetiver grass in Ghana by artisans working with The Baba Tree Basket Company, an ethical business organization founded by Canadian Gregory MacCarthy.
The Biodegradable Cooler
Toronto-based Greenlid is reducing throwaway designs one mindful home product at a time. Its compact EcoCooler is a planet-friendly alternative to Styrofoam versions or plastic cooler bags. Made from 100 per cent end-of-life recyclable and biodegradable cardboard, it’s leak-proof and holds up to 30 cans and a 10-pound bag of ice. Lightweight and strong, it’s designed with a lid and built-in handle for easy transport.
The Rug Made From Recycle Plastic Bottles
Plastic bottles enjoy a second life as Article’s new Arroyo rug. Its graphic pattern of stripes and checks is handmade with polyester woven from recycled PET — polyethylene terephthalate, the same plastic used for drink bottles — making the rug suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Bring patios on trend with the Sonora Clay or Fulford Green colorways (shown), or stay neutral with Light Grey.
The Waste-Free Cookbook
Developed with chefs across the country including Trevor Bird, Andrea Carlson and Adrian Forte, The ScrapsBook, a free e-book cookbook from Ikea, will have you turning ingredients bound for the compost bin into flavorful, inventive fare. You’ll learn how to turn rotisserie chicken castoffs into an aromatic broth for ramen and transform nutrient-rich banana peels into a perfectly moist chocolate layer cake (above). Beyond the recipes, there are also practical ideas for putting food scraps to work around the house and garden.
The Upcycled Planters
Fresh flowers are the finishing touch for upcycling rubber tires into handsome made-in-Canada planters. The durable designs by Tierra Verde can withstand typical weather conditions and are a deep black shade that won’t fade in the sun. Plus, an interior water reservoir and bottom drainage hole ensure that even the most delicate annuals can flourish.
The Recycled Aluminum Stool
American heritage brand Emeco, famous for its iconic 1006 Navy chair, partnered up with Tokyo-based Naoto Fukasawa to create Za, a new family of stools in small, counter and bar heights that can be used indoors and out. The design matches the original Navy chair for simplicity and usefulness, but its smooth, circular shape gives it a cheerful character. Choose a natural brushed or hand-polished aluminum finish, or six powder-coat colors. Made from recycled aluminum with a minimum carbon footprint, the strong yet light Za stool (which means “a place to sit” in Japanese) is the antithesis of disposable design. “Design should not always create a strong impression. Sometimes, we just need pieces that are friendly for life,” says Naoto, who has worked with blue chip brands such as Herman Miller and B&B Italia.
The Air Purifier
Breathe easier with the turn of a dial on Ikea’s new Förnuftig air purifier. Three settings, including a whisper-quiet sleep mode, target pollutants in rooms up to 107 square feet. At all levels, a Hepa 12 filter cleans away irritating particles such as pollen and dust, while a carbon filter removes harmful gases like formaldehyde that can slowly release from plastics and furniture. The compact design can be hung on the wall or perched on a floor stand.
The Bamboo Tissues
Boxes in shades of Linen, Marine, Goldenrod and Blush hold 90 three-ply facial tissues made from unbleached FSC-certified bamboo, a fast-growing plant that doesn’t require fertilizers or pesticides.
The Nontoxic Cleaner
Each dissolvable tablet combines with water to produce 500 mL of natural, vegan, all-purpose cleaner in four fragrances — Lemon & Mint, Grapefruit & Mango, Black Spruce or Unscented. The compact, lightweight packets are compostable.
The Zero-Waste Toothbrush
The aluminum handle is designed to lay flat on the counter and comes with three replaceable brush heads (fitted with soft, plaque-busting bristles) that can be returned to be fully recycled.
courtesy of Bosch (feature image)