Green Thing Blog

(Image: Ryan Frank)

Ryan Frank and his collection are perfectly encompassed in his website's tagline - 'free range furniture for sustainable living'.  Since he started his company in 2005, Ryan has kept sustainability close to his heart. The joy that is upcycling is core to Ryan's philosophy and he wants to eliminate the use of virgin materials.

(Image: Ryan Frank)

By upcycling reclaimed and salvaged material Ryan's collection has wonderful character. His philosophy is clearly evident in his collection. The Strata range is made from reclaimed office furniture, the Inja chair is upholstered from fabric off-cuts from the fashion industry and the Inkuku chair is made entirely out of old plastic bags! The materials he incorporates into his design process have the environment in mind and include felt, bamboo, hemp and bio/resin. Of course reclaimed materials such as timber, steel, plastic and fabric are key to his pieces too.

(Image: RyanFrank)

Ryan's innovation is easy to see in his TAPE Cork accessory range for iPods, kindles etc and is made from renewable, recyclable material harvested from cork oak trees, helping to preserve these valuable plantations.

(Image: Ryan Frank)

These clothes hangers are made from recycled British newspaper 'Zilka'. Not only are these a stylish alternative to traditional wooden hangers but they are also biodegradable.

We just love all of Ryan's fantastic upcycled, renewable and just down right stylish designs and we can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

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(Image: Reeveco)

There are some mornings when, try as we might, that 30 second shower just eludes us. We put on the Short Sharp Showercast but it's all over before the soap suds are rinsed off. (Yes, these days are usually a Monday) If you struggle with cutting down your shower to a fast and effective splash, then the good folks at Reveeco have come up with a super new shower design that is just perfect for you.

The EcoVéa recycles water as you shower to help with your water conservation. This intelligent shower continuously analyses whether water is dirty and should be discarded or whether water is clean and can be resused. Dirty water is drained away and if the water is deemed reusable it is treated through a filter and antibacterial treatment and sent back to the shower head. Amazing!

New shower a bit out of your budget? Try the Waterpebble to help cut down your washing time. Or if you live with a serious water waster, try this water warfare game to compete them into saving water.

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We've seen some pretty incredible things in our time and we know how amazing wood can be but even we had to admit, we never thought we'd see a slice of tree being played as a record. As unbelievable as it seems, this record player has been hacked to play a slice of wood. And it actually sounds like music! Watch the fantastic video here.

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(Image: red-dot)

Keep forgetting to Plug out? Well prepare to be kicked out. PumPing Tap is a very clever socket that has been fitted with a spring to eject appliances once they have been turned off but left plugged in. In just 10 minutes your device will be 'popped' from the wall eliminating vampire energy sucking. Wonderful. Although it is a concept design this is a novel and great way to plug out.

Plugs that turn themselves off seems to becoming a welcomed trend. Read up on this Good timer and this vampire energy sucking saving plug.

(Spotted on Inhabitat)

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(Images: Country Living Magazine, Unconsumption)

There are a lot of good ideas out there for making cool chairs from recycled materials but what about how to upcycle your old chairs? This crafty collection of ideas for your chairs will have you the All Consuming talk of the town.  

1.The Shelf. Stick or hang it from the wall and you're done!

(Images: Husohem)

2. The Swing. This involves a bit more work but essentially get some rope and a branch to hang it from and you can swing to your heart's content.

(Image: thestir)

3. The Planter. Take the seat bit out of your old dining chair and plant some greenery in them for an unique garden look.

(Image: Antonello Fusè)

4. The Hanger. Saw the tops off your old chairs, screw in a hook and volia - you're the coolest hipster on the block.

(Image: thronesandchairs)

5. The Bench. Have more than one chair just begging to be rejuvenated? Put a few together for a beautiful new bench. Here is the before picture to help inspire you!

(Image: thronesandchairs)

(Image: bhg)

6. The Ladder Back. Instead of using the seat of your chair as a bench, use the back, turned upside down for a useful towel rack with space for a few bits and bobs. Perfect in the bathroom or the kitchen (think teatowels and herbs).

The next time you see an old chair and aren't too impressed, we're sure you'll see all its amazing potential!

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