Our blog is mostly about sustainable design in the interiors industry,
especially carpet. Sometimes it's just about us. Updated when we've got something good to say.
In 2002 the carpet industry agreed to reduce carpet landfill waste and made a plan to git-r-done by creating the Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE). In 2006 the industry diverted 261 million tons of carpet and though it's an overwhelming number, it's still about 250% less than their initial goal. Their recent Independent Assessment by Zero Waste Alliance states:
Overwhelmingly, the number one key barrier to increasing diversion rates is the lack of diverse end markets. The other primary barriers are lack of sufficient education and outreach, and the economics and infrastructure of collection.
They also note that "for every 1,000 tons of carpet collected for recycling, about two jobs are created locally." As elementary as it sounds, there's really not a good way of retrieving carpet yet. Even though landfills charge demo teams to throw scrap or used carpet away it has not created a vibrant cottage industry like paper or aluminum. That's unfortunate since carpet recycling is rated by the EPA as only second to aluminum recycling in net avoided greenhouse gases (GHG).
The assessment contains more interesting information and CARE wants your comment on the report
and their progress.
Visit their site to download the PDF and then comment
here.
In March, I traveled to New Orleans for Interiors08, the national ASID conference on design. Attendees celebrated some of the best ideas in design, learned from each other and discussed some of the newest trends in the industry. One event of particular note was the keynote speaker, Jean-Michel Cousteau, who opened the conference.
Not simply because it was sponsored by Tricycle, the keynote was memorable for the beautiful film imagery and the impassioned argument presented by Cousteau for protecting our oceans and waterways and his optimism that much of the damage can yet be undone. An explorer, environmentalist, educator and film producer for the last four decades, Jean-Michel’s presentation was a moving and thought-provoking examination of how small decisions in each person’s home and workplace carry far-reaching effects for our world’s environment.
While making the case for sustaining our ocean habitats, Jean-Michel explained how well intentioned regulation isn’t enough. As fish populations dwindle, “out of desperation, people are harvesting… capturing everything they can find, sustainability isn’t part of the conversation. Education can only happen when one is fed.” The message and the visuals resonated through the duration of the conference.
We were treated to segments of a new IMAX film titled Dolphins and Whales 3D which has already opened in some IMAX theaters and will see wider release through fall. On May 22, Jean-Michel will be in Chattanooga, Tennessee for the opening showing of this movie. After the movie, I’ll be fed, and certainly educated, at a lecture given by Jean-Michel followed by a reception. It will be a unique opportunity to meet someone who has dedicated his life to the idea that change begins with individuals.
Sustainability really floats our boat; and to prove it, last weekend we put together a team of Tricycle employees, their significant others and fans of sustainable design. The event was the Chattanooga Dragon Boat Festival, benefiting the TC Thompson Children's Hospital here in Chattanooga.
Fearlessly defying a weather forecast calling for showers, we competed with 44 other teams on what turned out to be a stunningly beautiful Saturday. Each 21 person team paddled a 40 foot long canoe in timed races, all vying for a chance to compete in the final, championship race.
Music and cultural events rounded out the day, but the fierce competition was never far from mind. Though we dreamed of dragon boating glory, at the end of the races our average time placed us just slightly ahead of the middle of the field. We're already working on our strategy for next year.
Here's a gallery of pictures from the festival, and a link to the local news channel's interview of Tricycle's own panicky, paddling pirate.
Mr. Barriger, my 10th grade chemistry teacher, introduced me to Earth Day in 1988. It was an eco-freako concept where I came from, but so was our ecology club. It was a fun group that monitored the water quality of the Doe River, from testing to clean-up. Once we even stopped construction on a new highway to prevent the dumping of acidic soil near the river because it was adversely affecting the pH level. No wonder everyone thought we were troublesome! I'd like to believe that now the community sees it differently — that we were able to preserve the wildlife habitat for native fish and keep a beautiful water source accessible.
Today we're celebrating Earth Day in Chattanooga by joining other companies on Main Street to educate our community about local and corporate ways to live a greener life. I don't know whether it's geography, or the passing of time, but Earth Day is being embraced wholly in our city. Sujeel, aka Dr. Tryk, has set up a small table, complete with mints, so if you're downtown, please stop by. And don't miss Green Drinks later tonight at 6.
Now THIS is Ample Sample! Check out the portfolio of Levi van Veluw. He has created some beautiful portraits and we must point out the creative use of carpet....
Last time the world faced an oil crisis (the 70's), the U.S. Department of Energy launched a program to analyze the potential algae had as a renewable fuel… it still does. Please, someone find an alternative to corn and soy quickly.
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Emily Eckardt"
Date: April 14, 2008 11:05:39 AM EDT
To: "Michael Hendrix"
Subject: Human Footprint/Interior Designer's Footprint
Watched this last night and was so intrigued by it. Click on the “Human Footprint” text and you’ll see a calculator that calculates how many eggs, newspapers, loafs of bread…etc..you’ll consume in a lifetime. Seemed a little like déjà vu.
I.E. Water used in a lifetime of showers per NatGeo “The U.S. avg equals 25 gallons of water per shower, over 700,000 in a lifetime.” ///+ Water used in a lifetime of samples: If the average interior designer orders 250 samples a year and works for 40 years, that’s an additional 22,500 gallons of water in a lifetime.
Just think it’s interesting to see specials on tv that apply to our mission as well…
Emily
T R I C Y C L E
A unique example of repurposing materials. This wikiHow article caught my eye this morning. Many junked cars are "parted out" to people that are working to restore a car to its original (or at least drivable) state and your local junkyard is a great place to start.
Despite my many complaints about it, I have an extra car at home that would be perfect for this project, though I hope we can get rid of it in its entirety before we need to get creative.
