Living more consciously starts with a positive intention.

An intention to be the change you want to see in the world. Sustainable Design might sound complicated, but it’s all about making positive choices. It starts with little gestures that make you aware of how you consume and follows with a determination to change harmful habits. It’s all about finding a better balance in life itself.

Starting with a positive mindset will make you feel more determined. The actions you choose today create the option to meet a cleaner planet tomorrow. It’s time to embrace your environment for a better outcome and strive for change — it’s the first choice and the easiest effort. 

When it comes to home goods, we like to create a sustainable design lifecycle. By finding a better balance between vintage products, sustainability and design. Look for products that wear transparency on their sleeve. Like the vegan and all-natural candles by Mint Pantari. They have been designed in close collaboration with master perfumers, using materials that are non-toxic and biodegradable. 

But also make sure to invest in a solid, timeless interior. Vintage goods that are built to last will only grow in value, adding charm to your interior. Investing time and patience to source an iconic vintage piece will feel far more gratifying than hastily buying a mass-produced copy.

But you don’t have to go all-in on the first try. There are many brands and creatives out there that are betting for more holistic production cycles. Selecting smaller artisans and supporting local production is a philosophy that benefits you and the planet. Taking time to really discover a product will slow you down. Make you want to get to know it better and understand it a little more. Slowing down is not just an exercise in patience, it’s a positive approach to living more mindfully.

Take Mette Duedahl’s ceramics, for example. Clay can’t be rushed. The process of throwing at the wheel and firing the kiln require time, patience and a deep connection to the material itself. Small variations are normal and are there to be celebrated. There is nothing more beautiful than finding a sustainable balance between a natural material and design. Her ceramics are guided by the values of function, lightness and usability. This creates items that merge the natural aspects of clay with daily functionality. From cups and plates to butter boxes and coffee jars.

The idea that nature and design are two parts of the same story has been explored in many ways. Organic architecture was a design philosophy  first coined by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and his iconic ‘Fallingwater’ residence has become the symbol of an international movement. Broaden your horizon on this subject and discover many more uplifting design philosophies. Taschen has beautiful books about groundbreaking art and design that will help you challenge your own daily life. All their publications are completely carbon neutral too

In our pledge to remain as eco-conscious as possible, we like to take an example from a small country perched high atop the himalayas: Bhutan. A country that proudly states “Gross national happiness is more important than gross national product.”. Their simple promise to remain happy meant economic growth would not undermine their unique culture or environment. Its forest coverage and clean energy production ensure that, in a world threatened by climate change, Bhutan is carbon negative. Every step they take towards the future is taken with the environment in mind. 

Remember: if a whole nation can set their mind to reduce their carbon footprint, you can too. Start with a positive intention. Learn to cherish your living space and take it from there. Small gestures will get you on the way. Thinking about design and its whole life cycle will make you feel more deeply connected to your home and to the planet. Good things will follow.