T H E     L I T T L E    T H I N G S

Text: Hina Nitesh

‘It’s the little things that citizens do. That's what will make a difference.

My little thing is planting trees’

Wangari Maathai, Kenyan environmentalist.

 

Handcrafted bamboo furniture

We all need to do our little bit to make a difference. Bengaluru based Bamboopecker is one of those who are doing more than just a little. Established in 2009, the firm has been exploring possibilities of using natural materials like bamboo, cane, mud, coconut etc. to replace the non environmentally friendly materials.     

Coconut shell bowl

In the process of making products with these materials, Bamboopecker is also reviving the traditional craftsmanship skills. The products themselves are designed in a trendy and contemporary way making them desirable.

An amplifier in bamboo with unique artwork

The Bamboopecker store in Bengaluru is one of its kind that has a whole range of sustainable products under one roof.  

Images Copyright: Bamboopecker

Text and creative layout copyrights: On the Design Boat

(HTTP://onthedesignboat.wixsite.com/otdb)

                                       

                                     BAOBAB IN THE HOUSE 

                                                                             

                                                                                                Hina Nitesh

The African landscape is incomplete without the iconic Baobab tree. The pod-like fruit of these trees is the starting point in the story of Seedling Design. The firm, founded by Fabiana and Roberto who have a background in Architecture and Urbanism,  is driven by concepts of sustainability and eco-friendly alternatives. 

Dried Baobab Pod becomes a lamp with minimal additions.

The enterprise combines modern technology and traditional wisdom to create unique lamps and homeware. The technological intervention is minimal and focus is on creating a unique handcrafted product.

Each product is unique because each pod is unique.

When nature inspires, each piece is unique with its own identity. The surface decor of tiny holes is created manually and is a result of the intended function of the product. 

Simplicity in design of the snack bowl.

The products from Seedling Designs are rustic but exude a certain charm. They are like a breath of fresh air in the world full of mass-produced, single-sue products that are as far from nature as can be.

Storage jars in nature

Images: Copyright: Seedling Designs

Text & creative layout copyrights: On the Design Boat

(http://onthedesignboat.wixsite.com/otdb)

M E A N I N G F U L   D E S I G N

Text: Hina Nitesh

Water Hyacinth – the name brings to mind the floating plant which is rather notorious for killing the aquatic eco-system. Many articles have been written about how the spread of this plant if not checked will choke water bodies. While some people write and research about how to control this weed, there is an organisation that is involved with using it in a positive way.

Aqua Weaves, the brain child of North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited (NEFDl) is the brand name under which these eco friendly products are marketed. NEFDl saw an opportunity to replace bamboo, cane and jute with water hyacinth which is available free of cost and is a nuisance in any case. 

They trained rural artisans to work with the dried weed to create beautiful and practical accessories. The techniques and skills required for working with this material are the same as those used with cane and bamboo. So, in that sense the artisans could easily adapt themselves to water hyacinth. NEFDl has successfully trained anyone who wanted to learn the skills. Design inputs from NID have worked in the favour of the artisans and the interaction has resulted in better process and increased productivity as well as value added designs.

This entire process goes in the favour of nature. By using water hyacinth, the artisans give a new lease of life to the water bodies which were earlier getting choked by the weed. Using the weed in the craft form has changed the lives of many people in the north east. The weed regrows in 12 days so there will never be any dearth of the raw material.

The fact is that many of the artisans who were earlier living in poverty have started their own enterprises and are prospering. This is especially true of the women since a large percentage of women are involved in this work. This surely is yet another instance of design making a difference in the lives of the local.

For more products and details on the products above go to Aqua Weaves. 

All images: aquaweaves.com

Text & creative layout copyrights: Onthedesignboat   

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