Our Favorite Things Volume 10

by Maggie Flickinger

Another great find from Laura, our Interiors maven: Artist Melina Raissnia designs these wonderfully tactile felted wool rugs.  They’re crafted in Turkey by her company, Peace Industry, using a revived centuries old tradition.  Primitive and naturalistic motifs find their home in fields of naturally dyed fibers – and for those of us sensitive to offgassing, no need for a backer means no toxic adhesives or petrochemicals.

Pepsi Co unveiled their new bottle, made of 100% plant waste material.  While rival Coke boats 30% plant material, Pepsi’s R&D “unlocked the secret” behind a petrochemical free bottle.  Arguments about the sustainability of the bottle’s contents aside, I’m excited about the potential Pepsi recognized in using waste and agricultural by-products such as orange & potato peels, rather than using virgin plant material otherwise destined for food – a la corn-based packaging.

Summer time living made easy with CB2′s Sawyer chair.  A modern spin on the iconic Adirondack, a few of these – paired with the fun and crazy inexpensive Twist Side Tables for a splash of color! – would look at right at home on a designer deck, making your patio the envy of the Jones’.  Easy to accessorize, they’re destined to become a classic new shape.  Better yet, the material is solid FSC-certified eucalyptus in a warm natural grey finish.

The “last mile” is the crux of the commuter problem: many people are just outside of walking range once they disembark their bus/train.  The government in DC is paying more than lip service to the problem with their new BikeStation, directly adjacent to Union Station.  The architectural gem houses 150 commuter bikes, washrooms, and even a repair station in 1700 square feet.  Operating since October, it’s served thousands of commuters.  Here’s to hoping the Federal Highway Administration (a considerable funder) deems the project replicable – daring architectural expression included.