Ahead of Earth Day, InspireDesign tapped into the minds of the makers of sustainable products to learn why it’s important to keep it green. Here’s a look at products that deliver the perfect dose of design and eco-conscious flair.
LES JARDINS SOLAR LIGHTING
“Conscious living is the crux of our mission,” said Frederic Raffenne, CEO of Les Jardins USA. “We believe that environmental responsibility should be the foundation of excellent product design and cutting-edge technology. From recyclable solar modules to community-based partnerships, Les Jardins Solar Lighting is guided by an ethos that serves the planet just as much as it serves the people who live on it.”
Blade
Modern sensibility meets ultramodern technology with the solar-powered Blade (pictured above). Like its name implies, the Blade lantern is as edgy as it is beautiful. Made of a stunning mix of teak and steel, this contemporary light source has substantial blades that weather the elements brilliantly. At home both indoors and out, it blends clean lines and solid construction with soft, durable light. The Blade is available in three sizes and adds easy modern style to any space. The true definition of urban chic, it makes for a sleek fixture in any landscape design.
Not only is it interchangeable across the entire Les Jardins line, the module produces 500 lumens of LED light and up to 200 hours of life per charge. With dimming capabilities and motion sensors, a lantern from the Les Jardins collection is far more than just attractive outdoor lighting. It is a deliberate choice to bring luxury within reach and embrace cutting-edge solar technology at the same time.
NEWPORT BRASS
“We incorporate the fundamentals of sustainability into the manufacturing process of all of our products. All brass scraps and shavings are recycled, and waste water is treated onsite in order to be reused,” said David Emmons, marketing director for Brasstech Inc., parent company of Newport Brass and Ginger.
Dorrance
The newest addition to Newport Brass’ bath line, Dorrance is clean and edgy, and interprets the fundamentals of modern design by combining a balanced blend of artistry and made- in-California craftsmanship. Offered with lever or refined cross handles, the widespread faucet remains current and customizable. The collection includes a full line of matching bath accessories comprised of tub fillers, shower and bidet sets, as well as a wall-mounted faucet variation.
The widespread faucet not only meets WaterSense requirements but surpasses them at 1.2 gpm, according to the company. Dorrance also meets the water-saving standards established by the California Energy Commission and CALGreen.
Kirsi
Newport Brass’ Kirsi collection serves as a study in strong edges and precise, clean lines, featuring prominent angled handles that perfectly complement its matching spout. The Kirsi series includes lavatory faucets, tub and shower sets, Roman tub fillers, and matching bath accessories.
It is constructed out of solid brass for maximum durability, available in 27 finishes to choose from including PVD options, surpasses WaterSense requirements at 1.2 gpm.
BUSTER + PUNCH
“It was important to us to create an efficient, eco-friendly LED bulb that could be a direct replacement for a standard screw-thread incandescent bulb while also boasting a great design that people can get excited about,” said Massimo Minale, founder of Buster + Punch. “Our Buster Bulb/Tube raises the bar in lighting technology, producing just 1/20th of the energy of a conventional incandescent bulb (and last seven times longer), while performing incredible functions like a focused spotlight and creating a warm, ambient glow that is hard to find in LED bulbs on the market.”
LED Buster Bulb
Buster + Punch’s LED Buster Bulb is an eco-friendly LED alternative to traditional filament bulbs and the first to implement novel changes in design. With an E26 base, the LED Buster Bulb can also be used as a direct replacement for standard screw-thread incandescent bulbs.
The bulbs consume just 1/20th of the energy of a conventional incandescent bulb while lasting over seven times longer, according to the company. Meanwhile, the resin light pipe at the center of the bulb is where all the magic happens, allowing the bulb to perform two functions: a focused spotlight to illuminate surfaces below and a warm ambient glow to light faces and spaces around it.
Tube
Buster + Punch’s Tube LED bulb is formulated after their LED Buster Bulb. Tube features a signature resin light pipe set in a polycarbonate shell. Using just 1/50th of the energy of a conventional light bulb, this soft light is built to last for more than 27 years, based on three hours of use per day. Tube is fully dimmable and available in a crystal resin finish. The extended resin light pipe at the center of the bulb creates a subtle ambient glow, while also throwing a functional spotlight onto tables and surfaces below. Designed as a sculptural centerpiece that creates a warm atmosphere, this bulb works well hung over tables, bars and bedsides.
HASTINGS TILE & BATH
“For more than 50 years, Vola products have stood for a rich, iconic design history, precision craftsmanship and ahead-of-its-time sustainability,” said Bob Gifford, director of business Development, Hastings Tile & Bath. “Since 1968, recycling has been a part of the culture for Vola. And today, during the production process, 100% of all the stainless steel and brass used to make Vola products is recycled. As the exclusive U.S. importer of Vola products, Hastings Tile & Bath shares that same commitment to the environment, and we are proud to bring such remarkable products to the U.S. market.”
Vola
Recycling is a part of the culture for Vola and is ingrained in the DNA of Hastings Tile & Bath. Made in Denmark, Vola produces high-quality products with precise craftsmanship and attention to detail. The brand uses only the finest brass and stainless steel during the production process and 100% of all the stainless steel and brass used to make Vola products is recycled.
The company boasts that the material used to make its products has a high percentage of recycled content and Vola has a strict philosophy to reuse as much as it can when manufacturing its premium products. By using minimal resources, the carbon footprint is reduced without creating environmental harm. Additionally, Vola faucets have low flow aerators that conserve water without sacrificing performance.
