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I was listening to NPR when I heard about Warby Parker co-founder Jeffrey Raider launching his second startup, called Harry’s. Since Warby Parker has been a model of doing good and being socially responsible, I was eager to hear more about Harry’s. During the interview, Mr. Raider spoke about paying over $20 for a small pack of razors and questioned why an everyday product should cost so much. From there, Harry’s was born. The company designs, manufactures and distributes its products itself, essentially creating its own unique supply chain. By doing this, the company is able to offer a higher-quality product at a lower price. |
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An innovative business that converts waste heat into electricity—and integrates environment, people, economy and culture from The Living Principles for Design framework—is BioLite. BioLite, headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, was founded by Jonathan Cedar and Alex Drummond and has received numerous awards for their innovative CampStove. What’s so great about it? Well, it turns heat from fire into electric energy and can charge cellphones and LED lights. I am surprised no one had thought of this sooner, but it’s pure genius. |
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An exciting project that I think seamlessly embodies The Living Principles for Design four streams of sustainability—environment, people, economy and culture—is WHOLE WORLD Water. WHOLE WORLD Water is a revolutionary new social enterprise launched by former (RED) CEO Jenifer Willig and kontentreal production company founder Karena Albers, with an advisory board that includes Richard Branson and other visionaries. The campaign unites the hospitality and tourism industries in combating the global water crisis by encouraging these industries to filter, bottle and sell their own water and contribute 10 percent of proceeds to the WHOLE WORLD Water Fund. The proceeds go directly to provide universal access to clean drinking water and basic sanitation to one billion people within a decade. |
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Low-tech alternative to air conditioning. No hinges, no permanent installation, no Historic Preservation (or landlord) approvals. |
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This piece of work is from 2007, but one reason it’s not better known is that you have to travel to Cologne to see it properly. It’s worth the trip. |
