Kickstarting sustainable projects
With the project Shapeshift that kicks off today, funding platform Kickstarter calls for projects made from recycled materials, transforming “trash” into original product design.
Since its launch in 2009, 17 million people have successfully funded over 170,000 projects, ranging from films, games, and music to art, design, and technology. With Shapeshift, Kickstarter calls for projects that focus on one core aspect of Circular Design.
“Shapeshift is an open call for projects made from recycled plastics, papers, textiles, ceramics, coffee grounds, fishing nets, air pollution, and more,” the website states. “Explore how creators are inventively turning old materials into entirely new design.”
The aim of the project is to inspire and engage creators in building projects that positively impact the environment.
Shapeshift kicks off today and runs throughout October. Currently, 4 projects have been announced on the website, but more are underway.
One of the projects is Granbyware, dinnerware made of 100 per cent recycled materials. Using crushed glass, old tiles, factory sludge and other waste destined for the landfill, Granby Workshop creates what they say is the world’s first recycled ceramic tableware. The materials are sourced as locally as possible. Ranging from plates to bowls to mugs, all items are food, dishwasher and microwave safe.
For the second time, Swedish watch and accessory brand Triwa partnered up with non-profit organisation IM, Swedish Development partner to make watches from Humanium Metal. Humanium Metal is made by IM, by melting down illegal firearms. You can read more about the first project here. With the 2.0 collection, however, Triwa says “we’re elevating our designs to a new level of subtlety and sophistication. Every watch comes with a certificate of authenticity, an exclusively made box, and elements of artisan craftsmanship that we firmly believe are second-to-none.”
Tito Jankowski, (co-)founder of Impossible Labs, Negative and AirMiners, the world’s largest community of carbon sequestration professionals, will be offering a bracelet made from captured atmospheric carbon. The bracelet is made of beads that combine natural clay with captured carbon. For AirMiners, Jankowski created a planter made with carbon.
Older sustainable Kickstarter projects are the Cora Ball, which captures microplastic in the washing machine, Ochris sunglasses made of used coffee grounds, Happy Genie’s bags made of apple leather, and Air-Ink, made of pollution from the air. For all Kickstarter projects we covered, click here.
For an overview of all Shapeshift projects, click here.
Photos: Granby Workshop / Triwa x Humanium Metal / Negative