Modular Home Recycling

Recycling plays an important role in achieving sustainability. It conserves natural resources, energy, and landfill space.  And in contrast with standard recycling bins, having something a little more convenient and intrinsic to use, makes the process of recycling more attractive. Thomas Deckert, a student in San Francisco, developed a very useful device for a wide range of kitchen environments. In a product design class, he designed a container system which utilizes space for general recyclables and compostables, including food waste. Constructed with reclaimed plastics and spare parts from around the house, the Household Recycling System provides a bin for plastics, separate bagged spaces for toxic waste, and a compartment for decomposable waste. In the end, Deckert’s goal was to provide something that common households could use in one compact unit.

Richlite, A Great Eco Material From Hemp and Certified Pulp

Richlite Company has allowed itself to become very versatile with the products they offer, and maintain a range of markets, from industrial and culinary, to recreational.  The company was established in 1943 and is based in Tacoma, Washington.  They first produced sustainable composites for aerospace and industrial markets in the 1950s.  The Boeing Company adapted Richlite’s material for tooling purposes, as did the marine industry for boat building materials.  In fact, Boston Whaler uses the same building material for their boats today.  In the 1960s, commercial kitchens began using cutting boards and baking surfaces from Richlite, which offer sanitary and low maintenance qualities that others do not.  Today, Pizza Hut utilizes Richlite’s services for their facilities.

In the 1990s, Richlite ventured out into the skateboarding realm with their product called Skatelite, a ramp surface that uses the same material as the boating and kitchen material - top skate parks and professional BMX riders and skateboarders use it.  The materials used to make Richlite’s products are sustainable., consisting of pulp that comes from certified managed forests in North America.  The company is the first to offer hemp-based countertops.  As well as offering sustainable products, Richlite also donates supplies to Habitat for Humanity, and any paper that is left over from manufacturing is given to school districts in the State of Washington.

Richlite