Here at Inhabitat, we can’t stress enough the fact that materials alone do not make something sustainable. In fact, we consider many products made of typically non-eco-friendly materials like plastic extremely sustainable if they have the ability to solve life-threatening problems, empower communities and improve the lives of people around the globe. That being said, we are thrilled to announce the launch of a book showcasing 100 of the most innovative, beyond-green products you need to know about by someone who has definitely taught us a thing or two about world-changing design – our very own Emily Pilloton. If you are part of the cognoscenti who know that products are so much more than just “things you buy,” we strongly urge you to check out Design Revolution: 100 Products That Empower People to not only reinforce what you already know, but to learn about totally fresh ways that simple objects are making big ripples.
Design Revolution isn’t just one of those books written by someone who writes, but does not do. As the founder of
Project H Design, a non-profit that supports, inspires and delivers radical
humanitarian product design, Emily has herself brainstormed, invented and implemented systems that allow people to make a positive change in their lives. From low-cost prosthetics for landmine victims to Braille-based Lego-style building blocks for blind children, Design Revolution breaks down and explains real-life example for designers who want to make change instead of just stuff.
What people are saying about Design Revolution:
“Great designers show us how to solve problems in elegant, brilliant ways. Great advocates show us what problems are really worth solving. Emily Pilloton has combined the two by assembling the best collection yet of great design solutions to the planet’s most pressing problems. You can’t read this book and not be inspired.”
– Alex Steffen, editor, Worldchanging.com
“Seeing all of this product-design innovation in one place is a thrilling experience– Design Revolution opens the doors and shows you the power of what smart design can accomplish. The book proves that this is the direction we should all be going in, and Emily Pilloton is going to help get us there.”
– Amy Novogratz, TED Prize Director
“Pilloton is a force of nature and Design Revolution is the perfect storm of inspiration, optimism, and ingenuity. This book should be on every designer’s shelf — no, in his or her hands.”
– Valerie Casey, Global Practice Head, IDEO; founder, The Designers Accord
“In a world stressed to the limit, Emily Pilloton’s book comes as a truly inspiring addition for those who believe design can make a difference.”
– Cameron Sinclair and Kate Stohr, founders, Architecture for Humanity
+ Design Revolution
Inhabitat tends to have more USEFUL and inspiring posts than some sites that use the “green” term to promote not-so-green consumerism.
It is totally important for that sustainability be designed in from the word “go”… But what can us consumers do with our existing homes and possessions?
I try to use products in my home that are not harmful (like make my own vinegar cleaning products)… I also found some sites with lists of green materials when remodeling your house. One is http://www.greenhomeimprovement.com/materials.
Any other ideas out there?