The alternatives to plastic and sustainable furniture It may rhyme, but plastic isn’t roof. The couple had to find suppliers quickly and turned from the start to responsible always fantastic. We tend manufacturers. Since then the company to prefer natural materials may have grown, but it hasn’t changed. and ceramic, glass, wood, boiled The objective is still to do good, above all wool and paper (especially by selecting ethically produced quality raw materials. “Going organic 15 years ago wasn’t for straws!) are used by many simply a fad or a sales argument: it made of our suppliers. sense tous”, says Sophie. Zuperzozial and Ekobo use bamboo or cork; “I grew up with the idea their products are biodegradable. Porcelain of preferring quality to is a very strong natural material that can quantity. I am certain that be heated. Moreover all our baby products comply with the stringent regulations you vote with your wallet” banning BPA and phthalates. Toys are another area in which we are as vigilant as The knitwear collection came about after a can be. Babies chew and bite everything they fruitful encounter and the range’s guiding 39 can get their hands on and children must be spirit is one of humour and humility. able to handle their toys without it being a Garments in alpaca are handmade by a cause for concern. Amongst our plethora Fairtrade-certified women’s cooperative of designers, we have a soft spot for Tikiri, in Bolivia, whereas GOTS-certified organic Hevea and Oli & Carol, whose rattles are Pima cotton pieces are made in Peru. Today made from natural rubber. Nofred and Plan 400 women knit for the brand. The furniture Toys products (amongst others) use non- comes from the sustainably managed forests toxic paints and water-based inks. of Latvia, where it’s Michael’s turn to keep an eye on production and certification. As for furniture, we like designers that Famous for its traditional know-how, stand out from the crowd and which make Latvia’s advantage is twofold: manufacturing progressive products, such as Kutikai and/ there complies with European standards and or, Oeuf NYC, which use wood sourced good working conditions are guaranteed. in sustainably managed forests. Franco- Oeuf NYC specifically selects sustainably American brand Oeuf NYC is active in both managed forests with a global approach, for clothing and design. Their slogan “Be good” example sawdust from the cutting process says it all. Good for the environment, good is recycled into briquettes, which are used for the workers who make their products to heat the factory during the winter. After and good for the end consumer. Oeuf NYC organic and fair-trade production, the brand was born out of the desire of its founders, also uses water-based inks and recycled Michael and Sophie, to find some different packaging. Faithful to its commitments, furniture when their daughter was born in the founders discreetly support numerous 2002. They made all the furnishings — bed, charities. “I follow my heart and I try to give cradle and rugs — for her future nursery work to people who need it. Our next project themselves. After taking part in a design will be to open a workshop in Afghanistan to show in New York orders, went through the help the country’s war widows.” doog gniod ,doog gnikooL