Ideal Bite

Wanna do a 180 on waste?

11.24.2008

Submitted by tmeronek on Mon, 11/24/2008 - 1:19am.

The Bite:

Try looking at things from a Cradle-to-Cradle angle. Cradle to Cradle is a way of designing products so they're as efficient as possible - incorporating previously used and recycled materials - and waste-free. Opt for these types of products before our resources are totally gone.

The Benefits:

Being diametrically opposed to inefficiency. True Cradle-to-Cradle products undergo lifecycle assessments, so every aspect of the product's existence is taken into eco-account, from its creation to the end of its use.
High degrees of preused materials. Many Cradle-to-Cradle products use recycled and repurposed materials.
Getting a-round big landfills. Cradle-to-Cradle companies often offer their own recycling programs - some will take back and reuse parts and materials.

Personally Speaking:

In 2002, the book Cradle to Cradle was one of the first that Jen read while studying for her green MBA, and as great as the content was, she was slightly more impressed with the fact you can drop the book in the bathtub: It's made from recyclable plastic resins.

Wanna Try:

Just a few examples of Cradle to Cradle Certified products:

Steelcase Think Chair - ergonomic office chair that's made from about 37% recycled content and is 98% recyclable ($689).
gDiapers Starter Kit - diapers with Cradle-to-Cradle refill inserts made from biodegradable, sustainably farmed wood pulp - not plastic ($27).
Kiehl's Aloe Vera Biodegradable Liquid Body Cleanser - Brad Pitt-approved, aloe-based body wash in a recycled plastic bottle ($17).
Wet Women Surf Wax - petroleum-free, biodegradable surf wax packaged in partially recycled tins ($4).