Herman Miller: So Not Retro

Herman Miller designs - known instantly for their embodiment of nineteen-fifties and sixties efficiency chic - run deep.

Eames molded plastic chairs with wood are 84-93 percent recyclable at the end of their useful life. Eames molded plastic chairs without wood are 99-100 percent recyclable at the end of their useful life.

 An Evolving Approach

Since 1991, the company has worked to establish a rigorous sustainability protocol, developing standards to measure the environmental impact of a given material. "In some cases, this might involve tracking material back through four or five tiers of suppliers; the company that manufactures a chair component, the company that manufactures the plastic for that chair component, the companies that make the colorants for the plastic, and finally, the companies that make the pigments for the colorants.

Every ingredient of every material, down to those that make up as little as .1 per cent (by weight) of both the material and the final product is identified."1

At Herman Miller, designers can consider, for example, data related to a given material's human health concerns, or to the  renewable resources used to create it. They can then make design choices accordingly, addressing sustainability concerns as they would cost or aesthetics.

It's called "Cradle to Cradle," and it "goes beyond regulatory compliance to thoroughly evaluate a new product," the company says.2

"Our commitment to corporate sustainability naturally includes minimizing the environmental impact of each of our products. Our Design for Environment team (DfE) applies environmentally sensitive design standards to both new and existing Herman Miller products."2

Those design standards are categorized under:2 

•  Material Chemistry and Safety of Inputs What chemicals are in the materials we specify, and are they the safest available?
• Disassembly Can we take products apart at the end of their useful life, to recycle theirmaterials?
• Recyclability Do the materials contain recycled content, and more importantly, can the materials recycled at the end of the product’s useful life?

A (New) Classic Emergence

The Aeron chair’s components are constructed from aluminum, steel, plastic, and foam/textile. The Aeron chair is up to 94 percent recyclable at the end of its useful life.

The often imitated Herman Miller Aeron chair (listed in the MOMA Architecture and Design Archives  in 1992 as a work by Donald T. Chadwick and William Stumpf)3 is an exempalry manifestation of the company's design process. "From its earliest developmental stages, the Aeron’s raw material selection and sourcing process emphasized environmental friendliness, with a preference for renewable, sustainable, and recycled source materials."2

According to the company, Aeron is "certified level 2," indicating "a comprehensive, independent, and impartial assessment of the environmental and social impacts of a product."4

"This means that Aeron is composed of environmentally safe and healthy materials, is designed for material reuse in a closed-loop system, such as recycling or composting, and is assembled using 100% renewable energy," the company says.

It's a lot to think about - the Herman Miller protocol really demonstrates how important it is for companies - and individuals - to embrace and pursue innovation, however it manifests.  

Obtain an Aeron  office chair - or a few of the quintessential molded plastic Eames chairs -  through DWR (4310 Sharon Road Suite 21 Charlotte, NC 28211 (704) 365.6514) or visit www.hermanmiller.com

Event:  Happenin' Herman

Thursday, July 26, 5–8pm DWR Charlotte Studio, in association with Herman Miller®, invites you to join us for a screening of “Eames: The Architect and the Painter,” a feature-length documentary by Jason Cohn and Bill Jersey about the world of Charles and Ray Eames. Using archival footage and modern-day commentary by friends and family, this must-see film presents an exclusive inside look at the husband-and-wife team, highlighting their influence on significant events in American history and revealing their untold personal lives. Sip refreshments and enjoy popcorn while watching the film.

RSVP to cwarner@dwr.com

WHITE OUT LUNG CANCER - THE FASHION SHOW

We totally dropped the ball on not mentioning this earlier, but this sounds like a great event happening tomorrow! In honor of her mother, who passed away from lung cancer in 2011, Meredith College graduate Jordan Jaked created White Out Lung Cancer - the fashion show, which will also include a wine tasting and silent auction. The event supports the NC Lung Cancer Partnership - which strives to provide research funds and educational materials about lung cancer. 

In recognition of the ribbon colors used in tribute to lung cancer, the designers had to use only white, ivory, and silver fabrics to create their looks. Tickets are only $15, and it is Friday, June 15th, at 6:30pm at Burning Coal Theatre. The website has lots more information on the featured designers and this amazing show for a very important cause! 

superstars!

I can't resist posting this gorgeous magazine cover, featuring the Redress Raleigh co-founders. Amazing, eh? 

Cheers, Everyone!

The earth is a sphere. It is round, enclosed: a circle. It is finite: it does not go on forever. It is quite clear that  we only have so much land, air, and water available to us on this planet. Quantifiable, our resources are. We can measure the earth's mass, the atmosphere's reach, and the ocean's depth. Just as we only get one life and one body, so we only get one planet*.  In order to ensure that future human generations are able to prosper and grow, our planet must cared for. We need the planet's air, earth, and water in order to live and love. 

Redress Raleigh exists to support designers of apparel and accessories whom all share in this realization, and who incorporate environmentally friendly practices into their designs. This is all in order to stimulate awareness and economic activity surrounding an idea that is crucial to prosperity of humanity. I am proud to, for the fourth consecutive year, congratulate the Redress Raleigh team, designers, and especially the supporters, for working together so beautifully surrounding this mission. Enjoy the select few photos from our 2012 show, below. 

 *Astronomy enthusiasts, please challenge

 

 

Cat Banjo: Local Fashion with a Philanthropic Mission

Cat Banjo started in 1994 in Southern Pines, NC.  Owner/Designer, Debbi Cochran opened a small boutique on the main street to supplement her wholesale jewelry business.  Cat Banjo was known for its unique one-of-a-kind jewelry and quirky gifts.  Alot of local artisans were represented as well.  In 2000, Cat Banjo expanded to Raleigh and opened a boutique in Cameron Village.

Cat Banjo is still locally owned and operated.  Debbi makes and sells her jewelry, painted glassware, and art alongside area artists and designers as part of an eclectic mix of accessories, clothing, and giftwares.  The boutique has a huge selection of one of a kind designs and caters to people looking for unique gifts.

A second year supporter of Redress Raleigh, the Cameron Village boutique features both PamOr Designs - represented in this year's Redress show - as well as Revamp, the clothing line by Redress co-producer Jamie Powell.  Other local artists are represented as well, and the shop uses local printer shop Seventh Dagger for all it's screenprinting needs.    

Local fashion is just part of Cat Banjo's mission.  About 4 years ago the store befriended several dog rescue groups.  One had a puppy named Macy (a young pitbull) that had been looking for a home.  Owner Debbi fostered Macy and brought her to work everyday.  This was a pre-Facebook era, so literally depended on word of mouth to find this girl a home.  After a week or so, a customer came in and instantly connected to Macy...the rest is a happy rescue history!  Soon after, Debbi inadvertently came upon 4 dogs that were supposed to be rescued but their foster situation fell through.  Again, the store stepped in...though this situation proved more challenging.  One of these pups had Parvo and had to be hospitalized.  She was nearly lost to this illness, but luckily she was in the care of Dr Wages at Care First Animal Hospial and pulled through.  Cat Banjo suddenly had an enormous vet bill and the need for 4 forever homes.  Slowly, over a period of 2 weeks... they collected donations, paid off the bill and found homes for all 4 pups!  This was their "aha" moment...

Sammy...found in a shelter, burned, abused and shot in the foot...yet, he never met a stranger and opened his heart to all...Cat Banjo had 5 happy dogs under their belt and a community of people willing to support their efforts. The store went full steam ahead... Debbi started with her focus on a shelter in Reidsville.  This was an 'open air' shelter and their adoption rate was practically zero.  If a dog ended up behind those bars...its days were numbered.   Cat Banjo rescued 13 dogs from Reidsville in 4 months. 

Almost 100 dogs later, Cat Banjo has accidentally found a successful formula...today, they are purposefull in their efforts and are dedicated to saving as many dogs as they can.  The store also hosts other rescue groups with meet and greets on the weekends! 

So, that is how the store slogan is "We make jewelry and rescue dogs".  Cat Banjo has certain merchandise that takes a portion straight to their rescue fund, such as the "Rescue Dogs Rock" t-shirts and hoodies, and fundraiser bracelets made in the store.  However, any money spent at this local boutique keeps their doors open to other local rescue groups and helps them spread their message of the vast benefits of adopting the next 4 legged member of your family.  photo by Tara Lynn

www.catbanjo.com

www.facebook.com/catbanjo

2043 Cameron St. Raleigh, NC 27605

(919) 833 6711