Search

10 Modern + Sustainable Objects We’re Loving Right Now

02.02.22 | By
10 Modern + Sustainable Objects We’re Loving Right Now

Contrary to popular belief, being sustainable at home isn’t an all or nothing affair. After all, we’ve seen enough statistics to know how impactful small acts like recycling, ditching single use plastics, and opting into paperless billing can be. So it’s no surprise that when it comes to furnishing your home, your design choices can make a difference too. Our favorite sustainable objects are the goods and gadgets that are designed to help reduce waste and adverse environmental impact – and spruce up our interiors and daily routines in the process. Read on to discover the modern and eco-friendly goods we’re obsessed with lately. For more consciously made finds, visit the Design Milk Shop!

1. Hex Trivet Duo in Speckled Black by Slash Objects

1. Hex Trivet Duo in Speckled Black by Slash Objects

This Trivet Duo by Slash Objects is made of post-consumer recycled rubber (a.k.a. rubber that’s already been recycled) in Slash Objects’ NY-based studio – giving these chic rubber tabletop accessories a relatively low carbon footprint. The duo includes a large 8” hexagonal trivet and a smaller 6” counterpart to accommodate all your serving needs, while making a modern geometric statement on your table. Bonus: the speckled pattern helps camouflage crumbs, but the trivets can be easily wiped clean too.

$32

2. Everyday Bio-Knit Tote by Junes

2. Everyday Bio-Knit Tote by Junes

Designed to close the loop on plastic pollution, Junes’ reusable bags are made using their signature Bio-Knit mesh material, which combines existing, recycled plastics with CiCLO®, an innovative technology that allows naturally occurring microbes in landfills or sea water to consume the material (ensuring the bags won’t last forever if they end up in a landfill or waterway). The Everyday Tote is durable, machine washable, and roomy enough for groceries and other essentials – complete with 2 interior bottle-sized pockets for added convenience. It even comes in a variety of eye-catching shades, so you never have to sacrifice style for sustainability.

$44

3. Emke Cork Vessel Fine Grain Lid by mind the cork

3. Emke Cork Vessel Fine Grain Lid by mind the cork

mind the cork’s Emke Vessel is sustainably crafted out of 100% natural cork. What makes cork so eco-friendly, you wonder? Cork is derived from the outer bark of the Quercus Suber tree and can be easily stripped off and harvested without cutting down the tree – thus maintaining biodiversity, soil quality, and preventing forest fires. What’s more, the Portuguese Cork Oaks from which mind the cork’s material is harvested, help offset 10 million tons of carbon every year! It’s no wonder these modern crafty vessels made it on our list of sustainable faves.  P.S. They come in a range of fun colors too!

$66

4. AWA Carbonator

4. AWA Carbonator

The AWA Carbonator is the modern and eco-friendly kitchen gadget that every sparkling water fan needs in their kitchen. The sleek, thoughtfully designed carbonator delivers clean and refreshing seltzer with the press of a button and adds a minimalist Scandi-design to your countertop. The best part? The hundreds of seltzer cans and bottles you’ll be saving from landfills each year by making your own sparkling water at home! You’ll never want store bought sparkling water again. Read our full review of the AWA here and get yours at a special introductory price for a limited time.

$99 (33% savings!)

5. Versus Boards Mostly Light Set by Tortuga

5. Versus Boards Mostly Light Set by Tortuga

These modern cutting and serving boards by Tortuga are made of wood responsibly sourced from FSC certified manufacturers. FSC certification ensures the wood is responsibly sourced in ways that conserve forests, preserve biodiversity, protect water quality, and prohibit the use of hazardous chemicals – all while prioritizing the wellbeing of workers and local communities. We love the contrasting walnut and beechwood tones on the Versus Boards (also available in a Mostly Dark Set), their modern curved edges, and most of all, their versatility – use them to chop and serve food and mix and match boards for an aesthetically pleasing contrast.

$153

@design_milk Tortuga’s Versus Boards have landed on Design Milk! Find them at the link in bio 🔗#28DaysOfEucerin #DuetDoWet #fyp ♬ Crushcrushcrush – Coco & Clair Clair

6. Eco Journey Throw Blanket by In2Green

6. Eco Journey Throw Blanket by In2Green

Designed in collaboration with artist Viscaya Wagner, the In2Green Eco Journey Throw uses a bold, graphic design to celebrate the beauty of friendship. The throw’s abstract simplicity and warm neutral tones make it a seamless addition to any living space, while its sustainable blend of recycled cotton and polyester fibers make it a soft, cozy home accent that everyone can get behind (or underneath?). Drape it over your couch, reading chair, or your bed for a look that’s equal parts comfortable and modern. For an even softer look, check out their Straw/Flax/Brava colorway.

$180

7. Tote by QWSTION

7. Tote by QWSTION

Swiss brand QWSTION sustainably crafts functional bags inspired by a modernist design aesthetic. The QWSTION Tote is made using organically grown fibers (growth and harvesting of organic fibers are less impactful on the environment than non-organic methods) and has a convertible tote/backpack design that’ll take you from the office to casual hangouts and everyday errands. Complete with a padded sleeve perfect for protecting a 15” laptop, a roomy main compartment with pockets for your keys and other small essentials, and a twist-lock cover flap to keep all of your goods safe and snug, the QWSTION Tote will be your new favorite accessory. It’s also available in a jet-black colorway!

$210

8. OneClock Alarm Clock

8. OneClock Alarm Clock

The OneClock isn’t your typical alarm clock. Tried and tested by tech editor Gregory Han, the OneClock uses science backed sounds (exclusively composed by Grammy award winning artists!) to peacefully lift you out of sleep and mimic natural awakening for enhanced sleep and overall wellness, instead of scaring you awake with blaring, repetitive alarm tones. The modern and minimalist timepiece is expertly designed using sustainably sourced solid white oak, and durable powder-coated aluminum, embodying a timeless look that’ll ensure the OneClock is the one and only clock you’ll ever need.

$299

9. Haag Rug by Carret Design

9. Haag Rug by Carret Design

Carret Design’s modern and sustainable rugs are responsibly made in Denmark using Econyl – an eco-friendly nylon fiber made from recycled plastic waste (like fishing nets and industrial plastic) recovered from polluted oceans, making their rugs 100% recycled and recyclable. Pulling inspiration from minimalist Nordic design, the Haag Rug features a striking design of intersecting lines and simple cream-colored background for a satisfying neutral contrast that’ll add visual interest to any space. Most importantly, the rugs’ Econyl fiber is plush and comfortable. Easy on your feet and the planet!

$289+

10. Moon Natural Table Lamp by Graypants Inc.

10. Moon Natural Table Lamp by Graypants Inc.

A standout in Graypants’ collection of Scraplight fixtures, the Moon Natural Table Lamp is handcrafted from recycled cardboard, giving off a warm, intimate light that’s both mood setting and functional for everyday tasks. The brass frame lends a modern pop of metallic elegance to home surfaces, while the recycled cardboard shade offers an approachable, Japandi-reminiscent aesthetic and nuanced natural texture. Plus, the neutral tone pretty much guarantees that it’ll work in any room in the house!

$360

>>> Treating yourself to one of our favorites? Share your haul on Instagram and tag us @designmilk for a chance to be featured! <<<

Alexa is commerce editor at Design Milk. She lives in Miami, Florida with her fiancé Alex and retired greyhound, Phoebe. A longtime art and design enthusiast, Alexa’s first stops in any new city are the art museums. When she’s not writing about her favorite DM shop picks, she might be buried in a book, binging reality tv or adventuring around her city with her partner and pup.