Sustainable design - Timeless and environmentally friendly
The word sustainable refers to the responsible use of the resources of planet earth. Our ancestors naturally used the materials for building houses several times, broken clothes were mended and defective appliances were repaired. The term sustainability can probably be traced back to the Electoral Chief Mining Officer Hans Carl von Carlowitz (1645-1714), who coined it in a treatise on forestry. The idea behind it is a stable balance in nature, that only as many trees may be cut down as can grow back in time. The concept of sustainability became internationally known through the report of the World Commission on Environment and Development in 1983 under the leadership of the then Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland. The so-called Brundtland Commission stated that humanity should satisfy its present needs without endangering the possibilities of future generations. In 2015, the UN General Assembly adopted the Agenda 2030 for sustainable development, which contains a catalog of measures designed to improve living conditions on the planet and protect the earth for future generations.
The Agenda 2030
The United Nations' Agenda 2030 came into force on January 1, 2016; it commits all countries to take responsibility and contribute to the future of the planet. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out in the Agenda 2030 are intended to lead the way to a sustainable future on an economic, social and ecological basis. These include ending poverty and hunger, the right to health care and education, inclusion, gender equality and self-determination, access to energy, sanitation and water for all, decent work for all, sustainable consumption and production patterns, combating climate change and its impacts (marine resources and terrestrial ecosystems), halting the loss of biodiversity, justice and access to justice, and a global partnership for sustainable development.
Furniture and sustainable design
Many designer furniture is made of materials that last a long time, such as wood or high-quality plastic. Designer products are well thought out and well manufactured and therefore durable. Products of famous designers please many generations and keep their material value. They are not modern, but modern classics and can therefore not become unfashionable. Even if the furniture, lamps and accessories no longer please you, you can easily change the owner and find a new lover. That is pure sustainability. The legendary Thonet chairs from the 19th century made of beech wood are still stable and en vogue. Designer articles made of plastic are often recyclable, and some furniture is made directly from recycled material, such as the Vitra Tip Ton RE by Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby, which allows dynamic and ergonomic sitting in two positions. Directly with a view to conserving resources, the couple Charles and Ray Eames designed their furniture, which had to save as much material as possible shortly after World War II. Among the designs was the Wire Chair made of welded and chromed steel wire. Due to the resulting breaks, such furniture is light in weight and due to their filigree expression they are also good for small rooms. They also perfectly design the small office, the home office and the living or dining room due to their high-quality and elegant appearance. Are you looking for a designer product? In the pro office store you will find numerous beautiful models.
