Resources for the Future

In the midst of today’s mass consumerism, whether you’re a die-hard tree hugger or someone who just gives a passing nod to environmental responsibility, it’s time to start thinking about sustainability—the ability to meet current demand for our natural resources without compromising the needs of future generations.

A Sustainable Specification

As you strive to identify products and materials that are more efficient and less wasteful, take a look at Kiri, a high-grade, high-performance timber from the Paulownia tree, cultivated in China and Eastern Asia. Extremely fast-growing and highly sustainable, some species can be harvested in as little as five years. The trees can then be replanted or will regenerate from their existing deep root system. This root system also allows the trees to penetrate compacted or contaminated soils to reclaim ecologically stressed land.

Trees generate oxygen through photosynthesis and help maintain the amount of water in the soil and air, reducing the risk of erosion and landslides. Sustainable timber means the forest maintains its ecological function with respect to biodiversity and climate, and brings economic benefit to local populations.

A Sensible Design

Kiri is a popular choice among wood craftsmen and furniture designers such as Sasha LaCroix, who says, “Kiri wood is praised not only for its good looks (it features a striking natural grain), but also for being lightweight, strong and durable. Kiri also magically avoids the warping that affects most woods.”

On your next design project that involves wood, consider specifying Kiri for building materials, furniture, flooring, or even the soundboard of a musical instrument. The earth will thank you.

Image Source: VivaTerra

One way to stand out in the digital age is to do something handcrafted.

Assembly of Text’s One Little Book a Month Club offers small, self-published, handcrafted gems like 172 Things to Do in Order to Increase Your Level of Accomplishment, Make the Most of TOAST, and, as they refer to it, “the beloved” Crust Test.

If you like interesting, off the beaten path one-of-a-kind literature, subcribe at www.assemblyoftext.com to receive a fun little handcrafted book through the mail each month.

Some overachievers seem born with a predisposition to go the extra mile. Others discover the compulsion later in life.

John Maeda, Professor at MIT Media Lab, and a classic overachiever in the field of computational technology and interactive experimentation, conversely looks for opportunities to teach the merits of underachievement.

“We know that working hard does not always equate to working well. I read somewhere that your reaction time improves by 89% after you’ve returned from a “real” (unplugged) vacation…but in order to get it I need to commit to temporarily underachieve by taking time off my work.”

Regardless of how one earns “overachiever” status (you know who you are and if you’re not sure, your coworkers will have a very clear opinion on the matter), Professor Maeda makes the point that while it’s good to work hard, to avoid burnout, occasional periods of true rest are critical.