Our working definition of sustainable is: that only the function of the product

be available to future generations at no cost to them in degraded environment,

climate, or societies.

usethings aims to produce useful things that are localised, sustainable, well designed, well made, fit for propose, and durable.

We source, produce, and supply primarily within our local environment, community and economy; at usethings we aim to work and live sustainably or at least explore how this might be done.

In locating production and waste management in third world economies we are externalising environmental impacts and are implicit in poor working conditions. Localising production ensures fair working conditions, reduces transport impacts and creates a relationship between the producer and consumer that brings accountability.

usethings in selecting processes, materials, and suppliers, considers environmental and social impacts. We employ our skills and knowledge to help others live sustainably, in a way that is comfortable, and intelligently designed.

In adopting the Designers Accord we pledge to inform our clients, and engage in sustainability through communication, education and transparency. See our weblog for more.

We aim to produce only things of use, that’s how our traditional skills mesh with thoughtful design to produce products that meet individual needs with less environmental impact.

usethings designs with environment in mind - Design for Environment (DfE) and life cycle thinking. Design considerations include: material minimisation, durability, resource depletion / sustainable resources, minimising production waste, avoiding hazardous substances, indoor air quality / low VOC, end of life disposal or recycling, energy efficiency, reducing transport impacts, embodied energy, embodied water, and designing out unsustainable use habits.

One of our products, a suspended clothes drying rack, is dedicated to environmental efficiency. A simple and proven method of drying clothes re-using the heat in the home; convenient and low impact in the full product life cycle. It is simply made and can be disassembled should it ever require repair. It is sold in kit form Australia wide and packs very efficiently into its recyclable packaging. Our drying racks are made with plantation Sugar Gum from SMARTimbers http://www.smartimbers.com.au a Central Victorian landholder co-operative. See their warantee of origin.

usethings store PV aray

Recycled or salvaged timbers are used in our coat racks and commissioned works; designing with what is available at any given time. We often work in solid timber, and utilise traditional methods and skills which are relatively low tech but also low impact. These designs with traditional joinery, for example, make our products easy to repair, extending their useful life, and extending the life of these traditional skills.

We will also use high tech methods like computerised (CNC) machining or laser cutting, if it offers efficiency of material use. We like to work with ply in this way because of its efficient conversion of the log into a strong, board material. Preferring plantation hoop pine with glue that has very low formaldehyde emissions (E0 or super E0 emissions rating).

Our business is powered by Green Power. All electricity for administration and production is 100% wind (new capacity) from a certified green power provider. Green power, wind in particular, was chosen for (among other things) its lower embodied water per Kw/h - coal fired power requires 2.5 litres per Kw/h. Having experienced drought conditions for many years here in Castlemaine we realise the fundamental importance of water.

Recycled paper is used in all paperwork, publications, brochures, packaging, business cards and envelopes. Our business cards are printed with soy based inks.

Timber finishes are either natural oils and waxes or low VOC water based acrylics. Solid timber off-cuts are kept for further use in smaller articles: 'nosey parka', wobble boards and our darning mushroom. As each design is developed for minimal waste, unavoidable waste becomes the source for new design. Sawdust is composted, unusable dry solid timber is burnt as a source of home heating in winter in an efficient triple burn combustion heater.

Water captured from the workshop roof is used in production and for our veggie garden.

Our new usethings store in Castlemaine is recognisable by the impressive array of solar panels on the roof (image on right). In the refit we put glass into the double doors and added two windows so our space is flooded with natural light. We rarely run the electric lights unless it's a very grey day. The beautiful garden shading to the north keeps us cool in summer, or we sit out there in the winter sun. We went for a small shared space to keep our footprint minimal, so all up, usethings store is a very low impact store.

In an energy depleted future usethings will be able to call on traditional skills and ingenuity to continue meeting essential material needs, with design integrity, resource efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

drying rack airing rack knots tables stool workshops australian design counterbore coat racks usethings store usethings design sustainability tinker weblog