Tag Archives: Art/Design
Interview with CEO of Rajboori Home Décor: TIME’s Style and Design Green 100 Pick
Posted on 06. Oct, 2009 by Justine Suh.
OppGreen recently had a chance to catch up with Mitun Chakrabarti, CEO of Rajboori – one of TIME’s Style & Design’s 100 Green Design companies for Home Accessories. Vancouver-based Rajboori is a unique and modern eco-friendly collection of vibrant and luxurious quilts, throws, and pillows that embody a contemporary and innovative take on ancient craftsmanship. I asked her about her company, the market opportunity for eco-friendly products, how she started her company, and advice she has for eco entrepreneurs.
Read how this former tech-savvy MBA and her NYC-based industrial designer/partner turned a passion for great design into an acclaimed home décor company.
OG: What do you think is missing in the eco home décor market?
MC: I think the eco-home décor market lacks “pizazz”. There isn’t enough variety and innovative design available, especially, in the home textiles market. Colors are still limited to mostly neutrals. That also means there is an opportunity to fill the gap. As companies spend more R&D time and effort behind developing more interesting products while still being eco, there will be greater choices for the end consumer.
OG: What makes Rajboori an eco-friendly and sustainable business?
MC: Rajboori home textiles are made of Peace Silk. This unique silk is made from the cocoons of wild or semi-wild silkworms found exclusively in India. Unlike other commercially available silks, in this case the silkworm is allowed to live out its full life cycle. Instead of stifling the pupae to obtain reeled yarn, the silk is degummed and spun like other fiber. The resulting yarn is soft, fluffy, and light with a texture similar to cotton mixed with wool. It is rare and not readily commercially available. Additionally, we use organic dyes and use natural resources, the sun, for drying which makes it more energy efficient.
We work very closely with artisans who live in a village just outside of Calcutta, India and in Calcutta who meticulously handcraft the desired patterns and weaves. The community of weavers have had their skills handed down from generation to generation for 600-700 years. Through our efforts we are trying to sustain this ancient craftsmanship and the weaver community. This is why Rajboori is sustainable.
OG: What was your marketing strategy? You’ve won design awards. Was the design community your first target?
MC: Our first launch was in New York at New York International Gift Fair in Jan, 2009. We were able to showcase our unique collection to a broad audience. This led to some awards and a spot in TIME Style & Design’s 100 Green Design Companies.
OG: How did you start Rajboori?
MC: My two passions in life have always been design and entrepreneurship. Even though my academic background has been in MIS and then an MBA, and consequently my work experience in corporate America had been in the software industry and general management roles, I was always drawn to design. When the time was right, I decided to make a complete career change to pursue my two passions, design and business.
I grew up around gorgeous textiles in India and experienced the intricate artwork so abundantly available there. For me home was a place of love and warmth that needed beautiful objects to reflect our personalities and how we looked at life. I decided to start a home textiles company that offered silk products of high craftsmanship to the Canadian, or primarily, Vancouver market. Silk, for me, is a timeless fabric that is luxurious, resilient, elegant, and all season.
The silk I offered was very unique in texture and look and I knew I had something different to offer to the discerning clientele who would prefer products that are not mass produced, but have a story and more human element associated with them. Each piece would almost be considered as one of a kind.
OG: Who is your customer?
MC: Our target clientele appreciates the value of quality craftsmanship, uniqueness in design, and is possibly well traveled and knowledgeable about various cultures. The story of our collection and the eco-friendly silk is something they value and would like to make a part of their homes and lives. We did not specifically target designers, but we do get considerable interest from them.
OG: Where are your products sold? What is the best selling item? What is your favorite?
MC: Our products are available to all through the Rajboori website. People can just email us with their requests.
In Vancouver, we sell through a high-end, home décor store called Provide. We will soon be available in boutiques in Barcelona, Frankfurt, and Stuttgart. We are currently in discussions with some stores in the US and are looking for more retailers/distributors.
The best selling items are the Milon Coverlets/Throws and the 26” pillows. They’re simple in design in gorgeous colors and they feel great as just a throw on the couch to snuggle with on cooler nights.
My favorites are the Holi duvet covers and the Milon Coverlets/throws. Holi (festival of colors) is my favorite festival in India and the duvet covers are otherwise simple, but have the element of vibrancy of Holi festival in them in the patchwork portion.
OG: What advice would you give any entrepreneur who is wanting to incorporate their passion with a business idea?
MC: I support entrepreneurial initiatives as I believe that’s where true passion is involved. In these tough times, if someone wants to get started, they have to minimize risk, reduce costs, be resourceful and look for “blue oceans” to operate in. The key is to ride this storm and come out even stronger. The life of an entrepreneur requires a lot of hard work, long hours, dedication and above all, the faith in the initiative.
One has to truly believe that he or she can be successful and go about getting there smartly. Creative solutions and resourcefulness goes a long way in helping an entrepreneur. I believe that I would rather try and fail than never try and regret that for the rest of my life.
For more information, visit Rajboori.
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Opportunity Green’s Top 10 Eco-friendly Office Supplies
Posted on 28. Sep, 2009 by Brent Remby.
Top 10 Eco-Friendly Office Products
Looking to make your office a little “greener”? Well look no further, these eco-friendly, cost effective products will help you make your office a lean, mean, fighting-for-Earth machine! We want to hear your opinion on these products!
Kor Hydration Vessel – You can check it out here: Kor Water
The Kor Hydration Vessel is a 100% BPA-free water bottle with a push-button lid. It features a customizable “stone”, which is a little message you can read while you are taking a swig. Each color represents specific organizations that proceeds from your purchase go to. Kor Water believes passionately in the importance of clean water – to human health and to the health of our planet. They also believe in the power of design to inspire and motivate. Kor acknowledges the serious waste problem that bottled water creates and believe the only real solution is change. Change requires a complete redesign of the hydration experience.
Tornado Bamboo Pen – Retro 51 – You can check it out here: Bamboo Pen
Designer pen maker, Retro 51, recently introduced its Bamboo Tornado pen made of sustainable bamboo. With the purchase of each refillable Toranado pen, Retro 51 makes a donation to the Arbor Day Foundation to save 250 square feet of rainforest. Keep those disposable pens out of the landfill by using a refillable writing instrument.
Unfold - Working Class Heroes - You can check it out here: Working Class Heroes
Presenting the Unfold: A laptop case that can be folded eight different ways to fit everything you need. With “comfy handles and a reinforced shoulder strap, the bag is also padded with a protective layer to keep whatever you carry safe”. Its interior is a soft cotton lining with small leather logo. They use natural fabrics like 100% handmade felt that makes it more durable and kinder on the environment. Working Class Heroes features many other products for all of your carrying needs.
ReBinder – Sustainable Group – You can check it out here: ReBinder
The ReBinder is the world’s only FSC Certified Binder. By choosing a ReBinder over the 3 ring vinyl binder, you lower your carbon footprint, save money and deliver an awesome message about your commitment to the earth. ReBinder is the original 3 ring binder made of durable recycled chipboard and corrugated cardboard. All of the binders are made in the USA using high quality, locally sourced materials. All of the binder covers are recyclable or compostable. ReBinder is assembled by a staff of disabled workers in the Pacific Northwest.
Autopilot Workstation – Material Furniture – You can check it out here: Autopilot Workstation
The Autopilot Workstation, like all of Material Furniture’s imaginative collection is built with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified woods, locally-sourced materials, and comes with easy assembly/disassembly instructions for maximum modular usability. This modern, unique desk comes with either a maple or walnut finish and can be splashed with one of four colors: ice blue, citron, tangerine, or white. Owner/designer Christopher Douglas’s thoughtful work extends even to the packaging, which uses as little material as possible by shipping each piece flat. Using it might just inspire you to get more work done.
Marcal 100% post-consumer recycled paper products – You can check it out here: Marcal Paper
Marcal has been saving trees and reducing landfills for over 50 years by making its paper products from recycled paper. Marcal uses paper collected from curbs in residential neighborhoods in cities and towns across America, from the small blue baskets in office buildings, from unwanted junk mail, and even waste from printers; all in an effort to do something good… to produce something that people need.
TerraCycle E-Waste Trash Can – You can check it out here: TerraCycle
The TerraCycle E-Waste Recycling Can is made from 100% e-waste (such as crushed computers and fax machines) that would otherwise have ended up in landfills. It comes in both blue and green, holds up to 28 quarts. Finally, we have something to make out of all that e-waste!
ATP Earthdrive 8 GB Eco-friendly flash drive – You can check it out here: ATP EarthDrive
The ATP EarthDrive™ is the world’s first recyclable USB Drive, appropriately named the EarthDrive™. With years of product development and extensive research, the EarthDrive™ is designed and built using the maximum amount of biodegradable materials (PLA), resulting in a fully recyclable product. PLA (Polylactic acid) is a biodegradable polyester derived from renewable resources, such as corn. Shockproof, waterproof, and dustproof, the drive can also be password protected.
Wrap-a-long Reusable Sandwich Wrap - You can check it out here: Etsy
Introducing the Wrap-A-Long- an eco-friendly, reusable sandwich wrap perfect for sandwiches of all kinds! Combine these with their snack and lunch bags to make a perfect lunch kit! Now you can finally stop using plastic baggies, foil, wax paper, etc. to pack a sandwich. Just imagine how much you can do for the environment along with the amount of money you can save by making the switch! The Wrap-A-Long is made with 3 layers to keep food fresh longer: 100% cotton print fabric outside, 100% white cotton in the middle and it is lined with a water-resistant and stain-resistant nylon. It measures 12” by 12” when opened and doubles as a placement. It is designed with an adjustable Velcro closure so it can hold different size sandwiches perfectly! To clean- simply shake off crumbs and wipe down the lining. Is this concept sustainable?
EconoGreen Eco-friendly Plastic Bags - You can check it out here: EconoGreen
EconoGreen Plastics™ bags and drop cloths are better for the planet than traditional plastic bags. They cost less than comparable plastic bags and drop cloths while providing equal or better quality. Their bags and drop cloths are not only made from recycled plastics, they are also recyclable and oxodegradable. We believe that a disposable plastic product should be engineered to degrade over time. We find it’s an easy way to do our part for a healthier planet. Made from 100% recycled plastic, 100% oxodegradable, and 100% recyclable, these bags and drop cloths will completely break down within 2 years after use! This is considerably less than traditional plastic bags.
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Opportunity Green welcomes Yann Arthus-Bertrand for the screening of HOME
Posted on 03. Jul, 2009 by Chathri Munasinghe.
Opportunity Green had the privilege to partner with the French Consulate and American Cinematheque in the screening of HOME, a film by French director Yann Arthus-Bertrand. Held at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, the screening was attended by over 600 fans & celebrities such as Friends star Lisa Kudrow. Prior to the screening, VIPs attended an Opportunity Green supported luncheon at the home of the French Consulate General David Martinon. Hollywood’s own Sharon Stone and Rosanna Arquette along with Opportunity Green CEO Karen Solomon were on hand to mingle with the French elite.Arthus-Bertrand used amazing cinematic examples from 54 countries to highlight global warming, resource shortages, and endangered species asking each viewer to reconsider their everyday human impact. The production, like an alarm clock, alerts each viewer to wake up and realize we barely have ten years left to reverse the exhaustion of natural resources.
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The Marrakesh House: A hidden oasis of sustainable living in Los Angeles
Posted on 19. Jun, 2009 by Chathri Munasinghe.
A Tesla for valet? Yes, indeed. The electric sports car was part of the introduction lunch to the Marrakesh House, owned by Chris Paine. Paine, director of Who Killed the Electric Car?, purchased the home in 2007 with the goal of transforming the space into a model home for sustainable living in the 21st century.
The number of green elements infused into the 4,300 square-foot Culver City house are endless!
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Big Ideas from Jamais Cascio at Art Center’s Sustainable Mobility Summit
Posted on 22. Feb, 2009 by Mike Flynn.
Jamais Cascio (author of a new book) was our the FIRST speaker to speak at Opportunity Green. Here at the Art Center Sustainable Mobility Summit, he outlines potential futures we might encounter. None of them are GOOD or BAD per se, but it depends….
