Recycled paper is one of the most familiar forms of recycling which has been around for decades. Paper is versatile when recycled and can be reused in several ways. Tightly rolled paper creates a strong tube that can be used for table legs or larger scale building elements. Architect Shigeru Ban is famous for his paper architecture: the Paper Church and Paper House being two of the most noted. More often, used paper is simply mixed with wood-based or cotton-based pulp to make new paper products such as newsprint, cardboard or other fiber board.

Papier Mâché Stool. Designed by Greenhouse.

Now think back to elementary school when we were creating our own recycled paper art with paper-mâché. I remember covering balloons with paper-mâché made from newspaper and glue, which were surprisingly strong when dried. Why not take paper-mâché to the next level and create furniture pieces from the workable, sustainable material. The Papier Mâché Stool transforms traditionally sloppy strips of gluey paper into a crisp, clean, natural seating form. The stools are handmade in Haiti through a development project called Aid to Artisans. Greenhouse Eco-Friendly Living is a Brooklyn based furniture company that puts sustainability at the top of their priority list by supporting programs such as Aid to Artisans.

Aid to Artisans seeks out communities with deep-rooted cultural traditions in handmade arts. They help with business development, design mentoring and technical production in subsistence communities throughout the world. Aid to Artisans is a valuable organization who brings rich cultural products to the contemporary client who is typically inundated with mass-produced design objects.