Spotted: Seeing the beauty in biowaste is an exciting movement in the art world as artists and innovators transform potential pollution into useful new items. Working with local Greek artisans, designer Alexia Mintsouli uses an ancient sea plant to create luxurious marble tables. And Mintsouli’s studio, Alex Mint, recently introduced the Oceanides collection of tables.
The tops of the tables are made from Posidonia Oceanica, one of the oldest living organisms on Earth and a plant that is usually disposed of because it is seen as having no value. The legs and base of the tables in the collection are made from Peloponnesian Tortora Marble. The name of the collection alludes to mythical sea nymphs from Greek lore.
By basing production in Greece, near where the material is collected, the studio greatly reduces transport costs and carbon emissions. Additionally, the collection of the biowaste saves money for local municipalities who would otherwise have to dispose of it. The tables also sequester the carbon ingested by the plants.
The collection currently consists of three tables, the square coffee table Oceanus, and two round tables, the Tethys and Calypso. The entire collection is available online.
Other ways that Springwise has spotted biowaste being used to create new, more sustainable products includes helmets made from waste scallop shells and automobile interiors made from lentils, coffee, and eggshells.
Written By: Keely Khoury