In the backdrop of the crazy world we now live with big business, tech firms, populist politics and an austerity agenda where the majority suffer the consequences of 2008 whilst few reap huge economic reward. Surely there will become a tipping point moment where people will say enough is enough and try to build a better future. In 2010 following an MA in Furniture Design Joe Earley and his wife Sarah set up a small family business with the intention of building a business that was about more than profit. The original vision came after the financial crisis and followed a trip by Joe and Sarah to research global furniture production in India, Thailand and Vietnam. They wanted to build a business with the circular economy in mind and create products that challenged the disposable and unbalanced nature of our world.
Acorn Tables and Foot Stool
The first batch of furniture they sold was acorn tables and foot stool which was produced out in Bulgaria with a percentage of the profits given to a British charity that worked out in the region of Berkovitsa in Bulgaria helping to support an orphanage and an old people’s home. It was an experiment that had some challenges with initial production. All samples were damaged in transit and the first batch had some issues with quality. But this didn’t stop them and now all their products are designed and the majority are made by themselves in their home workshop in Colchester. Their products are made out of solid oak and finished in natural colour stains and oils. They are made with longevity in mind and use as much of the raw material as they can by designing products that help them to use up their off cuts to create new products. Their first big hit was their toast shaped breadboard which featured in Notonthehighstreet’s Christmas catalogue in 2011.
Breadboard
This sparked off the focus on a range of beautiful and in some cases fun personalised gifts that they have since developed.
Mad Hair Day Key Rack
‘To Do’ Letter Holder
They also produce a small unique range of furniture with symbolic meaning for example their recent edition of their golden gate coffee table which is a reminder of the importance in building bridges.
Golden Gate Coffee Table
They have also recently started to create a limited edition series of artwork as a reaction to the populist political landscape of today’s world.
‘Reap what you sow’
Earthome is a company driven by values, it cares about our future and would like to see more joined up and big picture thinking considering the environment, our resources and people equally to that of the economy. Collaborations like notonthehighstreet help to allow a platform for its partners who are small business owners like Earthome to gain greater exposure. As a collective we can all decide how to shape our future. With every purchase we make we all have the power to change the world in a small way. You just have to decide who is worth investing in.
#makeabetterworld circulareconomy #environmentaldesign #conceptualart #oakfurniture #personalisedgifts
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