Kirei - the Japanese word for Beautiful, also meaning clean, pure and
truthful. These meanings imbue each of our materials as we search the world
for innovative design materials made with renewable, sustainable resources.

Kirei Board, Kirei Bamboo and Kirei Wheatboard are interior design materials
manufactured from renewable or reclaimed agricultural fiber and low- or
no-added-formaldehyde adhesives. Use them in architectural, millwork and
finished product applications. Live clean. Live beautiful. Live Kirei!

Our first stop on the Tour, Bellingham, Washington.

There is so much happening here for sustainability, it’s kind of mind blowing. First we stopped at Colophon Cafe, a locally famous establishment. The food was awesome, much of it from local sources, AND they compost everything; food waste, napkins, almost all of their kitchen waste. This is one of many green initiatives started at Colophon by Leah Peterson, the staff manager, and supported whole heartedly by the owners. She said they used to have six large garbage bags bound for the landfill every night, Now they have one. It is possible because of the industrial compost facility at Green Earth Technologies about a half an hour away from Bellingham in Lynden, WA.

Later we stopped in La Fiamma, where they serve delicious pizza, burgers and drinks (we didn’t have room for the deserts). They also compost all possible organic wastes. Coming from New York, where local green restaurants like Green Table, where the owner has been fighting for compost collection for years, and can’t get the Chelsea Market establishment to take it on. Maybe this year it will change.

See the entry about WWU for the many initiatives our host school has taken on.

And when you come to Bellingham stay at the friendly and affordable Coachman Inn.

What is green design? You tell us! In collaboration with Design 21, we are challenging YOU to define it. Please post and vote. The Top 10 Responses will be announced here and five with the most votes will win new Design 21 Allumonde Acrylic rings.

If you cannot attend any of the West Coast Tour sessions and have burning questions about green / sustainable / cradle to cradle design, go over to Design 21 and enter your inquiries in the “Ask The Panel” Competition. Twelve questions will be chosen and asked *live*, three at each panel. The answers will be posted here.

While so much of today’s media is taking up our space, dumbing us down, and impeding our productivity, GOOD exists to add value. Through a print magazine, feature and documentary films, original multimedia content and local events, GOOD is providing a platform for the ideas, people, and businesses that are driving change in the world.

He began his career as a copywriter at Grey Hong Kong. After this, he moved to BBDO Germany, then helped launch an ad agency in Calgary, Canada.

He joined Palmer Jarvis Vancouver in 1996. In Stoiber’s 5 years at the agency, it won Canadian Agency Of The Year 4 times. (more…)