Fashion
The Founders of Goodee Share Their Favorite Sustainable Home Goods
Byron and Dexter Peart founded their socially-conscious site to showcase sustainable design from around the world….
Take the colorful woven lamps by Ghana’s Aaks, a female-founded collective that works with the Tuareg community’s refugees in Burkina Faso. Or Austin Austin, an organic line of vegan soaps and lotions that uses recycled packaging and is made in Norfolk, United Kingdom by father-daughter co-founders. Other standouts include ecoBirdy’s playfully primitive children’s furniture proprietarily made out of discarded plastic toys, and naturalist stoneware by Quebecois ceramicists Lea & Nicolas.
This latest endeavor into home represents an evolved approach for the Pearts, who made their name in the fashion industry importing breakout Scandinavian contemporary brands (they were the first to bring Acne Studios stateside) and niche denim labels to North America. For their part, the brothers attribute much of their principled ethos and aesthetic wanderlust to their multicultural Canadian upbringing in suburban Ottawa, the sons of Jamaican immigrants. “It definitely gave us a global mentality,” says Dexter. “And as twins, we love to bring people together and we play really well in sandboxes.”
“Black people and people of color have a unique opportunity to change what the narrative around sustainability has been,” adds Byron. “We’re looking at things from a different lens than other platforms and marketplaces. It’s far more nuanced and hopefully more beautiful as well.”
Here, the Pearts take us through a selection of pieces they believe represent the best of conscious (and inspired) consumption, plucked from Goodee and beyond.
“These hand-sculpted woven baskets made by female artisans in Ghana are one of our go-to gift ideas as they add flair and function to any room.” -Dexter Peart
“We were introduced to this thought-provoking book from a good friend, and have been recommending it ever since. Curator and scholar Glenn Adamson invites his reader to be more contemplative about how the things that surround them are made, and why we should seek wisdom in how they connect to the world.” -Byron Peart
“Celebrating 100 years of its legendary Broomcraft program, the craft and stories of the skilled students live large in these everyday cleaning tools that function as effortlessly and artfully as they appear displayed on a wall.” -Dexter Peart
“Lightweight, slim, and ultra-comfortable, this kapok-filled mattress crafted by skilled artisans in West Africa provides a soft overlay that can be easily layered for rest and relaxation.” -Dexter Peart
“After designing bags for years, we were eager to create a go-to carryall that worked double duty from work to leisure. This everyday companion, handmade by refugees and asylum seekers in Italy delivers style, function, and impact.” -Byron Peart
“Whether setting up a productive corner for homeschooling or creating a fun play setting, we can’t think of a better way to introduce your kids to sustainability from an early age than with these modern design classics, smartly crafted from recycled toys.” -Dexter Peart
“This B-Corp certified brand is our go-to for creating the perfect indoor (and outdoor) settings for our varieties of potted house plants—a must to freshen the air and brighten up every room.” -Byron Peart
“Tyler Hays’ ceramics company delivers the finest collectibles that perfectly balance traditional craft and modern sensibility. We always anxiously await the monthly releases.” -Dexter Peart
“We came across Kazuri on a trip to Kenya and have been completely inspired by the ceramics workshop that has been employing over 300 single mothers to handcraft beaded accessories for decades.” -Byron Peart
“Handmade from 100% recycled glass, this timeless set of hand-blown tumblers have a subtle texture, and are ideal for serving water (or wine) with a relaxed meal at home.” -Dexter Peart
“Made from walnut shells, these super absorbent plant-based, biodegradable cellulose sponges perform double duty as a sustainable and durable cleaning tool that’s easy on all surfaces.” -Byron Peart
