“maybe one way to educate consumers about sustainability is through their stomachs” - ens

FSC = forest stewardship council - http://www.fsc.org / http://www.fsc.dk

their competition this year focused on sustainable wood, with an emphasis on educating manufacturers and consumers about the lesser-known species of tree that can be harvested sustainably.

deforestation is a motherfucker, and most of the wood i’m using is salvaged from the trash, so any effort to put clean, guilt-free wood into the hands of myself and consumers is likely a good thing.

i entered a mortar and pestle into the competition and it was chosen as a runner up, so that’s pretty alright. it was exhibited along with some of the cop15 climate stuff here in copenhagen and will be at formland in herning, denmark in february.

here are some words i wrote for the competition.

FSC2009 Competition Entry MORTAR + PESTLE - click for 22MB PDF -

HISTORY: The mortar and pestle is one of humankind’s most fundamental tools . It has accompanied all different cultures, has been passed down for thousands of years, and has evolved into many different shapes, sizes, and materials - but the basic principle remains unchanged.

The pestle is a blunt, heavy, hand-held object used to smash stuff.  The mortar is a stationary mass with a bowl shaped depression.  In between is the substance that needs to be crushed, ground, or pulverized. The substance is traditionally medicinal or culinary.

VISION / PHILOSOPHY: Sustainability is more than using renewable materials or finding a gentle manufacturing process.  It should be equally concerned with the longevity of objects.  The mortar and pestle is timeless. It exists beyond the concerns of our modern world. Using a mortar and pestle is tedious and time-consuming. It requires a change of lifestyle; a regression to a slower, fresher, more sensual way of life. It is an easy way to bring purity back into the kitchen, and a relief from electric grinders and industrial grinding processes. Eating a nourishing meal is one of the most valuable parts of every day. Respecting this time and the preparation involved can bring a great sense of well-being. By shifting the mindset of the user, the balance can be tipped toward sustainable action. Unlike consumable technology and short-lived materials, the mortar and pestle is an object with heirloom qualities; it is a lifetime purchase.

MATERIALS: Crystal Glass, Wood

Glass is ubiquitous - it is so apparent that we see straight through it. Although it initially requires a lot of energy to manufacture, it can be tremendously durable. It can be recycled indefinitely; reused, re-melted and re-formed. It is inert to chemicals, so it is hygienic and easy to clean, suitable for use in the kitchen or laboratory. Handmade glass requires a skilled craftsman, each piece is generally unique; this adds to the appreciation and individuality of the object.  The glass pestle is broad at the base and tapered to fit smaller hands. It is heavy; the force of gravity aids in most of the crushing.  The broad end of the pestle is sandblasted for a coarse surface, the narrow end is left smooth to the touch.

Wood is traditionally welcome in the kitchen and generally non-toxic.  It requires a certain amount of care from the user; a delicate washing and the re-application of olive oil for example.  After many years of use, it will show signs of wear and develop a unique patina, but is easily restored and re-finished with hand tools.  The mortar sits high on the table, it is solid; heavy enough to remain in place, but not too heavy to pour from. The inner bowl is left coarse for easy grinding.  The type of wood is important; a species that is dense, durable, less susceptible to rot, and sizable enough to be manufactured without gluing smaller pieces together would be ideal. A wood like Massaranduba has characteristics that would make a strong, rot-resistant, lasting Mortar.

PRODUCTION: The pestle should be hand blown crystal glass, or it could be manufactured more precisely on a glass lathe from borosilicate glass. Borosilicate glass would be stronger and more resistant to cracking in extreme situations (an ice cold pestle washed in boiling water for example).   The mortar could be made traditionally on a wood lathe, or it could be precisely manufactured on a CNC milling machine. Through the CNC process a 3D computer model would be used, and many pieces could be manufactured at the same time, from a larger piece of wood. The CNC process allows the mortar to be easily scaled up or down in size and also allows for asymmetrical shapes.  If the mortar and pestle were manufactured, it is important to find a balance between handmade craftsmanship and the speed and precision of technology.

SUMMARY: The choice of materials and manufacturing processes is vital when developing sustainable objects, but it is also important to consider the longevity of objects - to make things that will be useful for a long time, and to make things that keep bringing some sense of joy to the users, lifetime after lifetime.

Thank you for the time and consideration, and Thank you FSC for organizing such a competition,

eric