“When you see how fast it is, you won’t laugh anymore,” says Jonas Vingegaard, who can be seen adorning the Aerohead II helmet. However, those gains in speed do have a trade-off… you end up looking as if someone designed a Daft Punk helmet for unicorns. And that’s me being very charitable.

Professional cycling, much like any competitive sport, is a constant dance between innovation and tradition. While aesthetics often hold a certain allure, function reigns supreme, which is why we have that viral video of a man who lays down stomach-first on his bicycle and cruises past all his opponents. Here, every component, from the frame and wheels to the rider’s clothing and even posture, is meticulously optimized to shave off precious seconds in the pursuit of victory. Helmets, however, have traditionally occupied a somewhat unique space, balancing safety with aerodynamics and maintaining a familiar, rounded form. The Aerohead II, however, pushes the limits of aerodynamics so far, that it’s worth discussing on a design blog. The one-of-a-kind design focuses solely on reducing wind resistance and redefines the future of time trial helmets.

Designers: Giro and Team Visma

Developed in collaboration with the Dutch racing team Team Visma/Lease a Bike, the Aerohead II looks like it materialized from a futuristic vision board. The most striking feature is the undeniably unconventional, long, wedge-shaped “nose cone” (yeah sure) that extends far ahead of the rider’s head. This design choice, coupled with a tapered tail section, aims to create a smooth, aerodynamic profile, minimizing the drag caused by the rider’s head and neck.

While the helmet’s appearance might bewilder some and inspire some nasty memes, its purpose is undeniable. Time trials are races against the clock, where even the slightest reduction in drag can translate to significant time savings. Unlike traditional helmets designed for everyday riding or commuting, the Aerohead II prioritizes pure speed, making it a specialist tool specifically crafted for the unique demands of time trialing.

It’s worth noting that the Aerohead II isn’t the first foray into aerodynamic headwear for cyclists. Back in 1986, Giro’s original Aerohead, designed for cyclist Greg LeMond, helped him secure victory in the Tour de France. However, the Aerohead II takes things a step further, adopting a more extreme design and incorporating a wider, wraparound visor for improved visibility when the rider is in the low, tucked position crucial for optimal aerodynamics.

The helmet has already undergone extensive testing and made its competitive debut in the opening time trial of the prestigious Tirreno-Adriatico race in Italy. While some riders might have been initially surprised by the unconventional design, Team Visma/Lease a Bike’s head of performance, Mathieu Heijboer, reports that the focus on performance quickly won them over. Heijboer states, “The riders did look up a bit when they first saw the helmet, but in the end that didn’t last long. After a few tests and seeing the gains, everyone was quickly convinced.”

Beyond its immediate impact on the world of professional cycling, the Aerohead II also raises interesting questions about the future of helmet design in general. Could similar aerodynamic principles be incorporated into everyday cycling helmets, offering marginal gains for recreational riders? Or will the focus on pure speed remain exclusive to the high-performance realm of time trialing? Only time will tell, but until then, let’s spend some more time figuring out how to design this helmet so that it makes its wearer look less like a phallus-head?

The post Hilarious-looking Bicycle Helmet Gives You Bullet-like Aerodynamics… But Is It Worth it?? first appeared on Yanko Design.

New Year New Gear, they say… but before we explore what 2024 has in store for us, here’s a look at our top EDC gear from the year gone by. Our love for EDC only grew in 2023 as we began venturing outdoors again (you know, after the entire 2-year house arrest), and we honestly believe 2023’s been a golden year for the category. Titanium finally went mainstream, with Apple adopting it for their flagship 2023 iPhones, and we saw multiple independent creators taking to platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo to bring their EDC visions to life!

So what really constitutes this list and how did we arrive at our top ten? It’s simple, really. All the EDC have a few things in common. They’re built to be compact, robust, highly utilitarian, and have a wow-factor, whether it’s a unique feature, or just stellar craftsmanship. We’ve even awarded a Best EDC Design of 2023 to a certain multitool so scroll ahead to know more about why we loved it so much!

1. Prytium Titanium Multitool by G.S.G (Best EDC Design of 2023)

With a staggering 14 features built into its compact, lightweight, machined titanium design, the Prytium Multitool wins our award for just being the most versatile, capable, and handy piece of EDC money could buy. Perfect for pretty much any situation life throws at you, the Prytium is the kind of EDC you wish you’d have if you were stranded on a desert island. It’s got possibly every conceivable tool from a folding knife to a bottle opener, pry tool, nail file, glass breaker, and even a few wrenches and screwdrivers to get you through a whole gamut of worldly situations, whether they’re mildly frustrating like a hangnail or actual emergencies that require tactical tools.

Why is it noteworthy?

Aside from being made from Grade-5 that is well known for its sheer durability, the Prytium really surprises with exactly how much it manages to pack into its pocket-friendly design. It does so rather cleverly too, offering tritium slots so that your EDC is visible even at night, a deep pocket clip so you can attach your multitool to your clothing for convenience, and my favorite bit, a removable replaceable blade that you can change whenever the old one gets dull… so you spend less time sharpening your blade and more time using it instead.

2. 8-in-1 EDC Multitool Scissors by Eiger Design

The world of EDC goes well beyond just knives. It also includes tools, fidget toys, stationery, wallets even… but you’ll be hard-pressed to find an EDC scissor, yet here we are. Perfect for indoor and outdoor culinary adventures, this 8-in-1 EDC Scissor comes apart to double as a set of knives… but what’s more interesting is the fact that it also has a built-in bottle opener, can opener, nut-cracker, and even a fire-starter, all in one handy package. Quite like the M-Stand from before that splits into two, this pair of scissors can separate into its individual halves, giving you two knives, and a variety of multitools on demand. Put them back together and the hefty scissors can cut through hard materials like cured meats too, while also relying on a serrated mid-section to crack through walnuts.

Click Here to Buy Now: $59

Why is it noteworthy?

This gizmo is the kind your kitchen couldn’t live without, but it’s also perfect for outdoor cooking on a camping trip. Use it as a single scissor, two handheld knives, or by its whole gamut of features… the 8-in-1 EDC Scissors get points for being clever, practical, and reinventing an aspect of life that isn’t just outdoor/lifestyle. Pair it with Uphold’s travel cutlery for the ultimate cooking experience outdoors! Oh, and if you’re looking to buy your own pair of scissors, we recommend checking out the YD Store.

3. Septimo Multi-tool by Jeremy Valdez for CRKT

The CRKT Septimo Multi-Tool may appear to be your typical pocket knife, but it’s ingeniously designed to offer far more than just a flipper blade. Crafted to combine compactness, ergonomic comfort, and a rich array of features, this versatile tool was conceived by Jeremy Valdez, a seasoned member of the 7th Special Forces Group. Inspired by his vision of the perfect everyday carry multitool, the Septimo (which translates to ‘Seventh’ in Spanish) boasts a 2.86-inch fold-out American Tanto blade with a secure liner-lock mechanism. It also includes a built-in bottle opener, a dual-purpose flathead and Phillips head screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, and a handy glass-breaker tip for those tricky situations. Plus, with its convenient pocket clip, you can keep your Septimo Multi-Tool easily accessible, ensuring you’re always prepared for a wide range of everyday situations.

Why is it noteworthy?

Necessity may be the mother of invention, but for the Septimo Multitool, it was more like a strong survival instinct. The origin story of the Septimo is probably the wildest thing you’ll ever hear. A member of the 7th Special Forces, Jeremy Valdez was posted in Afghanistan in 2009 when his helicopter crashed during a combat operation. In the heat of the moment, Valdez realized that the tools he had at the time failed miserably at real-world applications when it came to prying open fuselage, cutting harnesses, and freeing his fellow soldiers from the blazing, mangled chopper wreckage. Some people live in the trauma of such incidents, but not Valdez. He went to the drawing board and came up with the Septimo – a tribute to his fallen brothers and sisters, and an EDC so capable it has literal military experience.

4. Rike Knife S05 by Rike Knife

This knife almost won Best EDC of the Year for just how bonkers-beautiful it is. Intricate to the point of being absolutely impossible to counterfeit, the Rike Knife S05 has one of the most unique Damascus blades we’ve ever seen. In fact, I can say with a degree of confidence that I’ve never seen a blade this beautiful. With a dizzyingly detailed pattern that’s brought about by using different grades of metal that are hammered, forged, and acid-etched to reveal the marbled texture, the S05’s blade is a literal work of art. It sports a clip-point design that folds into a titanium handle that has a marbled pocket clip too. The price of such beauty? Well, given that you’re paying for top-tier craftsmanship, the $550 price tag doesn’t really hurt as much.

Why is it noteworthy?

I’m going to sound like an absolute broken record at this point, but that Damascus blade has my heart. Almost like a piece of psychedelic art, it has something hidden in every corner, from checkers and strips to even Japanese symbols. Oh, and as far as the blade’s sharpness goes, it has a viciously sharp edge that cuts through materials like they’re made of butter.

5. KeyMaster by EDC Monster

I’d like to think that the KeyMaster is key-shaped because of its sheer ability to ‘unlock’ any kind of real or metaphorical door that holds you back. Sure, the key-shaped design means it’s the ideal size to fit on your keychain, but let’s also acknowledge the fact that this key-sized EDC has 14 different tools built in, including multiple wrenches for bicycle spokes as well as hex nuts, a few popular screwdrivers, a fold-out scalpel blade, a bottle opener, and even a miniature scale that has BOTH metric as well as imperial measurements.

Why is it noteworthy?

It’s small enough to sit on your keychain, weighs a paltry 29 grams (1 ounce), and is made from the most durable metal known to mankind. What’s not to love?! The KeyMaster is a handy-dandy EDC for when you need to perform minor repairs or when you need a small knife to cut open boxes, slice paracord, whittle wood, or defend yourself. And when you’re done, crack open a brewski with the built-in bottle opener!

6. Folding Travel Cutlery Kit by Uphold Living

The problem with travel cutlery is that in the interest of portability, it often makes a few unfortunate trade-offs. Take the spork, for instance… a two-in-one piece of cutlery that saves material/space, but is just an odd contraption that nobody loves to use. The Uphold Travel Cutlery Kit possesses the unique distinction of being a rather no-compromise solution. Designed to be as small as a bunch of credit cards, this kit contains not one, not two, but three cutlery sets that you can use just as you would the ones at home. The Uphold kit features a working spoon, fork, and knife that sit flat when not in use, but curve to assume their ergonomic shape when you need them, thanks to clever design and the use of flexible materials at exactly the right points, while relying on food-grade titanium alloy and aluminum alloy for the rest.

Why is it noteworthy?

Single-use plastic spoons and forks are a menace. Not just for the environment, which they pollute by thousands of tonnes every year, but also for humans. Why? Because flimsy plastic spoons and forks don’t offer any robust functionality at all. They bend and flex when you try to cut through food, and they’ll melt if your gravies are too hot. Uphold’s alternative is vastly better. Not only is it made from durable metals like titanium, but it’s also designed to be compact when tucked away, and incredibly functional when you need to dig into your food. The full-length design gives you all the convenience you need while you eat, and the fact that you’ve got a separate knife, fork, and spoon means no more dealing with that spork nonsense.

7. Typhoeus Morphing Knife by CIVIVI

We’re big fans of CIVIVI’s knives in general, but when I laid our eyes on the Typhoeus for the first time, I honestly felt my jaw drop a little. The Typhoeus isn’t your conventional folding knife, because it has a handle that folds too. Once you flip the blade out, you can either use it as a conventional clip-point knife, or fold the handle further to turn it into a push-dagger. This unique format gives you two knives, a conventional one and a hardcore tactical one, so you can cut open boxes and defend yourself with equal effectiveness. The Typhoeus features a 14C28N steel blade sitting within a G10 handle, but our eyes are on the Damascus steel variant that gets an upgraded aluminum handle for a more robust experience.

Why is it noteworthy?

The novel format is exciting and really reinvents a category (knives) that doesn’t see too much out-of-the-box thinking as far as mechanisms are concerned. Plus, with the Typhoeus you really get two knives for the price of one, and that itself should be enough to convince the moderate skeptic!

8. A2 Badger OTF Knife by Tekto Knives

Another one of our favorites remains Tekto’s OTF range. In a world where most portable knives have blades that swivel inwards and outwards, Tekto’s OTF (or Out The Front) knives shoot outwards when you hit the switch on top. The A2 Badger grabbed our eye this year for how compact yet capable it was. It eschewed the spear-point edge seen on most OTF blades for an American Tanto-style blade, crafted from titanium-coated D2 steel, and features a glass-breaker tip on the reverse end of the handle, giving you a knife that’s dangerous from head to toe!

Why is it noteworthy?

We firmly believe that if you’re an EDC enthusiast or even an amateur collector, you NEED to have an OTF knife in your arsenal. The A2 Badger, to that degree, is perfectly compact, well-built, and designed to be reliable and last long. The titanium-coated blade holds its edge remarkably well, and that aluminum handle feels great in your grasp, whether it’s for cutting or for shattering even laminated glass. When all’s said and done, that pocket clip lets you slide your OTF knife right into your jacket or pants, for another day.

9. M-Stand Titanium Multitool by ActMax

The M-Stand proves that there’s always room for more features in an EDC. It might look like your conventional push-dagger, but the M-Stand, as its name suggests, also doubles as a stand for your smartphone or tablet simply by splitting it apart into its two halves. Neodymium magnets hold the two titanium halves together, giving you an EDC you can wear around your neck simply by sandwiching a chain between the left and right elements of the M-Stand. However, when you need to use its vast catalog of features, split it apart and you’ve got two knives that also have built-in features like hex wrenches, a bottle opener, a paracord cutter, pry-bar, fire starter, and the phone stand, as I mentioned earlier. Snap them back together and you’re armed with a rather capable spear-point push dagger that you can wear between your knuckles and use for everything from self-defense to shotgunning a beer-can!

Why is it noteworthy?

The beauty of the EDC industry is its rather low barrier to entry. Sure, you’ve got a few big-name brands that dominate the category, but then an independent small-time creator shows up with a novel design and a Kickstarter campaign, getting the entire EDC community excited to see something new. The M-Stand is that novel design. It’s unlike any multitool we’ve seen. It does its job well, and has a fidget-like quality that’ll have your hands and eyes falling in love with it every single day!

10. Batch #003 Knife by Leatherman

When it comes to multi-tools, Leatherman is practically a household name. Back in 1975, during a European holiday, Tim Leatherman and his wife Chau found themselves encountering leaky hotel plumbing and making roadside repairs to their temperamental Fiat. This experience sparked a brilliant idea that gave birth to the plier-based multitool – a remarkable innovation that Leatherman is renowned for pioneering. Based out of Portland, Oregon, the Leatherman company still champions this category as one of the most functional tools in their catalog, but earlier this year, the company developed a new kind of EDC that caught our fancy. The Batch #003 isn’t your everyday EDC knife. It comes with Leatherman’s proprietary interchangeable blade system. Press a button and you can pop out the old blade for a new one. Unlike most knives with replaceable standardized blades, Leatherman actually makes their own blades in-house, offering you a choice between a drop-point and a sheepsfoot blade, both made from 420HC stainless steel and completed with a stone-washed finish.

Why is it noteworthy?

Aside from being a gorgeous folding knife, the Batch #003’s proprietary blade-changing system sets a standard that I really hope more knives follow in the future. It’s difficult to sharpen some types of blades (especially serrated ones), and discarding a knife for just that fact seems like a truly wasted potential. Swapping blades is a great way to prolong a knife’s overall lifespan. Did I also mention that the Batch #003 comes with its own torx and bit drivers too? Just as a nifty cherry on the cake!

The post Best of EveryDay Carry – Yanko Design Awards 2023 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Even with all the advice to drink plenty of water each day, few people actually pay attention to what they drink. Even fewer, unfortunately, pay attention to what they’re drinking from. Glassware is common in some homes and fine dining, but you’re more likely to see plastic vessels everywhere else. This synthetic material does have its advantages, especially when it comes to durability, but its harmful effects on the environment have already piled up. Fortunately, you can have your personal cup and drink from it, too, thanks to the fusion of innovative, earth-friendly materials and simple yet elegant design, giving birth to this sustainable tumbler that brings a profound experience to every sip.

Designer: PAPLUS

Click Here to Buy Now: $22.50 $25 (10% off at checkout).

There are many plant-derived synthetic resins available today, but the most popular among them is PLA or polylactic acid, a thermoplastic derived from the lactic acid of fermented corn starch and sugar cane juice, among other natural sources. PAPLUS is a new type of thermoplastic resin that mixes biodegradable paper to add the heat resistance, durability, and moldability that normal PLA lacks. And from this innovative material, this earth-friendly tumbler is born.

Unlike the artificial smoothness of plastic, the PAPLUS Tumbler’s use of this environment-friendly material creates a unique texture that can be compared to ceramic or wooden cups. Each sip brings not only a wonderful flavor to your tongue but also an engaging sensation to your lips, elevating the act of drinking to a new level of sensory experience. Thanks to the heat resistance of 120°C, you can enjoy that moment whether your favorite drink is piping-hot cocoa or ice-cold barley tea.

This plastic-free drinking device doesn’t just mimic the sensation of elegant cups, it even looks the part as well. Using black pigments dissolved in harmless urethane, the tumbler achieves a matte black coating on the outside that looks naturally glossy without using blasting methods. The inside retains the PAPLUS’ natural brownish color and texture to yield a distinctive two-tone design. Over time, the color does become uneven and fade from use, revealing the individuality of the owner through the unique wear patterns that set it apart from each and every tumbler.

This tumbler’s commitment to protecting the environment extends to its packaging, made from 100% recycled paper from old newspapers and magazines. And, when it finally reaches the end of its service, the biodegradable tumbler can be treated as burnable waste or, better yet, recycled for a different purpose. With this elegant earth-friendly tumbler, each drink becomes not only a toast to memories but also a toast to the planet’s longer life.

Click Here to Buy Now: $22.50 $25 (10% off at checkout).

The post These earth-friendly sustainable cups add joy to every drink without harming the planet first appeared on Yanko Design.

In today’s interconnected digital age, memes have become a language of their own, transcending traditional forms of communication and bridging gaps between introverts and extroverts alike. These quirky, often relatable snippets of humor have the power to create communities founded on shared interests and a collective sense of amusement. Riding this wave of contemporary culture, numerous clothing brands have tapped into the world of memes, leveraging their relevance to create products that resonate with meme-loving audiences. Notably, even iconic brands like Adidas have embraced this trend, blending the worlds of memes and fashion in unexpected and delightful ways.

Designer: Adidas

As the world navigated through the challenges of the COVID-19 era, The Simpsons emerged as a symbol of intrigue and even anticipation due to some strikingly coincidental plotlines. The show’s memes, characterized by their widespread relevance and global reach, have cemented The Simpsons’ place in the modern cultural landscape. Leveraging this phenomenon, Adidas has made a shrewd move by selecting a character that seamlessly integrates with its signature color palette and appeals to the meme-loving crowd.

Adidas has seamlessly woven the iconic world of The Simpsons into its renowned Stan Smith sneakers, creating a symbiotic fusion that transcends fashion trends. Following in the footsteps of Marge Simpson, who previously adorned the tennis shoe with her distinctive blue hair, the spotlight is now on her lovable yet hapless husband, Homer. This evolution feels like a natural progression that elicits enthusiastic shouts of “D’oh!” from fans and enthusiasts alike.

Homer Simpson, renowned for his eccentric escapades and endearing quirks, Homer’s iconic presence has been imprinted onto the timeless silhouette of Adidas’ Stan Smith sneakers. With a keen sense of aesthetics, Adidas has masterfully incorporated one of Homer Simpson’s most famous scenes into its design, a scene where Homer backs into a bush, instantly recognizable to meme enthusiasts worldwide.

The classic vegan leather silhouette of the Stan Smith sneaker retains its minimalist charm, but now, the heel tab is transformed into a canvas for creative expression. An embroidered artwork of Homer Simpson’s unmistakable silhouette, retreating into a lush backdrop of green fleece, adds a playful twist to the classic design. This ingenious integration of a meme-worthy moment transforms the sneaker into a conversation starter, a piece of wearable art that encapsulates humor and style.

Homer’s humor-laden face peeks out from underneath the laces of the shoe’s tongue, a cheeky update that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone who notices. Even the sides of the shoe don’t escape the Simpson treatment; the Stan Smith logo is playfully replaced with Homer’s name, further solidifying the marriage between sneaker and meme.

The attention to detail is paramount, extending beyond the shoes themselves. Custom sock liners adorned with memorable Simpsons characters and a specially designed box that pays homage to the iconic meme complete the package. Even Adidas’ trademark triple stripes are ingeniously incorporated into the design, now an integral part of the foliage that surrounds Homer’s animated escapade.

With a price tag of $120, these Simpson-themed Stan Smith sneakers offer more than just footwear; they embody a cultural shift where fashion, humor, and shared experiences intertwine. Available for purchase through Adidas retailers and online platforms, these sneakers serve as a testament to Adidas’ ability to capture the zeitgeist while maintaining its classic appeal.

In a world where memes have become a modern form of communication, Adidas has not only recognized their significance but has artfully transformed this digital language into tangible fashion. By embracing the universality of memes and harnessing the enduring appeal of The Simpsons, Adidas has once again solidified its place as a trailblazer in merging contemporary culture with timeless style. So, for all the meme lovers out there, it’s time to lace up in a pair of Homer Simpson Stan Smiths and stride confidently into a world where fashion, humor, and iconic moments collide.

The post Adidas Allows Homer Simpson To Take Center Stage on Stan Smith Sneakers first appeared on Yanko Design.

As we spend plenty of time indoors, there has been a significant shift in how we live. Therefore, it is essential to transform our homes into healthy, toxin-free, and safe havens. Unfortunately, different types of toxins present in the indoor air tend to harm and have adverse effects on the health and well-being of its occupants in the long run. Here are some tips to combat pollutants and reduce our exposure to them. Although it is impossible to create a chemical-free home overnight, with little effort, we can have a more sustainable lifestyle, eliminate chemicals from our day-to-day life and strive towards creating a healthier lifestyle.

1. Avoid Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs

Volatile organic compounds are gases that can escape from certain materials and finish into the surrounding air and may adversely affect our health.

• VOCs are commonly found in products that we use on a day-to-day basis. They are present in paint, air fresheners, floor cleaners, wood preservatives, carpets, adhesives, wall coverings, and so on.
• It is highly recommended to read the label before purchasing new things and opt for products with low VOCs.
• Go for zero VOC wall paints, as most paints, stains, thinners, and pressed wood furniture emit dangerous toxins benzene, toluene, xylene, and methylene chloride. These toxins form a major class of indoor air pollutants, as they tend to emit toxic gasses for months or years, causing irritation and health problems.
• Invest in wooden furniture or glass and metal pieces that emit low VOCs. Plywood, pressed wood, particle board, and medium-density fiberboard used in most furniture today are generally treated with formaldehyde. It is a suspected carcinogen that emits toxic fumes for as long as five years.
• Avoid using non-stick Teflon cookware as it comprises Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFCs). When those pans get scratched, the chipping of the coating can get released into our food. In addition, Teflon tends to off-gas at a high cooking temperature and releases dangerous fumes when overheated. Use safe options like stainless steel, iron, glass, and ceramic baking dishes.
• Say no to plastic shower curtains, as they release a lot of VOCs. We can replace this with a PVC-free or vinyl-free shower curtain. It is better to install a glass shower panel and use silicone mats instead of vinyl bath mats.

Click Here to Buy Now: Iron Frying Plate ($69)

2. Reduce Plastic

Plastic is dangerous as it is non-biodegradable, does not break down, and harms the planet. In addition, plastic packaging is unstable, and plastic can easily migrate into food or drink.

• Replace plastic containers with glass jar containers as they are easy to clean, and it is easy to see the contents inside. Glass can be used for heating food inside the microwave. Keep in mind that even BPA-free plastic can leach harmful chemicals into the food and contaminate it when heated.
• Another practical kitchen alternative is to replace plastic wrap with beeswax wrap.

• Consider bulk buying in refillable containers and reusable bags for grocery shopping.
• Swap single-use plastic utensils with steel cutlery and replace plastic spatulas with wooden options.

Click Here to Buy Now: Sustainable Cutlery Set ($49)

3. Bring in Maximum Light and Ventilation

Good airflow and ventilation are one of the simplest ways to create a healthy home.

• Regularly open the doors and windows daily to eliminate indoor air pollutants and bring in the natural freshness of the outdoors.
• It is a great way to eliminate odors, water vapor, and pollution and replace it with fresh air.
• Install exhaust fans in the bathroom, kitchen, and storerooms, as they help eliminate trapped smoke and moldy air.

Designer: Ignacio Rojas Hirigoyen Architects and The Andes House

4. Invest in HEPA Filters

Ensure that all the home appliances like vacuum cleaners and air purifiers have HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air).

• A vacuum cleaner is efficient in trapping air pollutants, allergens, and dust particles and purifying the air from harmful particles. Note that dust comprises dust mites, and chemicals tend to latch on the dust.

Tip: Have a shoe-free home and place a doormat at the home’s entrance so it can form the first line of defense. The dirt from shoes is full of dust and bacteria, so one must always take off shoes at the door and use different footwear indoors.

• Air purifiers effectively eliminate dust, mold, formaldehyde, pet dander, and pollen.

Click Here to Buy Now: BRIIV Air Filter ($339.66)

5. Go for Environmentally Friendly Products

Reduce the use of chemicals in your home by going for eco-friendly products that are good for our health and the environment.

• Replace chemical products with organic ones as they allow us to breathe easier. Some household remedies include using white vinegar to remove mold, applying toothpaste for cleaning silverware, and making your cleaner with vinegar and baking soda.
• Baking Soda is an excellent natural deodorizer that can eliminate clinging odors from carpets. To neutralize and deodorize your carpet or upholstered furniture, sprinkle some baking soda, let it sit for some time, and then vacuum it up.

Click Here to Buy Now: Miniature Bonfire Wood Diffuser Set ($99)

6. Choose Organic Products

Switch from synthetic products to natural materials and fibers.

• Materials like bamboo and natural linoleum made from linseed oil are a perfect alternative for flooring. Natural fiber carpeting such as wool, sisal, cotton, or jute that are made with solvent-free adhesives provides a healthier flooring alternative.
• Invest in an organic mattress and pillow so one does not inhale or absorb harmful chemicals, as our head and body are in direct contact with this material. One can also go for an organic mattress topper as a barrier between conventional and bedsheets. Conventional mattresses are primarily made of polyurethane foam, dyes, flame retardants, and adhesives that may contribute to releasing VOC chemicals into the air. So opt for natural latex- or coir-based mattresses that are manufactured using a chemical-free process. Avoid a synthetic pillow and opt for an organic raw infill material like natural latex, organic cotton, or kapok.
• Processed food can contain chemicals and pesticides, so replace them with whole organic foods. Most of the contents of canned food are full of chemical additives used to increase the shelf life.
• Go for safe personal skincare and beauty products manufactured with safe ingredients that are not harmful to the body. Only use deodorants free of chemicals like parabens, phthalates, triclosan, and aluminum.
• Conventional wax candles are made with synthetic fragrance and paraffin wax, a by-product of petroleum jelly with the natural smell of beeswax with essential oils. Alternatively, go for an essential oil diffuser for your home.

Click Here to Buy Now: Shrooly ($299)

7. Control Dampness

Check the growth of mold and mildew by controlling dampness, as it is a health hazard that can cause various respiratory infections or allergies.

• Good ventilation can control and decrease the moisture levels within the home.
• Fix leaky pipes or cracks that may allow water penetration from outdoors to indoors.

Designer: Jiaming Liu

8. Introduce Indoor Plants

Create a beautiful connection with plants to enliven the space; it is a natural way of bringing in more oxygen indoors.

• Houseplants have excellent air purifying properties and can purify indoor air from pollutants and other toxins like mold spores, bacteria and other microorganisms, and VOCs.
• Some of the air purifying plants by NASA include Boston fern and spider plants, which can also boost the well-being of your home.
• Choose low-maintenance indoor plants that require less watering.

Click Here to Buy Now: LetPot LPH-Max ($229)

Go ahead and enjoy a chemical-free home sans toxins and harmful elements that may harm your loved ones.

The post 8 Ways to a healthier and toxic-free home first appeared on Yanko Design.

When you’re cutting and slicing through ingredients for your next dish, what your knife looks like might be the least of your concerns as long as it’s sharp and effective. Expert (and not to mention well-funded) chefs might have their favorite set of knives that are almost always on display because of their looks, but most people probably don’t have access to such exquisite tools, mostly because most kitchen knives aren’t exactly designed to look elegant. It’s almost as if there was a dichotomy between function and design, and you only had to choose one or the other. That isn’t the case, of course, and these handsome kitchen knives prove that you can have a sharp cutting edge with sharp looks to go along with it.

Click Here to Buy Now: $99.

Since kitchen knives always get stained and dirty, some people probably don’t care about how they look as long as they get the job done. That kind of mentality has been pervasive in many industries but is also slowly changing to become more conscious about design and aesthetics. With many tools for office and crafts becoming more visually appealing, it’s really only a matter of time before the humble kitchen knife gets its time in the spotlight.

NiNJA’s fashionable kitchen knives are definitely attention-grabbing, particularly because of their black blades. A color that has always been associated with looking smart and sophisticated, it gives the knives a simple yet effective upgrade when it comes to looking cool and modern. There is almost no other embellishment on the blade other than the discreet “i” logo, removing any potential distraction. Like a ninja hiding in the shadows or a secret agent in a black suit, these knives stealthily move in for the kill, cutting ingredients with precision and grace.

The dark knives aren’t just for show, of course. The blades are made of molybdenum vanadium steel, known for its highly durable sharpness, and is coated with titanium for increased wear resistance. The knives are made in Seki in Japan, a city steeped in Japanese sword crafting tradition and is one of the world’s knife manufacturers. Unlike mass-produced kitchen knives, however, each blade from this collection is made one by one by an experienced craftsman, delivering a higher level of quality than what you’d see and experience from dull-looking knives.

Whether you’re cutting meat with the Santoku, rock chopping with the Gyuto, or peeling vegetables with the Petty, these dark knives will allow you to slice through food prep like a master swordsman. And whether you’re still in the middle of your fancy hand movements or have finished cleaning up and setting aside your weapons, these stylish blades will definitely make you the center of attention and envy of others with sharp but boring cutting tools.

Click Here to Buy Now: $99.

The post Feel like a ninja master in the kitchen with these black kitchen knives first appeared on Yanko Design.

Many people have fun fantasies of eating outdoors, whether it’s at a campsite or just in your backyard. Most, however, only imagine the actual act of eating and socializing, but not what happens before and after that. Unless you’re a blue-blooded fan of grilles and barbecues, you probably aren’t too fond of the preparation and the actual cooking parts of the experience. And no one probably looks forward to the cleanup afterward. Cooking and cleaning are, of course, inevitable even when indoors, so the trick is to actually make those activities easier, usually by having good tools for the job. You might have smart ovens or multi-purpose cookware indoors, but this modular charcoal griller has you covered outdoors, including when it’s time to finally clean up the mess.

Designer: Hayanako Kenko

Click Here to Buy Now: $449.

When people think of cooking outdoors, they often presume it’s all about grills, mostly because it’s the most common type of cooking you can’t conveniently do indoors. Of course, that’s probably not the only kind of food you’d want to eat, but other styles of cooking would require other cookware and, consequently, a larger space. The +Base modular griller, however, supports almost any kind of cooking you’d want, from frying (teppanyaki), smoking, stewing, grilling, or even keeping wine warm.

All of these happen on a griller that can sit on top of a table, its compact body making it perfect for carrying around and storing in small spaces. Made by a small family-owned Japanese factory that specializes in sheet metal fabrication, the All-in-One Grill is carefully designed to maximize the limited amount of space available, like small grooves on the grill’s frame that keep the skewers in place. The wooden base that protects tables from the grill’s hot bottom also acts as a lid when the griller has to be stowed away.

As the name suggests, the secret to the griller’s multi-functional talent is its modularity. Despite its small size, it includes a grill and grill net, a pot with a cover, an iron plate for frying, a steamer and smoker, and a specialized pot for keeping sake or mulled wine warm. It’s simple to mix and match the parts that you want for the kind of food you need, from steaming vegetables and dim sum to smoking fish or cheese to even enjoying a sip of warm wine to complement the dishes.

The modular griller is designed for maximum efficiency despite its small size. Working with either charcoal or wood, the clever ventilation system allows air to circulate properly while cooking. Handles on the grill frame as well as the pots make it convenient to pick up the griller for easy transportation. And since it’s made of multiple small parts, it’s almost trivial to clean each piece rather than fumbling around washing a large grill.

Cooking outdoors to share a meal with family and friends should be enjoyable from start to finish. While you do still need to actually cook food, this modular griller takes some of the stress out by offering cookware that you can place on top of almost any table. And since it’s easy to clean, everyone can pitch in to wash a part of the set, potentially turning even that chore into a fun experience.

Click Here to Buy Now: $449.

The post This tiny modular tabletop griller lets you cook in 7 different ways, making outdoor cooking fun again first appeared on Yanko Design.

Extreme weather and natural disasters are becoming frighteningly more common these days, so preparedness for any eventuality is no longer really optional. People are advised to have an emergency “go bag” always ready with important supplies and tools that will help them survive a disaster or a few nights in an evacuation center. One of those essential survival tools, whether for emergencies or camping, is a flashlight, but the harsh directed light that it produces isn’t always ideal in all situations. When you need a softer light to illuminate an area, you’ll probably reach out for a lantern instead, and this handy, space-saving lantern kit ensures that you’ll always have one in your bag and within reach whenever you need it.

Designer: Yuji Yanagisawa

Click Here to Buy Now: $39.

Flashlights, especially the smaller LED ones, are great for shining light on a specific spot, not so much for lighting up a room, a tent, or shared space in some evacuation center. The bright, directed beams of flashlights can, in fact, be harmful, intrusive, or even disconcerting for people seeking shelter from an emergency. A lantern would be the best solution, but even the smallest ones are bulky and take up space inside your go bag. Some creative people place a PET bottle with water on top of a flashlight to diffuse the brightness, but that setup is flimsy, inconvenient, and not always possible in some circumstances.

With those limitations and ideas in mind, designer Yuji Yanagisawa envisioned the Tomori Lantern Kit. Rather than providing a ready-made lantern, Tomori is actually a kit that lets you quickly set up a lantern and then quickly put it away when you no longer need it. The best parts about this lantern kit are that it takes up almost no space when collapsed and can also use any conventional flashlight that can fit inside its clamps.

The base of the kit is a foldable cardboard piece that serves as the flashlight holder and stable structure of the lamp. The kit comes with a rather nondescript LED flashlight that you can use on its own when not docked inside the lantern. In fact, the cardboard base can hold any cylindrical flashlight that is less than 30mm in diameter and 160mm in length. This means that you can use the same flashlight for the lantern as well as for typical uses, or you can have a set of backup flashlights when one’s battery goes empty.

A lantern wouldn’t be a lantern without a lamp shade, of course, and the kit comes in three varieties. Gray/Gradient tries to mimic a more traditional lantern look, with a gray cardboard base and a yellowish plastic shade reminiscent of well-used vintage lanterns. Blue/Stripe has a more modern aesthetic, sporting a blue interior and a translucent plastic cover with thin white stripes encompassing the lantern. Last but definitely not least, Yellow/Cross adds a bit of visual flair with a yellow body and a clear lampshade marked by crisscrossing lines.

The entire kit, excluding the flashlight, folds down to a flat A4-sized package, perfect for stashing in bags or drawers, ready for use in an emergency. While the design and purpose of the lantern kit were originally intended for those emergencies, its usefulness extends far beyond dire situations. It can be used for camping, for example, as long as you keep it out of the rain, or it can be used to gently light a room at night. Its open design makes it possible not only to use different flashlights but also to create different lampshades of your own. The lantern kit’s simplicity belies its sophisticated design and flexibility, promising you a stress-free night in the darkness, wherever you may be.

Click Here to Buy Now: $39.

The post This collapsible lantern kit is the only light you need to keep the darkness at bay – indoors well as outdoors first appeared on Yanko Design.

Escaping the city is easy when you have a clean, green, and quiet power you can rely on to continue living the modern lifestyle.

Power banks or battery packs have almost become a necessity these days for any digital nomad, but those small boxes of energy can only go so far. While camping (or glamping) or during emergencies and power outages, you will need a lot more power to drive small appliances or even just charge your faithful MacBook. That’s where Bluetti’s wide assortment of portable power stations come in, offering large batteries that can even power your house in a pinch. Admittedly, these huge boxes aren’t something you’ll want to buy on a whim, but the company’s latest seasonal promos knock down those prices, so you’ll have fewer excuses not to prepare for a rainy or dark day.

Designer: Bluetti

Click Here to Buy Now: Up to $400 off. Hurry, Easter sale ends on April 18!

AC300+B300 Combo – Expandable Power Center

The Bluetti AC300 and its B300 battery module partner are the company’s current champions, offering power and flexibility in the combination you want or need. The AC300 is a 3000W Pure Sine AC inverter that allows you to power even the most demanding appliances. It doesn’t come with its own battery, though, but you can connect up to four of these 3,027 Wh B300 modules. You can even connect two such combinations for a whopping 24,576Wh or 6000W 24V of power to run the whole house. And thanks to its modular nature, you decide just how many modules you want to connect, making it easier to move them around the house or outdoors as needed.

AC200MAX – Versatile Power Monster

The Bluetti AC200 MAX walks the middle ground by containing its own 2,048Wh battery. It’s larger than the AC300 because of that, but it also means you can use it standalone. You can, however, also connect up to two B230 or B300 battery modules when you need more power. Just like its more flexible sibling, the AC200 MAX can power multiple devices or appliances at the same time, thanks to its 16 outputs ranging from AC outlets to USB-C ports.

EP500 – Unparalleled Power Backup

If portability isn’t too much of a concern, the Bluetti EP500 promises to be the only home emergency power backup you’ll ever need, especially with its large 5,100Wh capacity. As big as a suitcase, and thankfully also with wheels, this movable power station can be connected to our house’s main grid so it can kick in the moment power goes down. Bluetti’s Fusion Box lets you connect two of these together for the ultimate home power supply.

EB70 – Pack Lighter, Travel Further

In contrast, the EB55 and EB70 go the opposite extreme and come in Bluetti’s most portable sizes. Providing 537Wh and 716Wh of power, respectively, these lighter batteries offer enough juice for a quick, relaxing trip outdoors. Like all of Bluetti’s power stations, these can be charged with solar energy, so you won’t have to worry about the power station itself running out in the middle of nowhere. In fact, Bluetti is also putting its new PV350 Solar Panel on a discount, guaranteeing 350W of power on a sunny day, and won’t break a sweat on cloudy ones.

This Easter, Bluetti is offering big price cuts for these products to help you prepare for worst-case scenarios or simply be more confident and less stressed when spending days away from a wall socket. The AC300 and two B300 batteries, for example, will go for only $5,399 ($400 off a regular $5,799), while a single B300 battery module will cost only $1,899 after a $100 discount. The PV200 Solar Panel is normally $499 but is $70 off at $429 during that promo period. With Bluetti’s product line, you don’t only get the power you need to live off the grid, you also have the choice to go completely green, thanks to solar panels that will charge these clean and quiet power generators.

Click Here to Buy Now: Up to $400 off. Hurry, Easter sale ends on April 18!

The post Bluetti 2022 Easter Bundle will help you leave off the grid in the years to come first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sure, you’ve got pens that can write in zero gravity… but can your pen defy gravity on earth?? Meet the pen that quite literally floats in mid-air while docked in its unique ‘anti-gravity’ pen stand.

Designed as what I assume is the world’s first and only ‘sci fi’ pen, the Levitating Pen is a marvel of engineering as it floats within its gravity-defying stand, looking almost like something out of an alien’s spaceship. The pen itself is a remarkable writing instrument, equipped with a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge for a smooth, luxurious writing experience, however, when you’re taking a break from writing, the pen doesn’t just simply go into a pencil-case or a pen-stand. The Levitating Pen comes with its own magnetic stand that allows it to rest in an inclined position with its tip touching the pen-stand, without tipping over. Magnets within the pen-stand’s arc-shaped guardrail help the pen hover on its own, resting on just one point. The magnetic forces also cause the pen to gently sway up and down or even spin on its axis, resulting in an experience that feels metaphorically and literally out of this world!

Click Here to Buy Now: $99

The Levitating Pen may be a writing instrument, but it’s first and foremost a tabletop show-stopper. Designed to be less like the Bic ballpoint pen you buy and forget about, and more like an incredibly premium Mont Blanc pen you carefully place on your office table, the pen has a charming, fidget-ish quality that is sure to attract your eyes and fingers. Docking the pen in its stand feels almost like docking a space-pod in the hull of a spaceship. There’s a satisfying pull that causes the pen to slip out of your hand and automatically align with the magnetic rim of the stand. In fact, even spinning the Levitating Pen in place will cause it to rotate on its own for 20-ish seconds afterwards, giving the pen a wonderful interactive quality.

Resisting gravity at a 23.5 degree angle.

A simple twist will send the pen spinning for up to 20 seconds in flawless, kinetic motion.

A study by Harvard Business Review found that frequently interrupting your brainstorming with consistent micro-breaks resulted in more idea generation than no breaks. Every now and then, take a moment out of your day, spin the pen, and boost your creativity like never before.

Inspired by the shape of famous science fiction spacecraft such as the USS Enterprise, Naboo Starships, and Interstellar’s Ranger spacecraft.

The pen body is crafted from a single piece of aircraft grade aluminum.

Designed to last for decades.

Soft and gentle to the touch, the pen was designed to make long, strenuous writing sessions feel light and enjoyable.

Just holding the pen a small distance from the lid is enough for the cap to get sucked onto the pen.

Equipped with Schmidt ballpoint cartridges, the German-engineered luxury standard in ballpoint pens. Versatile yet flexible, no spills, no spotting, and definitely no explosions.

Simply pull out the cartridge using the included pincher tool and re-insert any D1 sized refill.

The Levitating Pen comes in a space-black and a silver variant, along with the levitating magnetic stand. You can find the pen in all its glory on our newly opened YD Select store – our one-stop destination for creative, well-designed stationery, gadgets, and objets d’art. Free shipping on orders above $200.

Click Here to Buy Now: $99

The post This space-inspired pen levitates magically in its docking station, looking absolutely out of this world! first appeared on Yanko Design.