Green Leap OtherWondersMFG
OtherWondersMFG is a design studio with a focus on sustainability. Previously with Monmade, owner Carl Bajandas offered custom design and fabrication of products, including unique railings and fixtures. Applying handcrafted and sustainable techniques to digital design and fabrication, Carl now expands his studio by offering a standard line of furniture and home goods.
New Products Coming Soon
Debuting with Monmade — April 2023
Realized through Green Leap, OtherWondersMFG’s standard collection explores intentional design and simplicity through functional, durable wood pieces, like seating and tables. Made from locally sourced, responsibly harvested wood, OtherWondersMFG furniture is finished with a zero-VOC, UV-cured finish made from sustainably derived vegetable oil, locally harvested wax, and alcohol.
“I want to create products with a life cycle of generations, not years. I intend to develop green products utilizing a local supply chain in addition to sustainable production and finishing methods.”
– Carl Bajandas
OtherWondersMFG‘s originally prototyped designs include variable height stools (shown here). The seating offers bar and counter height options and a low stool that can double as an end table. Now Carl is prototyping coffee, work, and dining tables for OtherWondersMFG’s collection. He is also exploring additional decorative options, including modern painted edge details. The finalized furniture will debut in April at our premiere Green Leap design industry event.
While Carl is now focusing on his studio’s standard product line, Monmade has worked with OtherWondersMFG, developing custom design solutions for our clients. Our project portfolio showcases his design expertise and craftsmanship, which are echoed in his Green Leap products.
sustainablyMonmade Insights
Through our assessment of his studio and production manufacturing practices, OtherWondersMFG achieves four of Monmade’s six dimensions of sustainability: environment, climate, human health, and social equity.
Learn more about Monmade’s holistic approach to sustainability.
Monmade’s holistic approach to sustainability is described by our Dimensions of Sustainability. Rooted in our team’s knowledge of responsible manufacturing processes for small businesses, our six defined dimensions inform our assessments of artisan producers and their products. Our producers and their products achieve a dimension when they meet one or more of that dimension’s defined criteria.
Using sustainable materials including recycled, reclaimed, or bio-based materials, prioritizing sustainable vendors and local sourcing, minimizing environmental impact of facility and/or manufacturing waste, publicizing sustainability practices, planning for responsible growth
Manufacturing at and/or within 100 miles of primary business location, using renewable energy sources, reducing energy consumption, reducing water consumption, measuring carbon footprint, seeking reduction of use of non-renewable resources
Products contributing to safe indoor and/or outdoor air quality, using low-to-zero VOC adhesives/sealants/finishes/paints, products comply with specific industry standards including UL and ADA, providing adequate safety and personal protection equipment for employees, safely using/storing/disposing of materials and/or finishes, using and/or encouraging green cleaning methods for products, recommending responsible installation and/or maintenance of products
Business is women and/or minority owned, workforce is more than 50% women and/or minorities, located in an LMI area, hiring local workforce, contributing portion of profits to charitable organizations, practicing public stewardship, offering employee benefits, providing wage transparency
Designing products for zero-impact, reuse, and the elimination of waste throughout the entire life-cycle of the product. A circular system often includes (but not limited to) using sustainable materials (e.g. bio-based, reclaimed), safe and efficient manufacturing, durability, using sustainable packaging materials, and a plan for end-of-life
Indicates when producers/products/ product components are independently certified/verified for their environmental attribute claims by a third-party organization; certifications/ verifications can be for single attribute claims such as FSC or multiple attribute claims such as EPD, HPD, and life-cycle analysis