Heal’s is to host the third edition of Green Grads, the initiative to showcase UK graduates meeting environmental challenges head on.
The Green Grads Hub at Heal’s will occupy the third floor of The Manufactory, at the chain’s Tottenham Court Road, London flagship store from 16-18 September.
The exhibition will present final projects from a 2023 cohort of around 50 graduates, addressing a wide range of eco-issues, from climate, carbon and waste to nurturing nature.
Inventions include printing with bacteria, a paint that guzzles carbon, and an elegant chair with a seaweed seat. Multiple and beautiful new objects made from waste include a table and kitchen utensils from discarded denim, a light from broken pots, and chandeliers from junked prosecco and beer bottles. There are new ways for waste wool and timber, and old tennis balls become a sophisticated seat. Fabrics are coloured with natural dyes and several projects celebrate truly local production.
A not-for-profit enterprise, Green Grads is financed by industry contributors, including Heal’s (for the third year running) and headline sponsor, Design Centre Chelsea Harbour (pictured).
‘Our vision is to fuel UK environmental action with new talent from UK universities. It is inspiring and humbling to witness the skills, enthusiasm and dogged commitment of our emerging designers, taking responsibility for the future of the planet. We are a showcase, but also a call to action We are so very grateful for the generosity of Heal’s, General Projects and KKR. For without their support, we could not provide a platform like this for our graduates, who are fighting for a better world,’ says Barbara Chandler, Gren Grads founder.
‘We are delighted to be hosting the Green Grads Hub this year. It is a fantastic initiative, not only in the way it creates a unique opportunity for recent graduates to showcase their talents and ideas, but also in raising awareness of the important issues we, as industry leaders, need to address,’ says Hamish Mansbridge, Heal’s ceo.
