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Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
In With The Recycled: Potato Head Launches Homeware Made From Waste
Photography: Adrian Morris; Courtesy of Desa Potato Head Do you ever think about what happens to a hotel's frayed bed linens or broken glass? At any other property, it will probably be thrown away and forgotten, but not at Desa Potato Head. The pioneering Indonesian hospitality brand, which is ranked 21st in the World's 50 Best Hotels list, likes doing things differently. It all began with the standout Potato Head Beach Club in Seminyak, Bali, whose striking facade constructed with 6,600 reclaimed teak shutters made headlines when it opened in 2010. Fifteen years later, it has evolved to become an all-encompassing creative and cultural destination called Desa Potato Head—a place where guests can eat, drink, lounge, play, sleep and get inspired. Like the repurposed wood that became its visual signature, the brand's new initiative, Wasted, follows in the same vein. It aligns with Potato Head's philosophy 'Good Times, Do Good', aiming to be groundbreaking in design as well as sustainable impact. Photography: All is Amazing, Paulius Staniunas @allisamazing; Courtesy of Desa Potato Head Bali 'Living in Bali, we couldn't ignore what was happening around us. The issue became very real when plastic waste started washing up on our doorstep—quite literally—on the beach outside in huge amounts,' says Dan Mitchell, Chief Creative Officer at Desa Potato Head. 'It reached a point where doing nothing wasn't an option. We wanted to try and make a change. We made a decision to look inward and start with our own operations. We asked: what if we could turn our waste into a resource?' The answer to that question is seen in different ways today—from the in-room zero-waste amenity kit to the company's drastic reduction of food waste. Over the past years, they have successfuly overhauled operations to become more sustainable, and even regenerative. According to a recent audit by EcoMantra, the hotel has achieved 0.5 landfill waste (a near zero waste status); their Community Waste Project has also expanded its environmental impact island-wide. Photography: Adrian Morris; Courtesy of Desa Potato Head It's latest feat: turning waste into something desirable with Wasted by Potato Head's first-ever homeware collection. A collaboration with British designer Max Lamb, Collection 001 is proof that reducing, reusing and recycling can be chicer than ever. 'At the end of the day, waste is without any perceived value or purpose. If you shift the perspective, waste can be seen as a very valuable material,' says Mitchell. Here's what you need to know about Potato Head x Max Lamb's Wasted Collection 001. The project was five years in the making This debut collection came off the back of a five-year collaboration between Potato Head and designer Max Lamb. 'We actually meant to launch this back in 2020, but then the world shut down because of the Covid pandemic. In hindsight, that time allowed the project to breathe and evolve,' says Mitchell. Photography: Adrian Morris; Courtesy of Desa Potato Head Bali 'Working with waste is not quick or easy, especially when you're innovating new recycling techniques, or trying to scale processes in a way that's of high quality and still rooted in craft. One thing that surprised us all was just how long it takes to build a new system from the ground up. There's no playbook when working with new waste streams,' he adds. Mitchell highlights the difficulty in actually finding a good formulation to mix broken glass into something usable or turning plastic waste into high-quality, precise flatpack chairs. 'Overcoming these challenges and finding a way—that's been the most rewarding part.' Yes, all of the items are made from waste As the name says, every single item in the collection is made from waste largely informed by what they see and experience first-hand. 'Plastic was the most visible, but there were also bedsheets, broken glass, food waste, coconut shells… all from our daily operations,' emphasizes Mitchell. Photography: Adrian Morris; Courtesy of Desa Potato Head Bali They settled on eight material families including recycled HDPE plastic, composite waste materials like Styrofoam and oystershells, old and retired hotel linens made into fabric, broken glass made into new vessels through mouth-blown techniques and more. 'The goal was to show that what is discarded can be transformed into something useful, and beautiful, if approached with intention.' The entire collection was designed by Max Lamb and handmade in Bali British designer Max Lamb worked closely with Potato Head to determine what the hotel—and global consumers—need. 'Max approached it with incredible focus. Together, we looked at what we really needed to support our way of living, and the needs of our operation at Potato Head such as furniture for rooms, glass for bars and so on. It became a very grounded design exercise,' says Mitchell. Photography: Adrian Morris; Courtesy of Desa Potato Head Bali Another layer that makes the collection special is the human touch of local Bali craftspeople ranging from weavers, glass blowers, ceramicists and more. While the product range is fixed, no two pieces are exactly alike. 'It wasn't a top-down design process; it was a creative exchange,' says Mitchell. 'Max brought his design vision and material knowledge, and the local community brought deep craft knowledge and highly skilled technique. That dialogue helped shape the final collection.' Wasted by Potato Head x Max Lamb Collection 001, is available online and in person at Desa Potato Head Bali. The debut homeware range will be stocked at select stores globally such as Beams (Japan), Salvo (Hong Kong) and Haven (Belgium) on August 15. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Artist JR Uses Trains As His Canvas —See Inside His Latest Masterpiece By Kissa Castaneda Forbes 3 Beautiful Books To Put You In A Summer Mood By Kissa Castaneda Forbes Hotel Il Pellicano Marks 60th Birthday With Highsnobiety Collaboration By Kissa Castaneda Forbes Wellness Design Is Booming—Rakxa In Bangkok Shows How To Bring It Home By Kissa Castaneda Forbes Can Whisky Foster Creativity? The Dalmore Luminary Series Says Yes By Kissa Castaneda
Business Wire
14-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
DDC Enterprise Launches DDC Bitcoin Influence Collective to Accelerate Growth and Enhance Shareholder Value
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DDC Enterprise Limited (NYSE: DDC) ('DDC' or the 'Company'), a leading US-listed bitcoin treasury company, today announced the launch of the DDC Bitcoin Influence Collective ('BIC'), a transformative initiative designed to accelerate DDC's growth strategy, strengthen its leadership in the bitcoin sector, and drive long-term value for shareholders. The inaugural members of the DDC Bitcoin Influence Collective are Adrian Morris, Lemar Ashhar, Magdalena Gronowska, and Tim Kotzman —each recognized for their expertise and significant contributions within the bitcoin ecosystem. DDC Bitcoin Influence Collective: Vision and Purpose The DDC Bitcoin Influence Collective is a platform uniting top-tier thought leaders to: Advance DDC's Bitcoin Leadership: Champion DDC's strategy, positioning the Company at the forefront of corporate bitcoin treasury innovation, responsible adoption, and market intelligence. Drive Strategic Growth: Leverage collective expertise and networks to identify and capitalize on opportunities that accelerate DDC's expansion and broaden its influence across the digital asset landscape. Shape Industry Dialogue: Proactively influence key narratives, policies, and technological trends, reinforcing DDC's commitment to thoughtful, forward-looking bitcoin integration and sector development. Build a Dynamic Community: Cultivate a robust, engaged network of advocates and stakeholders, both online and offline, to amplify DDC's long-term vision and collective growth, ensuring broad awareness and support for the Company's initiatives. 'The launch of the DDC Bitcoin Influence Collective marks a pivotal step in our mission to lead global bitcoin innovation and significantly enhance shareholder value. By bringing together these industry leaders, each possessing unparalleled expertise and a shared commitment to excellence, we are profoundly strengthening our growth strategy,' said Norma Chu, Chairwoman, Founder and CEO of DDC. 'This initiative will not only accelerate DDC's trajectory in the rapidly evolving digital asset space but also solidify our leadership, ultimately delivering lasting benefits for our shareholders as we collaboratively shape the future of bitcoin adoption.' Inaugural Collective Members Adrian Morris Adrian Morris is a seasoned investor and technology consultant with a proven track record across both emerging and traditional asset classes. He has been a Bitcoin investor for over 12 years and is a recognized thought leader in the Bitcoin Community and as a member of True North, with specific experience analyzing Bitcoin Equities and corporate Bitcoin Treasury strategies. Adrian has also been a successful and active options trader with a diverse portfolio that also includes long-term holdings in the "Magnificent Seven", A.I. companies such as Palantir and Bitcoin equities. Lemar Ashhar Lemar Ashhar is better known as BitcoinMiningStockGuy, @theBTCMiningGuy on X, AKA 'BMSG,' or 'Mining Guy.' As part of Bitcoin Class of 2013, he is a distinguished investor in the bitcoin equity market, known for his success and track record investing in the leading bitcoin mining and bitcoin infrastructure companies. Lemar is also the founder and leader of Mining Mafia, the first major, bitcoin-equity focused X-Community with over 7,000 members, including many high-profile executives, investors, and industry leaders. Magdalena Gronowska Magdalena Gronowska is a senior Bitcoin consultant with over 17 years of experience in highly regulated financial, electricity, and carbon markets, including seven years at the forefront of Bitcoin. She helped launch Canada's first publicly traded Bitcoin fund, paving the way for Canadian Bitcoin ETFs. Magdalena currently advises PRTI, a waste to energy Bitcoin mining company, and Proof of Workforce, where she helped establish the Santa Monica Bitcoin Office. Previously, she sat on the Board of Advisors for the Digital Asset Securities Commission of El Salvador. Tim Kotzman Tim Kotzman is the Creator and Host of The Bitcoin Treasuries Podcast and Digital Conference, a prominent platform at the intersection of corporate finance and digital assets. Through in-depth interviews and curated content, the podcast has become a trusted resource for executives, institutional investors, and policymakers seeking to understand the evolving role of Bitcoin on corporate balance sheets. The recent Bitcoin Treasuries Digital Conference was live-streamed to over 168,000 viewers globally. Tim also has a background in private equity, bringing a strong foundation in capital markets and corporate strategy. About DDC Enterprise DDC Enterprise Limited (NYSE: DDC) is spearheading the corporate Bitcoin treasury revolution while maintaining its foundation as a leading global Asian food platform. The company has strategically positioned Bitcoin as a core reserve asset, executing an aggressive accumulation strategy. While continuing to grow its portfolio of culinary brands – including DayDayCook, Nona Lim, and Yai's Thai – DDC is now at the vanguard of public companies integrating Bitcoin into their financial architecture.
CTV News
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
‘It's been such a journey': Halifax duo Neon Dreams celebrates 10 years of music
A decade after first making waves in the Canadian music scene, Neon Dreams is back home in Halifax to celebrate. 'It feels like we've matured into the role we take on with our music,' Kadillac told CTV Atlantic's Katie Kelly. 'Looking back, I'm just really happy with where we are now.' The duo – made up of vocalist Frank Kadillac and drummer Adrian Morris – is marking the milestone with the upcoming release of a stripped-down acoustic album titled '10 Years.' 'We've been recording some of our favorite songs over the past ten years acoustically, including all the way back to our first demo project from 2015,' said Morris. 'So, you kind of get a little bit of every year of the band.' Known for their energetic live shows and genre-defying sound that blends pop, rock, hip-hop and EDM, Neon Dreams first rose to fame with hits like 'Marching Bands' and 'High School Dropout.' In 2020, they won the Juno Award for Breakthrough Group of the Year. 'It's been such a journey,' said Morris. 'We've played big stages around the world, but there's nothing like coming home.' Neon Dreams is performing back-to-back shows at the Carleton in Halifax, N.S., this weekend. They also have a special 10-year anniversary show planned at the Shore Club in Hubbards, N.S., on July 18. 'We're going to play a bunch of songs throughout the years, and we've got a couple of surprises,' said Morris. 'You might see the original four on stage again. One night only.' When asked what they're looking forward to over the next 10 years? 'One of the kids the other day asked, 'What's your dreams?'' said Kadillac. 'I was like, to keep doing this, to go as many places as possible, spread a lot of love.'
BBC News
14-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Empty Debenhams store 'blights' Ipswich town centre, says council
A former Debenhams store that has been empty for four years is "blighting" a town, a council four-storey Waterloo House building in Ipswich town centre has been vacant since the department store chain stopped trading in 2021 as a result of the continued rise of online shopping, the Covid lockdown and other Ipswich Borough Council said the building's owner, Unex, had rejected several applications from "well-known retailers" to take over the has been approached for comment. Last year, Adrian Morris, Unex's managing director, said that while the company had seen interest in the building, Lloyds Avenue, which runs up the eastern side of it, needed to be pedestrianised to help secure a decent a statement, the council said: "The former Ipswich Debenhams sits at the heart of the town centre. "It's stripped out, vacant state has a blighting impact on the town and it is deeply disappointing that its Suffolk-based owners have not been able to get it reoccupied. "Despite not owning the building, we continue to seek ways to bring about a re-occupation as we know that this would have a significant impact on the town – just as our recently announced action on the Grimwades building opposite will when it's occupied later this year after some 12 years vacant." 'A desolate cornerstone' Out in the town centre, Callum Kempton, 24, hoped the unit was filled soon and claimed that in its current state, it brought an "empty feeling" to the town given its position at one corner of the Cornhill main square."It felt so desolate seeing it disappear because it was the cornerstone for people coming in and it just makes the town feel a lot emptier by not being there," he believed the unit was well suited to a multi-functioning space similar to the nearby Buttermarket Shopping Centre which offers shops, dining, a cinema and leisure facilities - a "massive mix of environments... a ball of everything". Fellow shopper Susanne Knot, 75, said she also hoped to see a new occupant take over the derelict building. "It's awful," she said. "When I was a little girl we used to come into town and there was all the shops... you didn't used to be able to get in the door at Debenhams. It's such a shame."[Waterloo House] is an eyesore at the moment and it needs businesses in there so our town can thrive again." Debenhams shut after online fashion retailer Boohoo bought the brand and its website for £55m, but closed the 118 stores. It was built in 1975 and Debenhams' tenancy agreement started on 8 August 1977, according to sale documents.
Telegraph
03-03-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
What taking an antihistamine does to your brain
If you're blighted by hay fever or other allergies, you probably rely heavily on antihistamines – one of the best medications to treat them – to ease your watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing. However, research suggests that the common drugs could be harmful for our brain health. Despite conflicting evidence on just how much of a risk they may pose, one Harvard professor recently confessed that he 'thinks twice about taking antihistamines' as 'theoretically, these drugs might increase the risk of dementia by blocking a particular brain neurotransmitter'. People who take antihistamines to manage their allergy symptoms shouldn't be alarmed, however, says Dr Adrian Morris, a consultant allergist at the Surrey Allergy Clinic. 'They shouldn't stop taking the drugs and be left struggling away with terrible symptoms because they're too terrified of taking these drugs,' he says. However, it's worth being aware of the potential risk. What are they and how do they work? 'Antihistamines are drugs used against allergies,' says Dr Morris. The immune system releases histamine to protect against infections but, in people with allergies, the immune system overreacts and releases histamine in response to a supposed threat – such as pollen, animal hair or dust – when it doesn't need to. Histamine causes the blood vessels to dilate (which fuels inflammation in the skin, throat and nose), acts on the nerves to trigger sneezing and itchy skin and triggers the glands to make mucus, causing the nose to run and the chest to get phlegmy, Dr Morris explains. Antihistamines can prevent this reaction, if taken before coming into contact with a substance you're allergic to, or reduce symptoms if you take them afterwards. How antihistamines affect your brain Some antihistamines can cross the blood-brain barrier – a membrane that's supposed to protect harmful substances from getting in, Dr Morris explains. Older versions of antihistamines such as chlorphenamine, known as a first-generation antihistamines, are known to cross into the brain, while the newer, second generation antihistamines are less likely to, though it's still possible for them to accumulate in the organ, he says. In the brain, antihistamines can block neurotransmitters (chemical messengers), including acetylcholine which is needed for learning and memory. They can also increase brain inflammation. 'This has the net effect of increasing the risk of dementia,' Dr Morris says. It is known that people with Alzheimer's disease are known to lack acetylcholine and some research suggests that daily use of chlorphenamine for more than three years increases the risk of dementia – though other papers have not found this effect. 'It's not a clear cut difference but the more sedating an antihistamine is, the more it is going into the brain and could be a problem, especially if you take the drug for years on end,' Dr Morris says. How to know which one to take A wide range of antihistamines are available over the counter and contain varying active ingredients, explains Claire Nevinson, a superintendent pharmacist at Boots UK. 'These are divided into two groups based on the active ingredient – antihistamines that may cause drowsiness, which include the active ingredient chlorphenamine, and antihistamines that are less likely to cause drowsiness, which include cetirizine, fexofenadine, acrivastine and loratadine,' she says. 'The general rule now is to go for the second generation, non-sedating antihistamines and leave the older ones out of the equation,' Dr Morris says. This is because, as well as causing drowsiness, the first generation pills are more likely to dilate the blood vessels, which can cause blood pressure to come down and trigger headaches and dizziness, he explains. These sedating antihistamines can also cause dry mouth, blurred vision, difficulty urinating and constipation, Dr Morris says. They also only work for around four hours, while the newer drugs last for 24 hours, he notes. It raises the question of why people still take the first generation antihistamines. 'Some people take them to help them to sleep at night,' he says. As they have a sedating effect, they can also help with feeling less nervous or anxious, which some people like, Dr Morris notes. When it comes to choosing which second-generation antihistamine to take, cetirizine, loratadine and fexofenadine are the main ones that are recommended, he says. Which one patients choose is personal preference but it can be helpful to change the drug they're taking every few months. 'What happens is tachyphylaxis – when you take a medication and it becomes less effective because the body becomes more tolerant to it,' Dr Morris says. 'I recommend patients to take one drug for a few months and then change as the drugs will work better. 'There's little evidence to suggest one antihistamine is better than any other at relieving allergy symptoms,' though the second generation drugs are less likely to have side effects that interfere with daily life, Nevinson says. 'There are a range of products available for hay fever relief and if you are ever unsure on how to best manage your hay fever symptoms, speak to your pharmacist who may be able to help,' she adds. Other uses of antihistamines Insect bites and stings Insect bites and stings can trigger the body's immune system to release histamine, which in turn causes swelling and itchiness at the site of the bite. Antihistamines can ease this reaction, making bites less irritating. Itchy skin 'As you get older, your skin gets drier and often it starts to itch, especially among men,' Dr Morris says. A daily antihistamine can relieve itching for these patients, he says. Travel sickness A first generation antihistamine, called cinnarizine, is known to improve blood flow to the inner ear, which can reduce feelings of nausea and dizziness caused by travel sickness. Verdict: Should I take antihistamines? The research that has found a link between antihistamines and dementia isn't perfect and it doesn't suggest that 'everyone who takes antihistamines for six months is going to end up with dementia,' Dr Morris says. 'We don't have any high-quality, long-term studies – we've got to watch people over their entire lifetime [to properly determine the risk],' he notes. 'I would say that the second generation is preferable to the first generation, and if an antihistamine makes you feel tired and lethargic, or sedates you, then maybe choose another one that you don't find sedating,' he says, 'as it's probably crossing the blood-brain barrier much less.' FAQs What happens if you take too many antihistamine pills? 'If you accidentally take too many antihistamines, you should seek medical help, taking the medicine packet with you so that a healthcare professional can see which type of antihistamine you've taken,' Nevinson says. However, Dr Morris says there is no risk from accidentally taking two or three antihistamine pills, instead of the usually recommended one pill, because the drugs are non-toxic. Can you drink alcohol while taking antihistamines? 'It is recommended not to drink alcohol whilst taking an antihistamine, particularly if it's a type that makes you drowsy,' Nevinson says. 'Doing so can increase the chances of feeling drowsy and reduce co-ordination, reaction speed and judgement. Most foods and other drinks don't tend to affect most antihistamines, however always read the leaflet that comes with your medicine to make sure.' Can you take antihistamines alongside ibuprofen and paracetamol? 'There are currently no known interactions between antihistamines being taken alongside ibuprofen or paracetamol,' Nevinson says. 'However, it is important to speak to your pharmacist before taking any new medicines available over the counter to check for suitability.'
