The umbrella as a symbol of waste can be easily thwarted with a good design that embraces the Cradle to Cradle approach to design. The latest gadgets and devices only work well in implementation when the product is easy to acquire, assemble, and utilize. With this in mind, I propose a simple umbrella that anyone can make.

The organic materials (sticks and twine) combined with a synthetic, reusable cloth, or towel qualifies this as a bio-friendly design. The sticks, after they have been used, can be thrown in any yard or forested area to give back nutrients to the soil. This utilizes the Cradle to Cradle concept of waste equals food by giving useful biological mass back to the biosphere. The twine and cloth can be reused in the fabrication of an additional umbrella. These materials using the same concept of waste equals food serve to replenish the technosphere via technical mass.

This new product has the ability to increase economic activity, decrease the effect of harmful production currently in practice, and nurture the earth at the same time. This product celebrates our creativity and culture and provides the opportunity for the articulation of dialogue and possible contributions to a greener earth.

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