earth to people combines tree sap with salvaged wood in debut furniture collection

EARTH TO PEOPLE INTRODUCes SALVAGE & SAP

Earth To People introduces Salvage & Sap, a debut furniture collection rooted in ancient stewardship principles. This collection revives the 45,000-year-old practice of using natural tree sap as a wood binder, eliminating the need for synthetic glues. The collection, made from cedar and aluminum, includes a dining chair, armchair, wall sconce, floor lamp, and table lamp. Hand-carved wooden dowels crafted from offcuts replace modern fasteners, windfallen trees are harvested instead of logging, and salvaged metal is repurposed rather than sourcing new materials.

all images by James Han

SALVAGE & SAP Revives Ancient Craftsmanship

Natural construction techniques honor the resourcefulness of past cultures, emphasizing the value of repurposing and reworking resources thoughtfully. The Salvage & Sap series is a conscious effort to learn from historical practices to shape a more sustainable future. The design duo created their first sap chair in 2024, laying the foundation for this thoughtful range. With a presence in New York, Texas, and British Columbia, Earth To People extends its commitment to mindful design through architecture, interiors, furniture, and lighting.

introducing Salvage & Sap by Earth To People: a furniture collection rooted in ancient stewardship principles

the Salvage & Sap series revives the 45,000-year-old practice of using natural tree sap as a wood binder

hand-carved wooden dowels, crafted from offcuts, replace modern fasteners in this sustainable collection

windfallen trees are harvested, avoiding the need for logging, to create these unique designs

the pieces are glued together with tree sap, harnessing pine resin as an adhesive

this plinth-like floor lamp with a hand-brushed finish, is made of salvaged offcuts of aluminum

salvaged metal from a local metal recycling depot is repurposed, replacing the need for new materials

the wall sconce and floor lamp showcase the collection’s innovative approach to lighting design

Earth To People’s Salvage & Sap series embraces reuse and reworking

the collection reimagines furniture-making as a sustainable art form

project info:

name: Salvage & Sap
designer: Earth To People | @earthtopeoplestudio

lead designers: Jordan Weller & Brittany Weller

material: Red Cedar and Pine Sap

dimensions: 30H X 15W X 16D inches

photography: James Han | @takenby_jh

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom