This rustic looking bottle opener is a must for every fridge.

Designed by Brendan Ravenhill, who is also the mastermind behind the last trash can you’ll ever need, this minimalist yet rustic bottle opener can magnetize itself to my fridge anytime. It’s made from either beech or walnut and it works as simply and intuitively as it’s designed. One magnet catches the bottle cap; the other can be used to adhere itself to a magnetized surface. Available for $20 from Areaware.

Look for Lustables daily at EcoSalon. 100% gorgeous green finds, and never sponsored. Submit your favorite to tips@ecosalon.com

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There’s a big difference between a dustbin and the Dustbin.

Bare with me while I delve once more into very unsexy territory: the mundane household object. On Monday, we took a very eco-sophisticated look at the vacuum cleaner. Who knew a Hoover could be so exciting? Yesterday, we learned that even a thermostat could be chic care of ingenious design and a considerate aesthetic. Today, friends, I give you the trashcan.

Rather, its more handsome and grown-up older brother, the Dustbin.

RISD-trained product designer Brendan Ravenhill confesses that he developed a fascination with the “functional beauty of working tools” during his childhood years in Cote d’Ivoire and summers in coastal Maine. He now resides in Los Angeles, California where he designs and builds several elevated objects, from furniture to boats, and the lights overhead. But I am particularly enamored with his garbage cans.

The Dustbin is made from folded, powder-coated steel and features a counterbalanced dustpan lid. Magnetized to the side is a removable, beech wood hand broom.

The Dustbin also features aptly named “love handles” to aid in taking out the trash without mess or fuss.

The product is built entirely in the USA by a network of local fabricators and metalworkers at Angell & Giroux. For a particularly fascinating look, watch this video, which details the process that goes into making a trash can (the brush scene is riveting, I promise):

The Dustbin from Brendan Ravenhill on Vimeo.

Ravenhill calls his dustbin “the last trashcan you’ll ever buy” and “the lovechild” of the trash bin and dustpan. It is, indeed, a pretty pairing. Functional, too: an otherwise lowly object elevated by smart design.

Images: Brendan Ravenhill; Paul Lalou

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