Soapstone’s amazing. Not only does it make beautifully tactile carving material…it’ll even keep your drink cool.

Because it's so terrific at retaining temperatures, soapstone is often found in green homes where it keeps everyone toasty with far more efficiency than conventional stoves. If a complete home greening isn't on your list this week, these soapstone On the Rocks “ice” cubes are an easy and stylish way to live a little greener. They keep your drink frosty long after mere ice would have melted - and save water in the process. This is soap you won't mind in your mouth (a set of 8 reusable cubes runs about 15€).

Note: there can be environmental issues with soapstone mining in certain areas. Strip-mining in India is pushing tigers towards extinction and causing danger for the locals. If you like the look, reassuring weight, and silky texture of soapstone, this Circle Dance Kisii stone sculpture produced by the Unduga Society of Kenya, and supported by Ten Thousand Villages is ethically sourced and crafted.

Image: Design Forum Finland, Merelymel13