On the one hand, there's Birkenstocks, scratchy hemp cushions, and oat-heavy granola; on the other, the elegance of French fair-trade sneakers, the patina of century-old pine, and the sweet juiciness of just-picked peaches. That's one way to explain the difference between "dark green" and "bright green" environmentalism. "Dark green," as Toby Barratt describes it, "is what people are prejudiced against. Bright green is looking at it from a different perspective," specifically one that demonstrates that environment and attractive can, and should, belong in the same breath.

Billed as "Western Canada's (and possibly North America's) first major eco-design exhibition", Swell–on until May 12 at the Pendulum Gallery, HSBC building (885 West Georgia Street)–is a global assemblage of future-friendly design. Barratt, a partner in Propellor Design and an exhibit curator, says the seed was planted early last year during meetings with the 30 Days of Sustainability Society (a Western Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to building awareness about sustainable living). "It immediately popped into my head there could be a physical manifestation," he says. "Our idea was to show people that these [sustainable] products are just as desirable as anything you'll find on the market. Human beings are prolific designers and consumers. If we're going to have a material culture, it mustn't denigrate the environment."

The possibilities gleaned from research and a call for submissions were eventually narrowed down to more than 30 concepts by artists, crafts­people, artisans, architects, and designers. Collectively, the exhibits display facets of sustainability, such as being organic, repurposed, or biodegradable. "By bringing these exceptional designs together in close quarters, new connections are made, new directions become apparent, new fires are lit, and one more step will be taken toward the promise of Future Friendly Design," reads the curatorial statement from Propellor Design. Above all, Swell proves that not only can we take small steps to change the world, we can have a beautiful time doing it.

Designer Brent Comber's log-pile cross-section tables have shown up in every design magazine going. His new Shattered collection is even more visually cool, with off-cuts of wood meticulously positioned to form a paving-like surface. Toronto design team Holtzundmetal breaks the cycle between axed tree, wood chips, and landfill by collaborating with arborists. Its first project, a wide-slatted beechwood chair, is a logical 21st-century descendant of the arts-and-craft movement. Ex-Vancouverite and now–New Yorker Tobias Wong's sandblasted Mason jars hold solar-powered LED lights that stand on your deck or balcony. (LED lighting is twice as effective as compact fluorescents, and the bulbs last 20 years.)

One of Swell's most convincing demonstrations of handsome, enviro-friendly design is a San Francisco–made Hess surfboard that's a single, smooth pale swoop of poplar so clean-lined and satin-smooth, it wouldn't look out of place in a modern living space. Made of sustainably harvested woods and cork, recyclable foam, and half the usual amount of fibreglass, it costs about 15 percent more than a conventional toxin-loaded surfboard.

Swell also presents fresh alternatives to everyday items we frequently add to the landfill. One such item is the cotton tote by Vancouver company BYOB, a "humble idea that would make a huge difference", says Barratt. Besides using 100 percent post-consumer plastic waste and corn-based packaging for its toothbrushes, U.S.–based Recycline addresses the whole product life cycle, he explains. Once your toothbrush is shot, you download a prepaid envelope and mail it back to be recycled. New-parent alert: gDiapers from Portland has developed a compromise between cloth and convenience via Velcro-fastened washable cotton pants that hold a flushable, biodegradable diaper.

The exhibit teems with ideas: biodegradable wood cutlery from Lumby, B.C.; whimsical German stuffed toys made of organic cotton; vests cut from 1940s military clothing by local designer Hajnalka Mandula; a sleek backpack made from old inner tubes. Also on display is a copy of Alex Steffen's Worldchanging: A User's Guide for the 21st Century (Harry N. Abrams, $47.95), a resource guide described as "The Whole Earth Catalog retooled for the iPod generation".

Swell lists sources, but display items aren't for sale. Their role is to spark ideas, raise questions, and start a dialogue that Barratt hopes, in five years' time, won't be necessary. "It's in most of us to want things, but they can be good things. It's refocusing people's desire."

Swell runs through May 12 (Monday to Wednesday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at the HSBC Pendulum Gallery (885 West Georgia Street). Admission is free.