Human-First Sustainability

We are a collective of strategists, designers, data specialists, and environmentalists determined to build a regenerative world. For over a decade, we have designed and helped to implement practical products and services that empower sustainable behaviour.

Functional Products

We design and redesign products, services, and experiences to truly empower sustainable and circular ambitions.

Transforming Consultations

We guide organizations toward a regenerative future with actionable strategies that prioritize both people and the planet.

Practical Trainings

We teach teams hands-on skills and knowledge to drive sustainable innovation and make a lasting impact in their work.

Helping the Nation to Get Rid of Things Responsibly \

2014–2024

Kuhuviia.ee is a digital platform that helps to solve a problem all of us deal with – what to do with things we don’t need any more. Built in partnership with producer responsibility organisations, it has become the national go-to source of guideance.](https://kuhuviia.ee/en)

A Common Language for the Estonian Sorting Services \
2021-2024

We designed a system of unified pictograms and its implementation toolkit for the Estonian recycling infrastructure. In collaboration with local municipalities, waste collection centres and other key stakeholders, the system has been adopted across the country.](https://liigitikogumine.ee/)

Kickstarting Circular Business Models \
2022–…

We have helped over 40 Estonian businesses and organisations in designing their products, services and strategies during Circular Design Masterclasses and Green Tiger Academy Design Sprints, giving us firsthand experience of implementing circular practices across numerous industries.](/#)

Nudging Green Employee Habits and Values \
2016–2019

Effectify is a personal lifestyle coaching application & gamified employee engagement platform. Thoroughly designed based on behavioural psychology and gamification, it engages employees in making green lifestyle choices and adopting company values.](https://effectify.me/)

Assembling Environmentally Friendly Events \
2019–…

The Estonian Song and Dance Festival, the I Land Sound Festival, sTARTUp Day, Latitude59, and Tartu2024 are just some of the events we, together with Acento, have helped to organise and manage sustainably, engaging hundreds of thousands participants in green behaviours.](https://acento.ee/)

Our Team

Kristiina Kerge

Lead, Circular Economy Researcher

Tanel Kärp

Design, Strategy

Joonas Kerge

Marketing, Strategy

Tõnu Kerge

Development, Data

Our Story

Founded in 2013, The Things Foundation began with a bold vision: to create a platform cataloging all man-made objects—a mission that inspired our name. While that grand idea is now taking shape through the EU Digital Product Passport initiative, our journey led us to develop Kuhuviia.ee, a practical app guiding Estonians on where to take their unwanted items.

As the app gained national recognition, so did our team. We established close partnerships with organisations and ministries, became a leading voice in sustainability, and expanded our role—running impactful campaigns, advising lawmakers, experimenting with new digital services, and helping to design greener events.

Today, we channel this rich experience into helping organisations and businesses tackle their sustainability challenges, driving practical solutions for a regenerative future.

2024

Baltic Sustainability Awards Winner in Design

2020

Clear Communication Award, Nomination

2016

EIT Climate-KIC Accelerator Finalist

2014

The Environmental Act of the Year