A two month old start-up makes Ikea seem downright luxury. Founded by a couple of University of Waterloo/Laurier grads, Our Paper Life re-defines low cost furniture; but there's a catch - the furniture they sell is actually made out of paper. To date, the company offers a shelf and a desk. Both retail for $19.99 and thus far more than 80 customers have taken the bait. In the works, is a "mail-able" couch that one of the founders tells me will also covert to a bed.

The whole product line is based on the company's philosophy that furniture should be low-cost, simple to assemble and use and environmentally and culturally sustainable. And for those who thing a spilled coffee or errant pasta sauce might spoil the fun, the furniture uses a water resistant coating as well as water resistant glue - so most messes can be easily wiped clean.

The furniture is manufactured in Burlington at a locally owned and operated corrugate factory. They are currently partnering with a community group in St. James Town, UforChange, to offer 50% of the proceeds from each sale to support their cultural programs. Just use the coupon code uforchange.