San Diego Artisan Crafts Eco-Friendly Wine Racks

ThinkEco2 founder repurposes discarded wood into rustic wine storage and home decor

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Brian Behncke, a San Diego-based artisan woodworker, founded ThinkEco2 to create handmade, eco-friendly wine racks, wine gift boxes, and other home decor items using 100% recycled wood that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. Behncke's products have a distinctive rustic and rough-hewn look that he says appeals to many wine enthusiasts and eco-conscious consumers.

Why it matters

Behncke's business model and product line reflect a growing consumer demand for sustainable, locally-sourced, and artisanal home goods that reduce waste and environmental impact. As concerns over climate change and resource scarcity continue to rise, small businesses like ThinkEco2 that prioritize repurposing and upcycling are gaining popularity.

The details

In addition to wine racks and boxes, ThinkEco2 also produces patio tables, wedding trays, planters, and coasters all made from 100% recycled wood. Behncke states on the company's website that the goal is to 'reclaim, reprocess, and repurpose wood that was on its way to the landfill' into unique, handcrafted home goods.

  • ThinkEco2 was founded in San Diego in the early 2010s.

The players

Brian Behncke

The founder of ThinkEco2, an artisan woodworking business that creates eco-friendly home decor and furniture from recycled materials.

ThinkEco2

A San Diego-based company that produces handmade, sustainable wine racks, boxes, and other home goods using 100% recycled wood.

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What they’re saying

“We reclaim, reprocess, and repurpose wood that was on its way to the landfill.”

— Brian Behncke, Founder, ThinkEco2 (ThinkEco2 website)

The takeaway

ThinkEco2's business model and product line demonstrate how artisanal, eco-friendly home goods can be both aesthetically appealing and environmentally responsible, meeting the growing consumer demand for sustainable alternatives to mass-produced home decor.