Building green/living green: smart trends in green furnishings, part 2

Posted by Kelsey Ness on December 21, 2011

Smart interior design can also have low environmental impact. From window shades and blinds to floor coverings, there are many products today made with recycled or sustainable materials.

Here are some of our favorite tips to pass along to customers.

• Certified fair-trade goods: Many are produced by independent worker cooperatives. The emphasis is respect for the environment, gender equity and fair working conditions. You might be surprised to see what can be made from recycled phone books!

• Think durability. Products that last a long time means that fewer will wind up in landfills.

• Choose natural fibers for rugs, linens and other textiles. Today there are a wide range of items to complement just about any décor.

• Hunt for recycled merchandise. Take advantage of someone else’s redecorating plans. Perfectly good lamps, vases and other decorative items can frequently be found in Craig’s List, at garage sales, flea markets and in resale and antique stores.

• Adorn your table with beeswax candles. These aren’t just natural, they actually burn cleaner.

• Refresh walls with low-VOC paints. It’s an easy way to avoid breathing toxic fumes.

• Buy local whenever possible. It cuts down on transportation, which means less use of fuel.

• Look for the green and white “Made with BiOH®” hang tag on furniture. This tag says, “ BiOH polyols are soy-based ingredients that replace a portion of the petroleum materials in foam. They have a smaller environmental impact through lower energy use and a smaller carbon footprint while supporting farmers.”

• Use vintage tableware. This is much easier on the environment than paper plates and plastic utensils.

• Decorate with live potted plants. Research shows that healthy, well-maintained plants improve air quality, brighten people’s moods, and may even help to keep your home at an optimal humidity level.