The move for sustainable design may just be a new player in the market, as we see the rise of green products. In an era where consumerism is at its height, it is highly important to choose those products that meet our present needs... without leaving a room for harm in years to come. This doesn't only apply to food resources, but to your very home as well.
Sustainable design is the philosophy of designing physical objects, the built environment and services to comply with the principles of economic, social and ecological sustainability. In short, the goal is to minimize negative effects to the environment and to the health of the people using these objects.
Decorating a home doesn't have to mean buying new products. One can do a share in green living by the simple act of recycling what is supposed to be trash. A DIY store is full of tools in converting that old couch into a treasure cove. Or you may simply seek a professional interior decorator's help in choosing green materials for your home. There are many designers certified by ASID, or the American Society for Interior Designers, who can help you get started.
Here are some pointers to remember in choosing " Green " for your home:
Is the product made to be safe, durable, efficient and functional? You must not be shy to ask about the expected lifespan of an item you want to add to your home. Longer lasting means Value for Money.
What kind of materials are used in making the product? Know the type of plastic or wood used in the furniture that you are about to buy.
Does the product contain recyclable materials? It would be best if the item is recyclable itself and will not be hard to dispose of in the future.
Is your furniture made from sustainable harvested materials? Nothing beats natural wood and it's good to know that your favorite desk is made from selectively cut mature trees, without posing danger to younger trees in the forest. For this, you may buy those with FSC ( Forest Stewardship Council ) label. You may also choose reclaimed or rescued woods.
Does the product poses a major health threat? Indoor pollution can come from many sources, mostly from toxic materials in building materials. Chemical coatings in walls, ceilings and doors can produce toxic fumes through the process called " Off-gassing. " Not only does theseVOC or Volatile Organic Compounds bad for the health, but for the Ozone layer as well. Choose your paints carefully. For more info, you may visit EPA's Introduction to Indoor Air Quality.
Is your home appliance energy efficient? Shop wisely and choose products that consume less energy. Always look for that Energystar label which assures you of better quality, better performance at the right cost.
Can you turn that old item into something new and useful? There are many ways in turning that old trash into a brand new home decor. All you have to do is work with your imagination. You may research the web for DIY tips and tools that will help you get started. You may invite your friends or loved ones to join in this fun-filled activity of turning a junk into a masterpiece. If the item really needs to be disposed off, do it properly. You may also donate old items to charitable causes or do your own garage sale.
Are you buying from Eco-friendly manufacturers? It may be a waste of time, but it is good to know that you have bought a piece of furniture that is not a contributor to deforestation and global warming. To stop buying from those who are into illegal trade practices that pollutes the nature is to put an end on their businesses. This will force every manufacturer to be more aware of environmentally-friendly production processes.
In major renovation, it is always best to consider areas with access to natural, indoor lighting. If you can't have much of it, then choose CFL or Compact Fluorescent Lighting - without the impact on global warming. Going green inside your home is a tough call to everyone. It will not only save you time, effort, energy and money - but it will save your life and this precious planet we live in.
 |
