With earth friendly products hailing from all directions, our green decor choices have shifted from a trendy fad to a way of life. Consumers are becoming more selective and most companies are taking the hints rather well. New products are lining the shelves of almost every major retailer and specialty stores are developing more substantial green product lists. Even old favorites are aligning their company values with greener initiatives. 

How to Pick Your Decor

1. First things first-- eliminate the myth: An environmentally responsible home does not require big bucks. Imagination + resolve = Affordable, chic, eco-friendly design. Set a budget for your redecorating project. If you're spending more than you bargained for, make sure that its on quality items that will last a long time.
2. Look for items made with recyclable materials. Glass, steel, aluminum, paper, plastics--all are recyclable and all will appear in your decorative schemes at some point. From artsy coasters to lampshades, choose items that have already been constructed with recycled materials or can be recycled in some fashion when you are done using them. 
3. Know your wood choices. Bamboo, rubber wood, reclaimed wood are all great examples of sustainable woods. Bamboo is sprouting up everywhere, and not only on floors, but pillowcases and kitchen utensils as well.
4. Think outside of the wooden box! Of course, not everyone is enamored with the natural, unfinished, rustic look. You have more choices than you could imagine! Wood may be popular choice among the environmentally responsible, however manufacturers are rising to meet the needs of contemporary and eclectic tastes. 
5. Organic fabrics and natural fibers are a must. Bamboo sheets can be incredibly soft, while cotton and linen both make durable, comfortable, and sometimes luxurious bedding.  Skip the polyester or foam filling for wool or cotton fills and focus on renewable products. You won't feel deprived at all.
6. No toxins, please! VOC free paints have been created to be durable, have good covering qualities, produce almost no odor, and are environmentally healthy. Look for low-VOC or zero-VOC paints and make sure you ask about tendency to peel or differences from brand to brand.
7. Rethink and Repurpose. You can easily find some interesting materials at second hand shop. Sometimes a new coat of VOC free paint is all that's needed to make a purchase more attractive. Track down an upholsterer in your area and you're in business. 
8. Think locally first. The fewer miles traveled, the better the environment and the more unique your home will be. Support local businesses as much as possible; its great for the economy and the earth.                  

Stores with a Conscience

Since 2005, Crate and Barrel has been collaborating with Tropical Forest Trust (TFT) to ensure that all wood harvested for production is obtained from responsible plantations dedicated to long term conservation methods. Their collections feature highly sustainable woods like TFT supported teak, mahogany and bamboo. Chinese joinery eliminates the need for nails or screws, and 100% organic cotton linens are also available for purchase.

West Elm Green: A socially responsible and affordable furniture company that makes their ideals plain from the start. A green glossary is provided to highlight dedication to their beliefs and promises to their customers. "We believe great design can be affordable, and it can also make a positive impact on people and the environment. Products bearing the West Elm green label "are either responsibly produced, certified organic, and recycled, rapidly renewable or non-toxic."

IKEA:  This Swedish furniture powerhouse has been criticized for its lack of durable products and consequential contributions to landfills. However, as a company IKEA is tackling several areas in their sustainability efforts including a forestry plan, fair trade operations, emissions, and powering all IKEA units with renewable energy. IKEA has also removed all phthalates producing products from their stores and are dedicated to reclaiming over 90% of tore waste. Many items are already made with renewable materials. 
  
Looking to stand out from the crowd?

Owners Janet Morales and Stu Eli know their vintage gems and have set up shop so that others can appreciate and purchase their impeccable finds from Three Potato Four.

Boris Bally used old traffic signs and bottle caps to create "The Transit Series". Designed for the artistic urban dweller with an eco-conscience, this line of metal furniture, trays, and decor will revive any living space with the bold colors of the city. Purchase from ecoartware.com


Shop Online

www.greenculture.com

www.eco-artware.com
www.ecocentric.com

www.etsy.com
www.fabricadabra.com

www.livingreen.com