Eco-friendly Decor

Going green doesn’t have to break the bank or compromise on style

January 20, 2009 - Kelly Turnbull - Sacchidananda Design Solutions

There is no doubt about it, everyone wants to be more environmentally responsible. However, going green can be a little overwhelming. The best advice I can give is to pick your battles. You don’t have to save the world all at once. Just a little bit can go a long way in creating a healthier home. When choosing eco-friendly options for your home, here are a few guidelines to help you along.

Floors

To ensure dust and allergens are kept to a minimum, avoid fitted carpets and synthetic rugs. Consider canes and grasses such as Jute, Sisal, sea grass, hemp and rattan. Natural fibers such as silk, cotton and wool coloured with vegetable dyes are also an option, just be sure to use a natural fiber underlayment with them.

Other choices include natural cork, which is insulating and warm underfoot, bamboo which is beautiful and also renewable and a sustainable resource, recycled rubber or linoleum flooring made from 100 per cent natural products including: linseed oil, jute, resin, cork, limestone and wood flour (sawdust).

Linoleum is also considered extremely durable and can be 100% recyclable. If you love the look of hardwood, try using reclaimed lumber, smart wood or FSC approved hardwood.

Countertops

There are several gorgeous options for eco friendly countertops: solid wood butcher block such as maple from responsibly managed forests, Marmoleum, which is a durable and eco-friendly linoleum, concrete with at least a 30% fly ash content, which lowers production energy, stainless steel from salvaged or made with recycled metal and surfaces made of recycled glass, reclaimed paper, or a combination of bamboo fibers and paper.

If you plan on using natural or quarried stone such as slate, granite or marble, be sure avoid varnishes and sealants containing PVC.

If possible, consider refacing your current countertop; use water based VOC free spray refinisher over your existing arborite, wood or laminate counters to get them looking as good as new and keeping them out of the landfill.

Cabinets

The most significant source of UF (urea formaldehyde) emissions in the home come from the composite woods in our furnishings and cabinetry. Avoid traditional MDF and try solid wood from sustainably managed forests, plywood with flour based glues or particle board made of recycled and sustainable raw materials with low VOC adhesives.

Paint

Look for low VOC options and the “Green Seal” label. The darker the paint colour the more VOC’s, though Benjamin Moore has developed a new colourant system which does not add VOCs with the addition of pigment. Oil paints become zero VOC after 3 days as opposed to standard latex paints. If you’re really serious about zero emissions, try looking for recycled paint or using milk paint and adding your own pigment.

Fabrics and Upholstery

Use natural fabrics such as wool, cotton, linen, silk and bamboo fibers. Since many cotton and linen growers use pesticides, organic is best – a bonus if you can find products that have been naturally sun bleached.

And of course, recycle whenever possible during your home improvement projects; refinish existing pieces whenever possible or contact stores like the Habitat for Humanity Re-store (they help keep your unwanted building materials out of landfills while helping raise money for less fortunate families).

Going green in your home doesn’t have to break the bank or create a compromise on style and comfort. New environmentally sound technologies are emerging every day and the opportunities to make beautiful and responsible choices are everywhere. With a little research, you can have the gorgeous home you dreamed of and feel good about doing your part in taking care of the planet.

Kelly Turnbull is the Principal of Toronto based Design and Decor company Sacchidananda Design Solutions (www.sacchidananda.com).

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