"Green Is The New Black" says Anatomy Of Style

Green Certifications for Interior Design: Explore the significance of various eco-friendly labels, including GreenGuard for emissions, FSC for responsibly managed forests, Cradle to Cradle for sustainability, SCS Global for eco-friendly verification, and KCMA for kitchen and bath cabinet standards.

Want to show planet Earth some love in high style? Go green! Embracing sustainable home materials not only contributes positively to the environment but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of your living spaces. A range of eco-friendly materials can be utilized throughout your home, including cork, hemp, bamboo (both hardwood and textiles), teak, sugarcane fiber, bioplastic compostables, organic cotton, coconut wool, soybean fabric, recycled denim, recycled glass, clay brick, reclaimed woods, recycled rubber, stainless steel, wheat, and even vegan 'leather' made from pineapple skins. These materials can be creatively employed in various interior applications, such as cabinetry, furniture, flooring, countertops, and more, allowing you to design a stylish yet environmentally conscious home. By choosing eco-friendly materials, you not only qualify for valuable LEED points but also ensure that your home is non-toxic, sustainable, and safe for children and pets alike, fostering a healthier living environment.

To help you on your journey towards a greener lifestyle, here are some practical tips on going green:

1. Select bamboo, cork, or recycled materials over traditional wood or plastic options. These choices not only reduce the demand for virgin resources but also often come with a lower carbon footprint.

2. Use natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, bamboo, and hemp instead of synthetic materials. Natural fabrics are biodegradable and often produced with less harmful chemicals, making them a healthier choice for your home.

3. Buy products made locally to support your community and reduce transportation emissions. Local products often have a smaller environmental impact and can be of higher quality.

4. Incorporate antiques or repurposed items into your decor. This not only adds character and uniqueness to your space but also helps to reduce waste by giving new life to old items.

5. Add indoor plants to your home to improve air quality. Plants can naturally filter toxins and increase oxygen levels, creating a healthier living environment.

6. Use ceiling fans to help cool your home efficiently. Ceiling fans consume less energy than air conditioning units and can significantly reduce your electricity bills while keeping you comfortable.

7. Always opt for "No VOC" paints when refreshing your walls. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can be harmful to both health and the environment, so choosing low or zero VOC options is a smart move.

8. Install tankless water heaters, solar panels, and energy-efficient windows to enhance your home’s energy efficiency. These upgrades may require an initial investment, but they can lead to substantial savings on utility bills over time.

9. Buy high-quality items that are built to last instead of frequently replacing cheaper alternatives. Investing in durable products not only saves you money in the long run but also reduces waste.

10. Consider your climate carefully and select building materials that can withstand the local elements. While the upfront costs may be higher for certain materials, their longevity and durability can lead to significant savings and reduced maintenance in the future.

Also, don't forget to check for labels that show eco-friendly certifications as depicted in the photo above. Sometimes the certifcations are not clearly visible, so be sure to ask your desginer, architect or salesperson for more details.