Eco Design Resources and Real Estate

With the vast array of home decorations and improvements nowadays, most of us do not take time to put some thought that the components which make up our interior design can be harmful not only to our health, but our ecosystem as well.  Our environment is facing a lot of threats nowadays, and it would be wise if we do our part in preserving it.  One way of doing this is by getting an interior designer who is capable of materializing your design ideas and at the same time utilizing materials which will not compromise your family’s health and our environment.

Paint

Numerous choices of environment-friendly materials exist in the market today, if you would take time in finding them.  An example of this is an environment-friendly paint, which is way different from the usual paints and finishes that most of us are familiar with.  Bases on scientific studies, traditional paints and finishes give off low-level toxic emissions even after they have dried completely.  In contrast with these, eco-friendly paints contain Low-Volatile Organic Compounds or Low-VOC/No-VOC, which means they are odor and chemical free.  The only drawback with these earth-friendly paints is that they are quite expensive and may not even be considered by those with tight budgets.  Keep in mind that no matter how manufacturers claim that their products are safe and non-toxic, it’s just not feasible to achieve perfection in paint safety.  The truth is, the best thing they can do is just lessen the amount of toxic chemicals incorporated in paints and finishes, which is what Low-VOC and No-VOC products actually are.

Wallpaper

Environment-friendly wallpapers also are available for home owners who like to add some sparkle to their walls.  The issue with conventional wallpaper is the ink used for the designs, which may also contain harmful chemicals and toxins.  With eco-friendly wallpapers, water-based inks are used, which are incorporated into chlorine-free paper acquired from trees specially grown for this function.  This type of wallpaper also makes use of Low-VOC adhesive in light to medium substance wall decor.

Carpets

After you have turned your walls into a complete masterpiece of your own, your next target will be your floor.  In floors, the danger lies both in carpets and the flooring itself, which can contaminate your home air with what is known as Volatile Organic Compounds or VOC’s.  Examples of these are benzene and formaldehyde, both of which are considered cancer-causing substances.  Just thinking about that fact makes you think twice if your home is still a safe haven for your family.  The truth is it’s almost impossible to get rid of these toxins since it usually takes a few years before they are dissolved completely.   What’s worse is that even the carpet treatment which is designed to repel insects, dirt, molds and mildew also contains harmful chemicals.  Carpets inside your home are also capable of drawing in VOC’s from the outside. The solution for all these is of course, eco-friendly interior designs which are made from materials found in nature such as bamboo, stones, reclaimed woods, cork, linoleum and recycled materials such as metal and glass.

Carpet Tiles

To complement your flooring designs, it may also be a good idea to shop for modular carpet squares, which is a better alternative to conventional carpets.  These eco-friendly tiles have the appearance of a traditional carpet once they are all fixed in place, the only difference is that they are manufactured using earth-grade materials and can be used over and over.  Should your carpet tiles get soiled or damaged from prolonged use, they can always be returned for recycling as you purchase a new set!

Uses for Bamboo

An eco-friendly alternative for home flooring is bamboo.  A whole new range of creative ideas are possible with bamboo, which is very suitable for floorings, as well as several interior furnishings.  Metal tiles made from recycled aluminum and brass can fit well with your kitchen floors, walls and bathrooms.  With bamboo furnishings, your home will have its own unique fashion statement.  For people with different preferences, bamboo can also be bought in rough, polished or matte finish, which can provide excellent contrasting styles with other wood furnishings inside your home.

Sustainable and Reclaimed Wood

With the dwindling number of tress in our forests and mountains, the need for alternatives or sustainable wood products is now on the rise.  Technically speaking, sustainable and reclaimed wood comes from properly managed forests.  Unlike conventional ways of acquiring wood, selective tree cutting is applied in order to preserve other tree species and replacing the ones which were lost.  In this method of forest management, renewable sources of wood are maintained as newly planted trees are given 30 years of time in order to regenerate before the logging process can be done again.  With it, forests and mountains are not deprived of trees, which are a very important part of the ecosystem.

If you might be wondering how your interior designer can check to see if the wood you are using for your home and furniture comes from sustainable and managed forests, it is done by inspecting the seals in the wood.  Examples of the most trusted and reputable seals are from the FSC or Forest Stewardship Council, SCS, Rainforest Alliance’s “SmartWood” and Scientific Certification Systems’ “Green Seal” labels.  The FSC’s global efforts help in the safeguarding of all forests in the world.  Only forest manufacturers and managers who have properly complied with the FSC’s environmental and social benchmarks in wood manufacturing are awarded with their certification.  In this way, the welfare of the environment, community and industry are all given consideration.

A wide range of furniture can be made from sustainable wood which carries the FSC seal: beds, dressers, cabinets, drawers, shoe racks, nightstands and other wood products.  Reclaimed wood, which comes from wood which has been utilized previously for other purposes, can also make good furniture especially in the hands of a good craftsman.

And Finally…

Once you’ve decided to make your home take an eco-friendly turn, you have numerous options you can choose from.  Starting with your floor, your kitchen, furniture and bathroom, everything inside your home can be modified to be safe for your family and the environment.  It may take a little more effort, maybe some extra spending, but in the end, you’ll realize that everything will be worth it.