green, green, green

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ou've heard all about it, but do you really understand it? Green. Is it possible to be truly green?

As designers we have an obligation to ourselves, our clients, the environment and all the people who live on this earth to be responsible in our recommendations of products, materials and finishes.

But one doesn't have to stop there, recommending energy efficient equipment, using products with recycled content or recyclable, no chemical finishes or low-VOC emitting products, etc. are all part of the big picture.

So, how does one become "Green" minded? Below is a list of things we can do to help our families, clients and the place we live in to be safer and greener:

1) Use materials and products manufactured within a 500 mile radius of the projects locations.
2) Use energy efficient light fixtures and equipment (ie: kitchens, laundry areas), keep energy/resource conservation in mind
3) Use green interior finishes such as certified EPP carpet or recycled carpet
4) Use sustainable materials/rapidly renewable materials such as cork, bamboo, etc. and consider the manner that they have been harvested, and consider how they will be used.
5) Use only low-VOC, non toxic paints, adhesives
6) Use furniture which respond to the issue of sustainability (ie: using recycled fabric, alternative construction materials such as recycled fiberboard, recycled laminates)
7) Consider alternative materials such as solid surface materials with recycled content, tile, concrete, etc. for kitchen counter tops, vanities.
8) Utilize natural sunlight to its advantage
9) Create green standards in your projects; setting goals will help you achieve 'green'
10) Educate people on green options. As confusing as it is for professionals, the average person doesn't understand the variety of possibilities on the market.
11) Choose green products first, if you've been hired to design, be responsible and design green
12) Offer green services as part of your design services, soon green will be as important and common place as providing a structurally sound structure

The list could go on and on, but this gives you a pretty good idea of where to start. Keep in mind that safety, durability and resource conservation are among the most important factors in designing and recommending 'green'.

Unfortunately, today there's a lot of 'green washing' going on in the world today (similar to 'brain washing' and indicates deception). By implementing some of the recommendations above into your projects you join the rank of responsible, educated designers in saving our planet and our resources for future generations to come.

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