Everywhere you turn these days you hear something about eco-friendly living.  Green interior design is definitely gaining momentum!  Many homeowners are aware of the conservation benefits of energy efficient appliances, dual flush toilets and double paned windows. However, there are many more layers involved when creating a green ecosystem inside your home.  To aid homeowners in this quest, I review the latest trends in green interior design materials. Because we hermetically seal ourselves inside our homes, indoor air quality can be up to ten times worse than the exterior air we breathe.  To improve this situation we reduce the amount of toxic emissions inside our homes or Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).  Many products in our homes release VOCs—carpets, adhesives, composite wood products, paints, caulks, solvents, upholstery fabrics, varnishes and vinyl floors.  In addition to reducing VOCs, “going green” means selecting products that are made from sustainable, reusable and/or recyclable materials.   

Low Budget Green Options.   One of the least expensive ways to go eco-friendly is to use low or no VOC paints like Benjamin Moore’s Natura.  In addition, it is important to select eco-healthy mattresses made from natural latex, organic cotton, and organic wool with no off-gassing chemicals, no pesticide residues, and no flame retardants like those sold by Savvy Rest.  Bamboo and organic cotton bedding and towels, along with sheets made of seaweed-based fibers, also significantly reduce toxins in your home.  Private Quarters carries a great line of these non-toxic products.  A final way to “go green” on a budget is to use eco-friendly upholstery and drapery fabrics like those sold by Knoll Textiles, as well as using eco-conscious wallpapers and wall coverings.      

Medium to High Budget Green Options.  Some of the more expensive green interior design options include eliminating formaldehyde based adhesives and replacing cabinets, flooring, insulation, countertops and furniture with reclaimed, sustainable or recyclable sources.  For kitchen cabinets there are several eco-friendly lines available—Green Quest by Crystal and Robin Wilson Home by Holiday Kitchens are just a few. Bamboo, cork, reclaimed wood and natural rubber offer green alternatives to traditional carpet flooring.  If you prefer carpet, you can reduce toxins by selecting carpets made out of sustainable or recycled materials with a natural-fiber backing and less-toxic adhesives.  Contempo Floor Coverings sells a variety of these healthier options.  If you do purchase a traditional wood floor, be sure to select one that has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FCS).    Another higher-priced construction option is to replace traditional fiberglass insulation with recycled blue jeans and soy insulation—thereby reducing your home’s internal toxicity.   Finally, for countertops, the best eco-conscious options include reclaimed wood, Ice Stone (recycled glass/concrete), Paper Stone (recycled paper), Suberra Cork (compressed/recycled cork), Rich Lite (paper-based composite), slate and Eco by Constantino (recycled glass/metals/ mirror/porcelain/corn).