Going, going green

BY KIMBERLEY SELDON

WHEN VANITY FAIR devotes an annual cover to the topic and Al Gore enjoys A-list celebrity status, we know that “going green” is going strong. The reality is our decorating choices—big and small—impact the environment. Whether you’re covering a window, changing a wall colour, replacing a beaten up kitchen floor, or getting rid of tired furniture, some choices are more environmentally friendly than others. It’s time for all of us to consider our “green” options. Here are some of the choices you can make to preserve the environment without sacrificing style.

Flooring

Opt for linoleum over vinyl when choosing continuous flooring. Vinyl is made of synthetic chemicals, while linoleum is made of up to 80% renewable, natural substances such as linseed oil, flax and pine resin. Designers welcome linoleum’s wide selection of colours while allergy sufferers enjoy the fact that it’s hypoallergenic. Everyone appreciates the price point; starting at only a few dollars per square foot, linoleum is relatively affordable. Wood flooring is still a viable option, provided the wood is sourced from sustainable resources. Its durability provides long-lasting value. The Forest Stewardship Council is making strides in the US and Canada to improve care of our forests and educate consumers.

Kimberley’s Pick: For beauty and eco-friendly aspects, reclaimed wood flooring is a hands-down favourite in this category. There’s a stunning variety of choice— herringbone, Versailles, parquet, inlay and rustic barn board.

Window coverings

For simple window coverings, bamboo blinds are a winning combination of good looks and eco-friendliness. Bamboo is actually a grass, one of the fastest growing plants on earth. It’s easy to cultivate and its wood tones infuse interiors with natural warmth. As bamboo blinds shade rooms from strong sunlight, they also lessen the need for air-conditioning during the season’s warmest days. Bamboo blinds paired with drapery panels are ideally suited to traditional interiors. For contemporary interiors, enjoy them on their own.

Kimberley’s Pick: Fabric blinds made from 100% bamboo or linen. The wrinkling only adds to the charm.

Paint

Conventional paints often release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), harmful fumes and chemicals that are not only bad for the environment, they may even cause those fresh-paint headaches.

Kimberley’s Pick: Ask your paint retailer for low or no VOC paint, both an environmentally and health friendly option.

Furniture

To furnish a home with minimal impact on the environment consider reusing and refreshing rather than replacing furniture. Join weekend treasure hunters who flock to local flea markets in search of potential. That vintage table and chair set may need little more than a new paint job (low VOCs please) to render it chic. As environmental responsibility grows we can expect more choice when it comes to the production of new furniture made from reclaimed and sustainable materials.

Kimberley’s Pick: Look for consignment shops in your neighbourhood or visit tag sales as the weather warms.

Lighting

Saving energy in the lighting category is as easy as dimming the lights. In fact, dim them 10% and there’s a 10% cost savings. In addition to installing dimmers, consider replacing some bulbs with super-efficient compact fluorescent lights. Not only do CFLs last about 10 times longer than incandescent light bulbs, they also provide a 75%–80% reduction in energy costs.

Kimberley’s Pick: Embrace solar lighting outdoors; use light stands to emphasize favourite beds or an important pathway.

Appliances

Kitchens and bathrooms undoubtedly provide the biggest drain on the environment. In some cases, common sense steers us to energy savings. Those who eat out frequently may require a smaller refrigerator, which uses less energy than a larger version. Running the dishwasher only when it’s full and avoiding peak hours helps reduce strain on energy consumption. Participate in provincial recycling programs. Opt for low-flow shower heads and low-flush toilets.

Kimberley’s Pick: Look for deep discounts on pre-owned appliances or watch for sales which are inevitable this year.