You don't have to sacrifice style to be kinder to the environment, and a model condominium designed by Thom Filicia is a perfect example of this. He uses green materials, fabrics and finishes throughout this comfortably appointed home, but you wouldn't know it unless he told you. 

I love the beautiful dresser by Aponwao Design he used, which is made out of salvaged picture frames!

Read more (and see the beautiful dresser) here.

Can you see a plastic box soundsystem on your shelf or desktop from where you are sitting now?  Does it appear from this accessory as if you enjoy plastic packaging more than the quality furniture in your home or office?  Does it actually jar you out of peacefully enjoying Mozart when you look at this piece of plastic crap cranking out your beloved tunes?

Next time you need to replace your broken stereo, consider this Vers system instead.  The design idea was inspired by a classic 1955 Zenith radio that co-founder David Laituri has owned since he was 12.  He and partner Tim Trzepacz worked together at Brookstone before they started Vers as an alternative to plastic-encased sound systems.  They wanted a high-quality sound system that would look smart and also be sustainable (each Vers 1.5R system replaces 80% of what could be plastic with wood).

Check it out... and product finder for green building materials in your are! This site is lacking a large amount of manufacturers, however, as the site develops, it will be come a great resource!

http://www.green2green.org

Want to sustainably rid yourself of waste that accumulates in the home and office after gifts, parties, and the holiday season?  For our American audience:

Any UPS Store will accept clean boxes, bubble wrap, styrofoam peanuts, etc. Locations: go here

Most grocery stores (Safeway, Whole Foods, etc.) recycle thin-film plastic bags, including

I am always on the lookout for organic fabrics.  Pindler & Pindler, a 60 year old fabric company launched Pindler Green, an organic and eco-friendly fabrics line.  You can find Pindler & Pindler at a To-The-Trade Showroom near you (SF is the closest to Furni). 
"Pindler & Pindler is proud to introduce our new category of sustainable eco-friendly fabrics, Pindler Green.

 

Pindler & Pindler understands that protecting the environment is not just a trend; it’s a way of life. Our mission is to be a resource to our environmentally aware designers and customers, supplying luxury fabrics woven from high-quality natural, sustainable fibers. We use only certified organic cotton, as well as linen, jute, flax, bamboo, hemp, wool and silk, all renewable and sustainable. Fabrics as nature intended are better for you, your home, and the environment as a whole.

   
Pindler Green fabrics meet authentic third party certification. They are produced by manufacturers meeting recognized standards for environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing processes. We use specially certified dyers specializing in low impact and non-toxic dyes and finishes that are free of all heavy metals and harmful agents. These sources use low exhaust emissions, and reduce energy consumption through the use of wind power."



Find Pindler & Pindler here.