My family was ahead of the eco-friendly trend when it came to wrapping paper. In the 80s, we wrapped the lids and bottoms of boxes separately with our favorite paper, allowing us to re-use year after year with just a fresh ribbon (and sometimes even a reused one!) In the 90s, we made or purchased fabric gift bags with drawstring ribbons that allow for easy access. Not only are these ideas simple and reduce wrapping waste and stress, but they have also become beloved holiday memories themselves: who will receive the Snoopy box or the snowman bag this year? You can even hold a craft-party with friends and family to make your boxes and bags out of scraps from your other projects!

Here's another great holiday idea that holds up year-round:

Dining by Design Nov 18, 2009 - overlooking the main floor,
San Francisco Design Center Galleria

While I applaud the goal of charitable events, particularly Diffa's Dining by Design yearly event held in 7 American cities to raise money for AIDS research, it would be laudable to see an emphasis on sustainability alongside charity.

This was my second year of involvement with DBD in San Francisco.  In 2008, I ran the coat check booth but was not involved with the design or installation of my school's vignette (I attend Academy of Art University, see my profile for more detail).  This year I was only able to help out with the installation for a short time but I find it rewarding to get a behind-the-scenes peek into what it takes to create and install a beautiful space in just 24 hours.  (Yes, each mirrored piece on the wall in the photo below was painstakingly placed by a team including yours truly.)

I know Furni is all about the home, but I thought this tag was pretty relevant anyway.  It was a tag from an item of clothing (okay, underwear) that came from the UK (I didn't know it shipped from the UK or I wouldn't have bought it).  Nonetheless, I wonder if we'll see tags like this on our textiles stateside.  Another item of, ahem, clothing, had this on the tag:  "Save Energy, Wash at 30 Degrees."  Cool!

I love Farrow & Ball paint! Their color palette is amazing and the colors are so saturated that even a simple cream seems to give depth and texture to the wall. They recently introduced zero VOC paints to their collection, which you can read about here - A Greener View from Farrow & Ball . 

If you are unfamiliar with their colors and product line, you can order a free brochure and colour card here - Catologue Request . 

Don't you just hate spending time and money using harsh chemicals to clean your home and office?  Wish you could use nothing but water and a cloth to get your interiors really sparkly clean?  Now you can!