Trash-free Lunch

Susanna Mendiola — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:19:36 +0100

I've been researching different products to figure out how to have a trash free breakfast and lunch that works with my long on-the-go day. As far as lunch kits go, this one is very functional! It is the Zojirushi Mr. Bento kit. It comes with a bag, a utensil (sort of a spork) and four containers. The key things are that 1) one coRead More...

Cool as a Cucumber

Jennifer Davidson — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:10:07 +0100

You might have one of these little wonders in your refrigerator right now. After you read this list from a New York Times article, I bet you'll be energized to try some of the ideas right away! Home-related ideas at the top (we are focused on interiors here, after all).

Looking for a green way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean. Not only wilRead More...

From Tree to Your Table

Susanna Mendiola — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 17:24:46 +0100

Found these cool bowls made of coconut -- "Coconut is the New Bamboo!"

Have a Heart: Care about Chemicals

Jennifer Davidson — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:47:41 +0100

Here's a great article from our friends over at EDF (Environmental Defense Fund) about chemical dangers, the burden of proof, and the US government's proposed actions on chemical oversight vs. Europe and other countries. If we care about our families, ourselves and the planet, we'll clamor to make these important changes as quickly as possible.

Article here

Thom Filicia Stealthily Goes Green

Amy Swanton Mills — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:26:11 +0100

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.

Sustainable Sound System

Jennifer Davidson — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 02:47:26 +0100

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 yoRead More...

Great Resource for Green Building Materials...

Meghan Field Lopez — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 23:57:27 +0100

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

Holiday Trash? Recycle It!

Jennifer Davidson — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 05:52:25 +0100

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

Clear, thin newspaper bags
Thicker newspaper bags, bread bags
Bubble wrap (may also contain nylon)
Dry cleaning bags
Consumer paperRead More...

Starting the New Year Organic

Susanna Mendiola — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:35:59 +0100

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 fabrRead More...

Mirror Mirror on the wall...

Meghan Field Lopez — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 22:22:38 +0100

Using reclaimed or found items to create a focal point in a room can really make your space stand out. I love image below (found on design sponge). The designer/owner created interest by incorporating multiple found mirrors all ranging in size and style. All it took was a few thrift shop runs to create this look! Its easy,inexpensive and keeps these items out of the dumpster.

Walls that breathe? A good thing!

Susanna Mendiola — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:54:00 +0100

I just stumbled upon this breathable, non-PVC wallcoverings line from Angela Adams and MDC Wallcoverings.

"Complete offering of contract wallcoverings combine signature designs influenced by nature produced using an eco-friendly formulation. angela adams breathable non-pvc wallcoverings are ideal for corporate office, hospitality, healthcare, and retail. All Read More...

Desiging F.R.E.S.H with Valley Forge

Meghan Field Lopez — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:45:09 +0100

In the past few years we have seen some amazing developments in product life cycles. William McDonough and the Cradle to Cradle concept has opened both manufactures and consumers eyes to the use and end use of products. We have seen many companies adopt the Cradle to Cradle certification, however, there has been one glitch I have noticed over the years. A product may be able to be made into itself in a closed loop cycle, but how is the product at the end of its life cycle actually identified Read More...

2 Holiday Eco-Ideas

Jennifer Davidson — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:15:48 +0100

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 themseRead More...

Diffa's Dining by Design SF Event Not So Eco-Friendly

Jennifer Davidson — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:47:30 +0100

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 SaRead More...

Textile Tag - information education

Susanna Mendiola — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:21:17 +0100

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 Read More...

Farrow & Ball Go Green

Amy Swanton Mills — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:36:56 +0100

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 orRead More...

E-Cloth® - Clean with only water & a cloth! That's it!

Jennifer Davidson — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:02:03 +0100

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!

Steve Pearson, a designer from the UK, heard that hospitals in Sweden were using a special cloth to clean with water, rather than traditional chemical cleaRead More...

Time to Sparkle for the Holidays

Amy Swanton Mills — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:53:02 +0100

It’s that time of year again. Holiday time. What does this mean? Lots of entertaining. You may find yourself looking around the house and seeing things in a new light - the pile of magazines that have been sitting by the front door for ages, the marks on the wall from where the cat likes to scratch, the tired looking throw pillows on the sofa. To get your house company ready, I recommend a program of de-cluttering, cleaning and redecorating – all withouRead More...

Cardboard Playsets & Furniture

Jennifer Davidson — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:28:33 +0100

I don't know about you, but MY favorite childhood memories involve toys that were creative, used imagination, and allowed for multiple uses in a variety of ways. Now you can combat the explosion of static, unimaginative plastic toys with sustainable cardboard kits that are easy to use, kid-friendly and eco-friendly!

CardboardDesign uses 100% recycled cardboard sourced in the USA that is much thicker than standard shipping boxes to make their fun play sets so they hold up to kid-pRead More...

{Friday Find} Chatting on the phone never looked so green

Susanna Mendiola — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:18:57 +0100

How cute is today's {Friday Find}? The seller calls this a vintage telephone table. "THIS IS A NICE PIECE MADE OF QUALITY TEAK WOOD AND MEASURES 25 INCHES HIGH X 35 INCHES WIDE. IF INTERESTED CALL 707/824-0607. $65"

Since I have been teaching myself to sew, I know for a fact how easy and inexpensive it would be to recover that seat pad. And if the color of the wood doesn't match your decor, a little Read More...

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