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.

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.

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 these materials come with a stain resistant finish to ensure their suitability for upscale commercial applications. 

• Environmentally responsible product.
• Breathable (Ratings exceed 100 perms )/ Non-PVC
• 100% Post consumer recyclable.
• Greenguard certified for low VOC emissions
• Meets/exceeds all Type II requirements (CCC-W-408-D)
• Offers a typical Tensile rating of 150 x 129 lbs. and a typical Tear rating of 73 x 62 (scale reading).
• Stain Resistant Top Coat  
• Meets or exceeds Gardner Scrubbability Test ASTM D 2486; 300 cycles using a cleaning solution with no damage to finish or print.
• Water based inks / no heavy metals.
• All products carry a Class A fire rating." 

Link here.

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 and reclaimed? 

During a recent quest to select a fabric for one of my projects, I came across  the new FRESH line from Valley Forge Fabrics. The fresh line is made of 100% recycled plastics and is processed into fibers. In addition, Valley Forge has nailed to concept of reclamation and has clearly outlined this process to allow both the designer and end user to use this program effectively. Both the fabric line and the finished product or furniture piece the fabric is places on is identified with the recycle symbol below. When the fabric or furniture piece is replaced Valley Forge will pick up their FRESH fabrics and deliver it to the closets fabric recycler who will then will turn the fabric into blankets, foam for pillows, plastics for car interiors, and other various plastics in the open market. Although the fabrics are not being upcycled (which they are working on), the fabric fibers are diverted from the landfill into another useful product.  Valley Forge FRESH fabrics are a great resource for ecotextiles.