Archive for December, 2011

Before you make your New Years resolutions this year, consider this – Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies reported that a record 49% of Americans pay higher rent than they can afford. So in 2012, maybe its time for all of us to vow to make updates to our homes and lifestyles that ensure we’re not living beyond our means – not just economically but environmentally as well. Here are our 7 Sustainability Trends for 2012 that will help you create a healthy, smart, responsible home.

1. Recycling becomes cool again: Ever wonder what happened to the mantra “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” that used to be plastered everywhere? Well it’s back and this time brands like Dell and FLOR are leading the charge. Teamed with interior furnishings brands using recycled wood for table tops and drop cloths for upholstery, your recycled goods could really become another’s’ treasure.

2. Water gets (more) political: It’s hard to think about energy without thinking about oil and all its implications. Well brace yourselves – as we enter a new year and a shaky world economy, water will become more and more political as well. See here, here and here. The good news? Certification bodies like USGBC will continue to incorporate WaterSense™ labeling into its LEED™ certification process, making it top of mind for forward-looking homeowners who plan to renovate.

3. States and cities take action: At Greenbuild this past October, Thomas Friedman told his captive audience that he’s amazed by their optimism because a federal green building code is not coming. That may be true for now, but it’s well known that where California leads, others tend to follow. With the launch of the CALGreen Building Standards Code in 2011, a movement toward state regulation may be on the cusp.

4. Sustainability is ingredient-ized: SC Johnson might have been put under some scrutiny for its Greenlist ingredient label, but the brand helped spur a movement toward “nutrition label” style ingredient lists on green products. No more, what I don’t know can’t hurt me (or the earth). Soon, the warning will be on the label.

5. Rustic, repurposed and industrialized: It seems that some of the biggest trends coming out of high-point this fall, are right in line with the sustainable lifestyle. Keep your eye out for increased popularity in reclaimed wood flooring and furniture; architectural salvage repurposed for art and décor; and clean, open industrial-style spaces that require minimal “stuff” in 2012.

6. A healthy home is a happy home: …and more environmentally friendly products like chemical free cleaners, VOC free paint and solar powered heating and cooling systems, like InSpire Wall
, made by ATAS International , featured on Care2, that improve indoor air quality inside the home help homeowners keep their families healthy and happy.

7. Local, local, local: Some of the country’s hottest interior furniture companies and retailers are keeping it local…and they’re capturing media and consumer attention. Room & Board has increased its selection of American-made products to 95% of its inventory and many of the pieces from Oscar De La Renta’s furniture line are made right in North Carolina. And let’s not forget the power of Etsy and the hip, local handmade craft events popping up across the country (Portland Baazar, Unique LA and Crafty Bastards in DC to name a few).

We’ll be rounding back to each trend throughout the year so check back often. What sustainability trends do you have your eye on this year?