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The days of cranking, pulling, turning, pressing, twisting, pushing and sliding are disappearing. It’s becoming all about touch.

Product designers and manufacturers are utilizing the latest technology in touch activation to make products easier to use, more visually appealing, and, let’s facer, just plain cooler. This trend was on display at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Chicago in April.

You can trace the touch-activation trend as far back as the “touch lamps” of the 1980s & 90s, which used capacitance (the ability of a body to store an electrical charge) to allow users to turn the lights on and off simply by touching it. Later, Apple employed the same technology in the iPod, and still uses it today in the iPhone and iPad.

Touch technology made its way into the kitchen & bath with the introduction of Touch 2O technology by Delta Faucet Company just a few years ago. This year, the company unveiled the latest addition to the touch-faucet family – the Jason Wu for Brizo Collection. The faucet is seen in action here:

While faucets were among the first in the category to use touch, other product manufacturers are incorporating it into their products now, too. Dacor introduced a new microwave drawer at KBIS, which seamlessly incorporates this ubiquitous appliance into the base cabinets and off the countertop. And it opens and closes with a simple touch.

Window blinds have been notoriously difficult to operate in the past, requiring pulling and twisting, all while leaning over furniture. While remote-control blinds have been around for a while, Lutron has made them more affordable with the introduction of its Serena remote-control shades. And since Lutron is a pioneer in making the light switch easier to use, you know that the Serena remote is ergonomically friendly.

With these products and more, it seems that touch technology is here to stay. Not only does it streamline the operation of a home’s systems, it also adheres to sound universal design principles – making products more accessible to users of all ages and abilities.

As manufacturers embrace touch technology, you will see it used in more product categories – plumbing, lighting, locks, and more.

Pendant lamp made from recycled toilet bowl brushes, made by Natalie Sampson

The above images were provided by Curbly.

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?