Homeowners love the warmth, comfort and quiet of carpeted floors. Unfortunately, traditional carpets can contain nasty chemicals like VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and their resource-intensive manufacturing process can be extremely wasteful. FLOR aims to change all that, offering high-performance flooring with an emphasis on sustainability all the way from its design to disposal.
EcoTop is an innovative composite material for countertops and work surfaces, made from recycled paper and renewable bamboo. The FSC-certified material was developed by KlipTech’s Joel Klippert, who was the driving force behind PaperStone before moving on to introduce EcoTop.
Traditional demolition can be extremely wasteful, so we’re a huge fan of deconstruction to preserve reusable materials. Massachusetts-based EcoBuilding Bargains is a unique business that cuts construction waste and saves money for customers, by offering both deconstruction services and a retail outlet for all those reclaimed building materials.
Paving stones for walkways and patios should be beautiful – but they also need to be practical, durable, and affordable. And what if they happened to be eco-friendly enough to qualify for LEED certification credits?
We love stories. And we love items that have a story behind them, which is especially true when they used to be something else. From home decorations to jewelry, from office supplies to luggage, here are some of our favorite upcycled gift options for your eco-conscious friends and family.
Designer Yves Behar created the SAYL chair with freedom in mind – both freedom of movement, and freedom from unnecessary materials. The result is an elegant and comfortable chair that earned a silver MBDC Cradle to Cradle certification.
Doing a little remodeling or renovation? Maybe cleaning out an old office? Well, answering the age-old question “What do we do with all this stuff” just got a little easier. The free iScrap app gives users detailed information on local recycling and dropoff centers.
Produced in Finland, Durat is a polyester based solid surface material. It contains roughly 30% recycled post-industrial waste, and is itself 100% recyclable. Durat is extremely durable and resistant to many common chemicals; any surface scuffs can be removed with an light sanding, and the material can be cut and shaped with standard woodworking tools.
BamDeck combines the beauty and eco-friendliness of bamboo with the extreme durability of composite decking. It’s made from recycled materials, and offers an alternative to tropical hardwood decks that is both stunning and practical.
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Live in the Los Angeles area? Check out the Green Living Workshops that start tonight at the G2 Gallery in Venice, CA. The free workshop series will cover practical topics like reducing waste and saving money by cutting water and energy usage.
