by jennae on June 21, 2008
Photos from Duro Design
Green flooring options are becoming more abundant these days. And if you know anything about carpet, you know that no matter what it’s made of, even if it’s recycled or otherwise eco-friendly in terms of materials, it is one of the most unhealthy (though affordable) floor coverings you can have in your home. Carpet traps everything you track in on the bottom of your shoes: dirt, bacteria and who knows what else. If you must have carpet, stick to area rugs or carpet tiles that can be washed and/or replaced. :: READ THE FULL POST
by jennae on May 20, 2008
Many people don’t realize that good old linoleum is among the most eco-friendly flooring options out there. It is also one of the most affordable. Linoleum is durable and biodegradable, made up mostly of natural linseed oil, and truly low in toxins. The problem is that many people tend to associate linoleum with their parents’ or grandparents’ floors that were installed in the 1940s and 50s, including the scrubbing involved with cleaning them, and the toxic paste required to install it. Well I can tell you that linoleum has come a long, long way since then. As you can see from the photos above, it can look as clean and contemporary or simple and classic as you want it to, and there is no stinky adhesive involved. :: READ THE FULL POST
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably always thought that those plastic office chair mats are as hideous as they get. But if you want to roll across a rug without snagging the carpet every few inches, they are also necessary. I am SO happy to find this eco-friendly alternative! This bamboo chair mat serves the same purpose in a decidedly more stylish manner. They are durable (as are all bamboo products) and will add a functional, yet elegant touch to your home office.
Price: $179.95
I took me some time to find eco-friendly tile made of something other than glass, but the Ecoycle tile by Crossville attempts to fit the bill. EcoCycle contains 40% recycled ceramic content, certified by Scientific Certification Systems, so it will contribute LEED Certification for new buildings or major renovations. It comes in 8 earth-toned colors. The floor shown above is comprised of Wetlands, Marshland and Pine Barren 12″ x 12″ tiles. And because the tiles are prices so well, you won’t have to dig a deep hole in your pocket to have beautiful floors.
Price: $3.23-$3.49 per square foot
by jennae on April 27, 2008
Duro Design offers bamboo flooring in 54 rich and distinctive colors, but my personal favorite is the Ebony flooring. This deep, dark tone will be at home in modern and traditionally-decorated homes alike, and it is one of those neutrals that looks good with any color you put around it. We already know that bamboo is a truly sustainable material that regenerates at least 8 times faster than hardwood, but Duro Design takes the extra step of waiting until the bamboo is 5-7 years old before harvesting to ensure superior strength and hardness. The flooring is also protected by 6 coats of a low-VOC urethane finishing system and can help you achieve LEED® certification. :: READ THE FULL POST
Green flooring options are becoming more abundant these days. And if you know anything about carpet, you know that no matter what it’s made of, even if it’s recycled or otherwise eco-friendly in terms of materials, it is one of the most unhealthy (though affordable) floor coverings you can have in your home. Carpet traps everything you track in on the bottom of your shoes: dirt, bacteria and who knows what else. If you must have carpet, stick to area rugs or carpet tiles that can be washed and/or replaced. 
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I’m Jennae Petersen, and I’m a lot of things. A mother, a graphic artist, a connosieur of beautiful interiors and a purveyor of all things design. Green Your Decor was borne of frustration in my attempts to find eco-friendly housewares that were also beautiful, and inspiration to do something to reduce my own carbon footprint and help others do the same in a beautiful way.
