How Easy Is It Being Green?
The sounds of crickets on a balmy summer
night, the glow of lightning bugs as the day
turns into dusk, or the bright orange rays
of the sun as it dips under the horizon.
These aren’t only sights and sounds of
summer, but signs of nature at it’s best.
Today’s trend seems to finally be turning
towards living green and preserving the
precious things in nature that for so long
we’ve taken for granted. The smart folks in
California have been trying to teach of us
this for years, and it seems that it is
finally catching on. Everyone of us should
take ownership in protecting our
environment, not just a select few.
Luckily, even the big name companies have
taken this to heart and joined in the eco
friendly cause.
In this industry companies are always
striving to capture the latest trends and
when they do, it ignites the decorator
within us. I recently found myself
doting over Benjamin Moore Paints new “Aura”
line of paint. As Benjamin Moore puts
it “ Quite simply the finest paint we’ve
ever made”. This wonderful product has
bragging rights to its incredible features
such as: full washability in any sheen,
richer colors, seamless touch-up, one-hour
recoat, two coat maximum and no primer coat
needed. But wait, I’ve saved the best
for last….it’s also eco-friendly and has
minimal odor!
How do you get this fabulous product you
ask? Go to
www.benjaminmoore.com to find an Aura
retailer in your area. Benjamin Moore
has already launched “Aura” on both the West
and East Coasts and will be introducing it
to the Chicagoland area in September ‘07.
I have to move to the Coast (west); we’re
always the last to find out about anything
here in the Midwest!
For those of you who find yourself in a home
improvement project or need to do some
spruce up your property before putting it on
the market, you may want to consider some of
these eco friendly options….who knew saving
the environment could look so fabulous!
Cork Flooring – Made from cork oak bark,
it does not harm the trees and the new layer
of cork will re-grow.
Recycled Barnwood – this has a beauty
and character that cannot be duplicated.
Plus this is a double savings by not
destroying existing trees and keeps the wood
from becoming landfill waste.
Concrete Countertops – Limestone is one
of the earth’s most plentiful resources.
This not only allows beauty and function in
the kitchen, but also offers considerable
durability.
Bamboo Flooring – This is such a wise
choice in flooring as it only takes
approximately 5 years for a bamboo plant to
reach maturity. Bamboo is generally
less expensive and more durable than
traditional hardwoods making it a top pick
for your green design!
Sea Grass Wallpaper – Okay I admit I
had to share this with you because
apparently I was eco friendly some 20 years
ago and didn’t know it! I loved my sea
grass wallpaper then and still love it now
(no, I don’t have the same wallpaper, or the
same home.) But…..it does make me
wonder what I can wallpaper THIS time!
Sea Grass grows in saltwater marshes and is
an abundant resource that regenerates
itself. Sea Grass has a wonderful
texture that truly goes with practically any
décor.
So, as you can see, it really is easy being
green! There are so many smart,
beautiful choices available to you.
Just take the time to look before starting
your next project and who knows, you may
just help to make this world a little better
place to live!
Happy Designing,
Judy
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