| This is the fastest growing segment of the Interior | | | | Full Load-Using an updated and energy-efficient |
| Design industry. Sustainable design is about creating | | | | washing machine, in addition to washing full loads, can |
| healthier spaces and improving its effect on people | | | | drastically improve water conservation. |
| and on the environment. Using recycled materials, | | | | Energy-efficient front-loaders can cut water |
| Low VOC paints, water efficient appliances and | | | | consumption by almost 40%! |
| fixtures, solar powered products, and locally procured | | | | Scrub-A-Dub-If you have access to a dishwasher, by |
| materials are just some of the ways you can go | | | | all means, use it! New, energy-efficient models can |
| green. The more you become educated on green | | | | conserve water, compared with hand washing, by up |
| design, the more you will want to start giving back | | | | to half. Try for a full load of dishes each time. If a |
| to our environment. | | | | small load is being washed, look for features on your |
| GOING GREENER | | | | machine that will allow you to adjust the water |
| In addition to the ideas above, there are a host of | | | | setting to accommodate a smaller load. |
| other options for making your bathroom even | | | | Did you know... Paint and sealers cover a large |
| greener. While these will add additional cost, they | | | | amount of surface area in any building, and therefore |
| promise a significant return on investment. | | | | have a significant impact on indoor air quality. There |
| Tank less hot water heaters - While these can add | | | | are two major types of paint products: |
| several hundred dollars to your bill, tank less water | | | | solvent-based oil paints and water-based paints. |
| heaters use 20 percent less energy than traditional | | | | Solvent-based paints contain large amounts of toxic |
| water heaters, paying for the extra up-front cost in | | | | chemicals and produce a great deal of hazardous |
| just a few years. | | | | vapors. To sustain a healthy work environment, |
| Water Flow-Low-flush toilets and low-flow shower | | | | choose only low-VOC, solvent-free paints, adhesives, |
| heads help to ensure conservation by restricting the | | | | sealants and counter tops. |
| volume of water involved in each flush or during each | | | | What's Hot...Bamboo Flooring, Recycled Glass & |
| shower. Also consider cutting back your "hours in the | | | | Metal tile, Cork flooring, & Resin Panels. |
| shower" for optimal conservation. | | | | |