ECO-DESIGN: ECOLOGICAL, GREEN, OR SUSTAINABLE INTERIOR DESIGN. A LIST OF SUGGESTED STRATEGIES.

In the 21^st Century the protection of the natural environment has acquired great significance, as we have realized that eco-friendly is the way to go, in order to safeguard the planet and provide a more hopeful future for our children. Of course Interior Design couldn’t be left behind and has joined the save-the-earth movement. 

Green or eco-friendly interiors are healthier, more enjoyable and psychologically uplifting. It has been found that natural spaces, such as log or timber homes, positively affect the way we feel. While eco-friendly spaces in general, are the way to counter the sick-building syndrome and its associated ills (headaches, flu like symptoms, allergies, etc.). 

Let’s proceed to examine some of the strategies we need to adopt: 

1. Use all natural building materials and decorating accessories. Avoid laminate parquet flooring, as it contains and emits toxic chemicals (Because of chemical additives); use real wood parquet instead. Also, avoid plastic, vinyl or rubber flooring. And definitely avoid all plastics in any form or use (For example, plastic door levers, plastic flowers or plants, plastic flower pots, plastic mirror frames,  plastic photo frames, plastic tablecloths, etc.). Unfortunately, plastics have creeped into modern life and need to be avoided.
2. Avoid granite in habitable spaces, such as kitchen counters or flooring; granite very often contains radon, a radioactive element, known to contribute to cancer.
3. Use ecological paints and varnishes.
4. Use real wood, glass, or steel furniture. Avoid fake, wood-like furniture, that has laminates, plastics and other non-natural materials that emit over time toxic chemicals. 
5. Use all natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool, silk, or a combination of these.
6. Use led lights that are very economical to operate and at the same time save the environment. 
7. Utilize windows that are operable, i.e. open, to allow for the natural ventilation of spaces. This way the indoor air is healthier, and where sunlight enters mold or mildew tends to be prevented (Unless of course the humidity source comes through the wall or the foundations).
8. Prefer high-speed ceiling fans instead of relying exclusively on air-conditioning. An appropriately designed home or building (passive solar design, see below) can be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter; and more economical to operate. Additionally, modern ceiling fans with multiple speeds can cool you for practically most of the summer, unless there is a heat wave or you happen to live in a humid place like Florida. Many ceilings fans also have a light source, while some are even remotely controlled.
9. Use technology to your advantage. Use sensors or smart-home technology to turn off automatically lights when no one occupies a space. Choose energy efficient electrical appliances like refrigerators or ovens. Prefer "A" rating or better.
10. Use mechanical and plumbing systems that conserve energy. For example, water saving faucets. 
11. In the larger scheme of things, prefer green architecture, specifically, a passive solar home.
12. Last but not least, consider from how far a building material or decorating accessory has to travel in order to reach your home. Therefore, if possible, try to prefer local suppliers, as long hauls in trucks pollute excessively the environment.

Some of these strategies are straight forward or common sense appproaches. However, in order to make homes and decoration affordable, today many building materials, furniture and decorating accessories are fake (which the trained eye can easily detect) and at the same time are very hazardous to our health, while negatively impacting the environment. Sadly, many consumers have accepted the fake route, since it gives them greater buying power, ignoring though all the associated health risks and environmental hazards.

Electrical appliances and electronics like refrigerators, ranges/stoves, air-conditioners, sound systems or even vacuum cleaners, used to be labeled energy class "C" or below, which meant they were expensive to operate plus there was a significant toll on the environment. Nowadays, energy class "A", "A+", even "A+++" is available, sometimes at an incremental cost, which is more economical in the long run, as the annual savings can be sizeable. As an example, an A+++ appliance realizes 79% savings compared to D class; the numbers speak for themselves.

Smart homes or smart buildings are indeed amazing: One can control so many functions of the space through his smart-phone, like checking while on a trip if he forgot his lights on, be informed if there was a break-in, turn on his air-conditioning before arriving home, open the window shutters or blinds, even check the contents of his refrigerator.

Recycling has become a part of our daily routine, but there is so much more we can do, as we just realized. Following the above essential strategies, one may live or work in an eco-friendly, green or sustainable space, that’s healthy, enjoyable and psychologically uplifting. And in some cases, more economical than a conventional, polluting structure or space.

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For specifics, or ideas about your own project, get in touch; we can work together. It's fun, easy and affordable. You'll be surprised! We'll do everything by email ! Phone contact is also available. Feel free to CONTACT:  interior.design.easy@gmail.com