Green expectations

Is green here to stay, or soon to become a passing fad? Home Accents Today's designer panelists sound off on the "G" word and whether they believe our ecological footprints will stand the test of time. Here we offer a sampling of the responses. For much more, or to comment, visit the Designer Insight blog at homeaccentstoday.com.

I definitely think the green movement is more than a passing fad. It's evidenced by the flood of editorial in both consumer and trade publications and in the proliferation of green products and green building and design. At Emma Gardner design, we are determined to operate in as earth-friendly a way as possible. The material we use most of is wool, which is naturally renewable, and when we work on new products we always opt for the least wasteful, most sustainable materials we can. An increasing number of clients mention that they appreciate that. I have personally become very aware, especially in the last few years, of trying to be as conscientious as possible at home, too, with how much paper I use, how much gas, electricity, etc., and am encouraging my children to do the same. — Emma Gardner

Over the last year or so, market centers, shelter magazines and trade publications have all spent space and energy focusing on green. It has made us think, or at least wonder about, recycled wood furniture, bamboo flooring and the like. But at the end of the day, when you go out to the dock and look at all the boxes and packing materials used to ship the goods we buy and sell, do you think it really makes a difference? I honestly think green has become fashionable in some circles. In two years, unless this is your passion, we all will move on to something else that is trendy or something we are 'supposed' to do.

I know I may sound like a pessimist. I just remember when we studied recycling and conservation in my youth in Alabama. That was 20 or so years ago. Have we really changed that much since then? America is one of the most wealthy, spoiled, pampered countries in the world. We drive large SUVs, purchase to-go dinners in plastic boxes and mood light our landscaping. And we take out our trash every week — maybe separated in trash or recycled bins, maybe not. I would like to think our government could figure out how to use wind energy, solar sun panels and optional fuels so that we're not so oil-dependent.

I have made an effort to change how I live and do business by doing a few simple things. With lighting, for example, I mix in fluorescent bulbs and spots where it makes sense ... in hallways, storage rooms and showroom track for fill light. I even use fluorescent bulbs in outside fixtures at my home. They use less energy and seem to last forever. — Mark Abrams

Being conscious of the environment and striving for more sustainability — both at work and in our homes — is no trend, it's here to stay. In my company, we are incorporating more energy-saving techniques, such as cutting our light and power usage in my corporate offices, central warehouse and manufacturing facility.

I have also focused on alternate materials and processes in manufacturing, including water-based stains, wood glue with no off-gassing, using pure alder wood from replanted forests with no chemical processing. In fabric development I am using more pure linens, raw silk, raffia and bamboo-based textiles. My new pillow collection has inserts made of feathers and corn byproducts; and the inner-covers are made of unbleached cotton, are biodegradable and come from local manufacturers. Also, we invest a considerable amount in research and development. We create many prototypes and, as both craftsmen and manufacturers, continue to strive to be Green. For example, we needed to ensure the pillow insert had a really comfortable feel — as our clientele expects — while being sustainable.

The catch for everyone right now is that living Green costs more, and it's currently reflected in the products of all the innovators in the field — from the hybrid car industry to organic clothing and food. With time, we'll see flexibility in the pricing, as more vendors offer the resources to make more sustainable products. During the manufacturing process we are also focusing our attention and learning how to reduce our waste. It's an education, and the education comes with time. — Barclay Butera

On one hand, I find myself torn — feeling a little guilty about the fact that I don't actively seek out products that are renewable or green. At the same time, I recollect putting bamboo flooring into a project almost eight years ago when, believe me, it was almost a novelty, and yet, a Green, very renewable resource. At that time, however, the decision was based on aesthetics, not on a global-friendly positioning of the product.

I don't know that I have had many stipulations from clients to use Green products, whether from lack of knowledge on their part or simply not connecting with the look of available products. However, on the other hand, I look at a large number of my projects — vintage and antique pieces — and think, hey, this is the ultimate Green product; absolutely no new resources went into creating this and yet it is such an important part of what I do. It helps me sleep at night. — Mark Schomisch

Many industries, especially in design, have quickly adopted the environmental cause and taken on the challenge of creating new eco-friendly alternatives. We can now buy Zero-VOC house paints, energy-saving appliances, eco-chic furniture made from reclaimed and recycled materials and everything in between. Clients are expressing their desire for eco-friendly goods at an unprecedented rate. With new construction occurring in tandem with the new baby boom, parents are more conscientious of the environment they are providing for their children.

All in all, there has been a long-awaited awakening to the needs of the planet as well as to our personal well-being. It is easy to make these changes in one's own life, especially as we become more educated and have more choices in green products, which is why I am developing my own line of environmentally conscious products. When people are given the opportunity to make a difference, they will positively modify their purchasing and consumer habits. This transformation will continue as more people realize the link that exists between their personal health and their personal environment. — Doug Wilson

Emma Gardner

Mark Abrams

Barclay Butera

Mark Schomisch

Doug Wilson