Decorating Your Natural Home

(Page 3 of 6)

July/August 2006
By Misty McNally 
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS
Bookmark and Share

■ "Recycled" paint (d/g) can mean different things. Some recycling districts collect unused paint and remix it into inexpensive blends, a terrific method for keeping paint out of landfills. However, this blend of conventional paints may have higher VOCs than are desirable for indoor use. Unused or partly used cans of "recycled" paint also are available from construction exchanges; look for low-VOC types.

RELATED CONTENT

Wallcoverings 
From an ecological standpoint, the issue with most wallpaper and wallcoverings is the addition of a plastic called polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to the backing or surface. PVC is suspected of causing a host of illnesses and its manufacturing process is environmentally toxic. Check for a PVC-free version and use natural wallpaper paste or low-VOC adhesives whenever possible.

■ Wallpaper or textiles (n/r/d) are made from a variety of natural fibers such as
wood pulp, linen (from the flax plant), silk, cotton or rice. They also may be made from recycled paper; look for high recycled or natural-fiber content.

■ Paneling (n/r/d) options with green
qualities include wood, bamboo, cork byproducts from the production of beverage stoppers, or biocomposites (agricultural crop byproducts, such as wheat, pressed into woodlike boards). Reclaimed wood is an excellent eco-choice.

Cabinetry
Wood has been the overall choice for cabinetry for centuries, but bamboo, metal or glass also might be used. Avoid fiberboard (MDF) cabinet backs and shelving; these have been made with hazardous formaldehyde or synthetic melamine-laminate surfaces.

■ Wood (s/n/r) cabinets that have been
salvaged for reuse are an excellent choice; Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood cabinets are second best.

■ Metal (s/n/d) shelving or cabinets, although made from a nonrenewable resource, get points if they’ve been salvaged for reuse. Restaurant auctions are great sources.

■ Biocomposite boards (n/r/d) such as wheatboard are created from agricultural crop wastes. They make sturdy cabinet backs and shelves, and their interesting
"textures" create attractive cabinet fronts. Biocomposite boards are usually formaldehyde free.

Page: << Previous 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Next >>
Bookmark and Share
RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print
FEATURED ARTICLES
MOST POPULAR


Subscribe today and save 50%
First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*
(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Subscribe to Natural Home

Welcome to Natural Home, the authority on green lifestyle and design. With an up-to-date outlook on current trends in sustainable building and wholesome living, Natural Home gives today’s eco-conscious homeowners the information they need to live in nurturing, healthy homes. Subscribe to Natural Home today to get inspired on the art of living wisely and living well.

Save money and a few trees by paying with your credit card now. Take advantage of our earth-friendly automatic renewal savings plan. You’ll save an additional $4.95 and get six issues of Natural Home for just $15! (Offer valid only in the U.S.)

Or, choose Bill Me Later and pay just $19.95