Earth Day, green movement more relevant than ever

Rachel Carson’s New York Times 1962 bestseller, “Silent Spring,” represented a defining moment for the modern environmental movement. In that celebrated tome, Carson raised public awareness and concern for living organisms, the environment and public health, thus forcing environmental protection onto the national political agenda.

Then, on April 22, 1970, people staged public protests to demonstrate for a healthy sustainable environment, and Earth Day, about to celebrate its 45th anniversary, was born. Democrats and Republicans actually came together on this issue and found common ground, and a rare political alignment was achieved that led, in turn, to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species acts.

Earth Day became — and still is — a very big deal: going global in 1990 and mobilizing 200 million people in 141 countries and lifting environmental issues onto the world stage. Today, it’s considered to be the largest civic event in the world with more than a billion people participating from all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities.

The “green movement” and “sustainability” are terms that are inextricably linked and have obviously gained greater attention and significance in peoples’ lives with each passing year since Earth Day first gained national recognition. It’s an inexorable movement toward global recognition and commitment that something must be done in order to sustain our planet and the quality of life as we know it and would like it to be in the future.

Green is defined as a product that is made and distributed in such a way that it doesn’t do harm to our natural resources and is good for the environment; that it’s safe from any harmful chemicals as well as low maintenance with less water and less energy used.

Sustainable (or eco-friendly) can be described as meeting the needs of the present by using natural resources that aren’t destroyed in the manufacturing process and without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

To this end, nothing does it better than sustainable furniture that marks a straight and integral path to achieving true green living and is made from sustainable or reclaimed wood such as alder and oak. This is so important because the furnishings industry is the third biggest user of wood behind building construction and paper manufacturing.

It’s best if the wood is “certified,” meaning it comes from a well-managed forest where at least 25 percent of the wood is renewable and allowed to continue to grow and absorb carbon emissions. Natural fibers such as birch, bamboo, rattan and wicker also are wonderful alternatives.

Furniture tags should be checked for stain or flame resistance or if pressed wood has been used. If so, chemicals may be present that could wreak havoc with your hormones and may even contribute to cancer or high cholesterol.

Over time the flame retardant chemicals that are often used in fabrics may slowly disperse into the surrounding air, resulting in serious health problems. Furniture made of medium-density fiber board or particle board actually contains formaldehyde (a known carcinogen), which tends to diffuse from inside a table to the surface. For that reason, it’s advisable to keep relative humidity at 40 to 50 percent in rooms with pressed wood furniture to help control this process.

Ideally sofas should be made of organic fibers that are inherently less toxic, along with recycled or vegetable dyed leathers. When shopping for seating, try to specify a bio-hybrid foam for cushions; and in case you aren’t aware, your next glass top table can be ordered with lead-free glass.

Be sure to use low volatile organic compound paints, which are now widely available. These paints give off virtually no smell and will allow you to sleep in a room the same day that it’s painted.

There are even organic wallpapers to choose from in addition to window coverings now made from low-VOC fabrics that are designed to filter out light while they save energy costs and keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.

Finally, plants add so much character to our homes, not only by virtue of their beauty and warmth but they’re also among the best air filters available. Try to keep one every 10 yards to keep the air clean in that area.

Palms, ferns and rubber plants are great choices as air humidifiers and purifiers. Orchids (a night synthesizing plant) lend an exotic touch to your decor and are a smart choice as well.

Who would have ever guessed that indoor air pollution is often two to five times worse than outdoor pollution. But, take heart, because it can be regulated and controlled by attention to not only how and what your furniture is made of, but also by using flooring such as reclaimed wood, recycled leather or glass tiles, concrete, organic wool carpet, jute, sisal, sea grass and New Zealand wool fibers. All are excellent choices.

The fight for a clean environment continues to this day in a climate of increasing urgency as the ravages of climate change become more manifest. Each year, Earth Day reminds us that we can no longer look away from the importance of being good stewards of our environment, so as to lessen the impact of our actions on Earth’s diminishing natural resources and its ultimate effect on future generations.

Green living isn’t really complicated. Simply put, it’s just the process of living a healthy life of which your choice of furniture can and does play an integral part. There’s no need to sacrifice the aesthetic either — just reuse, reduce and recycle.

Note: Downtown Summerlin will host this year’s sixth annual Greenfest 2015 on April 25.

Stephen Leon is a licensed interior designer and president of Soleil Design; he has been designing and manufacturing custom furniture and cabinetry for more than 25 years. He is past president of the Central California/Nevada Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (World Market Center, Suite A3304) and is a certified professional in green residential design. Questions can be sent to soleildesign@cox.net.