Green is the new home decor trend

Green is the new black. In home decor, it is a trend and increasingly the go-to choice for those looking to rejuvenate their home and be healthier at the same time.

Buying products such as upholstery, textiles and rugs made of natural fibers that have not been treated with chemicals are all wonderful opportunities to incorporate green design into any space. Love color? Look to see if plant- and mineral-based dyes have been used instead of chemicals.

Furniture aficionados, be sure to keep a lookout for furniture made of reclaimed, salvaged or recycled materials, all eco-friendly buzz words. As a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design accredited professional ASID interior designer, I believe that environmentally-friendly choices can be integrated into every aspect of your home as well as your life and living green doesn’t mean you have to give up on good design.

TIPS ON BUYING GREEN

First and foremost, think local. There are numerous artists, artisans and furniture makers who use reclaimed, sustainably harvested local woods for their designs, as well as environmentally-friendly manufacturing techniques.

ASK QUESTIONS

When purchasing an item, be sure to ask the manufacturer, retailer or designer specific questions about how their design is sustainable or green. Inquire not only about the material a specific item is made of, but also about the process in which the product is made.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

There are several nationally respected certifying entities that certify green products. Among them, Greenguard Certification authenticates companies and products, and Green Seal, an independent nonprofit organization, certifies green products and conducts factory visits to oversee the manufacturing process of the products it certifies.

15 WAYS TO BE GREEN

1. Take your shoes off upon entering your home to prevent tracking dirt and pollutants inside.

2. Turn off lights when you leave the room.

3. Unplug appliances when not in use — dormant appliances still draw power even when turned off.

4. Wash your clothes in cool water instead of hot.

5. Switch from carpet to hardwood — carpeting traps odors and dust mites.

6. Use a low or zero VOC paint.

7. Switch to low flow toilets, shower heads and faucets to conserve water in bathrooms and kitchens.

8. Switch all of your light bulbs to compact fluorescents or LEDs.

9. Purchase Energy Star appliances.

10. Toss your used coffee grinds into your household plants — they make a great fertilizer.

11. Buy a programmable thermostat and lower thermostat setting by five to 10 degrees.

12. Wash only full loads of laundry.

13. Capture and reuse rainwater to water household plants.

14. Source locally.

15. Recycle.

Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at www.cathyhobbs.com.