To understand ‘Green Design’ you must first understand what a carbon footprint is. A carbon footprint is the measure of impact by people on the environment, in terms of green house gases produced. These gases are measured in units of carbon dioxide. 

http://timeforchange.org/what-is-a-carbon-footprint-definition   This is a fairly new concept, at least to the public it is. By measuring the carbon Dioxide one can then measure their own impact on global warming. Realize that everything has a carbon footprint. For instance, if you use paper cups versus glass cups. Which one puts out a larger carbon footprint? One has to compare the amount of energy it takes to produce the paper cup versus using the glass. The paper cup needs constant replacing, and the glass need only be washed. But the glass needs soap, water and heat generated to wash it over and over, you get the idea.

By using state of the art or next generation materials we can reduce the amount of times we replace the interior design of a room. The word GREEN now refers to the compliancy of product is in relation to sustainability, or how long a product will last before a need to replace it and how little a carbon footprint was used in its manufacturing.

You too can be ‘Green’! We are just in the infancy of the GREEN explosion. A whole new generation of products is arriving!   Legislation is changing to make sure that these new products will be used in the future.

Unfortunately there are different shades of green. If you have a lot of cash you can go very green. But if your budget is small you may only be able to go ‘light green’.  It’s kinda like Fat Free yogurt vs. Low Fat yogurt!  You are still helping towards a cleaner environment, just with a little less impact.

Examples of companies we represent that are working towards being truly ‘Green’…

http://www.mackenziedow.com/
http://www.frenchheritage.com/
http://www.palacek.com/
http://www.kravetgreen.com/

Then there are the companies that are ‘Light Green’…

For example Theodore Alexander introduced a line constructed of all reclaimed lumber, now the finishes and shipping practices may not be completely green, still they are on the right track! www.theodorealexander.com

Or Textillery Weavers, some of the finest throws are now available in bamboo! These throws are made from a renewable resource, bamboo...but again the manufacturing may not be completely green.  http://www.textillery.com/

Here are a bunch of websites I have collected on green design.  You might find interesting information within the sites!

http://www.green-energy-efficient-homes.com/index.html
http://www.econsciousmarket.com/eco-times/
http://www.greenhomeguide.org/index.html
http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=124
http://www.begreennow.com/pages/why_us
http://new.sustainablefurnishings.org/