Natural and Sustainable

1. Make design changes while they are on a computer or on paper rather than in the field-It’s a lot cheaper: Take advantage fo the drafting software program AutoCAD, which makes viewing interiors easier. Some architects will include this service at no additional charge.

2. Clear communication is critical: When possible, deal directly with those who preform a service or make a product. Properly recording decisions can save money and time.

3. Provide ample opportunity to store in the sun’s heat: Houses designed to maximize solar gain need concrete and extensive stone sturfaces to capture and rediate heat back into the house after the sun goes down.

4. Beware of “Greenwashing”: Hire good advisors. Ask questions, and if you don’t get satisfactory answers on a product’s materials and sourcing, choose another product.

5. What’s good for the earth is good for you: New cabinets, furniture and carpet can outgas toxic chemcials for years, contributing to indoor air pollution and possible asthma. Avoid medium-density fiberboard (MDF), pressborad and particleboard interiors, which contain formaldehyde.

6. Avoid “boutique” appliances: Choose appliances based on energy efficiency first, brand reliability second, and aesthetic and other features third. Refrigerators with freezers on the bottom are best, because they take advantage of the natural properties of air movement: Heat rise, cold falls.

7. Choose green floors: Ask for carpet with the highest amount of post-consumer (best) or post-industrial recycled face fiber. Also, look for carpet made with nontoxic adhesives. Select cork or certified-sustainable hardwood.

8. Quality details count: Don’t skimp on good design and finish materials, which reduce waste by lasting longer. Remember, however, that less is more. Do you really need molding and wainscoting?

9. Use low-VOC paint: Avoid the darkest colors, which fade in sunlight and contain the most toxic volatile organic compounds, or VOCs.

*Natural and Sustainable Living Tip: Spend more time outdoors.