Sustainable Efforts

One of the prime actions that the interior design industry has been embracing is improving sustainable efforts. It is our job to be knowledgeable about new products and procedures so that when we are creating environments, we are specifying products and suggesting processes that will make less of a carbon footprint. Not only as designers, but as a community we can ALL do something for the environment.

Here are three major elements to consider when talking about sustainable design:

1. Environment/Energy - It doesn't require any degree or special training to start being energy efficient and environmentally respectful. There are several free online assistance websites that can get you started in the right direction. For example, you can use specific products to do your part:

*Ecomates - This company makes both ethosFR+ fuel treatment and ethosFR oil treatment for not only vehicles but any type of gasoline or diesel fuel machines (for example: lawn mowers, generators, atv's, etc.) This product increases overall gas mileage by 7-19%, reduces emissions by over 33%, and extends oil life by at least 200%. Check out these great products!

*Planet Green: How to Go Green - This site has a great 8 page informative tutorial that has everything to do with cleaners, ways to clean, and helpful links for further reading.

*US EPA - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - This is a government site that tells you about the benefits of recycling and tips on how to recycle. It also give you information on topics like composting and where to recycle your old computer or electronics.

*Green Peace - Energy Efficiency - This website is a "how to" on energy efficiency and clever ways to save energy, money and the planet. It is concentrated on residences.

*Visit the Carbon Offset website for a simple, fun and free calculation on your very own carbon footprint and opportunities for offsetting those 'terrible tons' of waste.

2. Social Responsibility - There are so many opportunities to give and to choose something can be overwhelming at times. Look at the following for ideas of events and activities to help our environment and community.

*Ecotourism - The International Ecotourism Society is a non-profit dedicated to promoting ecotourism. TIES has been in the forefront of the development of ecotourism, providing guidelines and standards, training, technical assistance, research, and publications. Their mission is to support "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well being of local people."

*Start small or go big - Volunteer Match strengthens communities by making it easier for good people and good causes to connect. It is a great tool to find local places to volunteer your time and efforts.

*10 ways to help your community in 30 minutes or less - This is an awesome list that might get your mind running on all sorts of things you can help to improve your community and surroundings.

3. Conservation

*Recycle, watch your water use, your food intake and what you eat and throw away.

*Those darn plastic bags! There are some really great reusable ones out there. Try and find a local company to purchase them through. There are some local ones here in Boise from Shop Wise Bags.

*Deny the 79 of the 80 phone books they love to leave at your office or home... or refuse them all and get your information online. If you really need them, you can look here to find some great suggestions for reuse or recycling - Green Eco Services.

*Tread lightly on back roads - Seriously stay on the trail...

*Join a local conservation group. Here in Idaho we have the Idaho Conservation League or one of the Idaho Master Naturalist programs put on by the Idaho Fish and Game Department – you can learn some great things outdoors, and volunteer at the same time! Click here.

-Kieffer Design Group

www.kiefferdesigngroup.com