ECO-FRIENDLY NEWS YOU CAN USE

DIDJA KNOW?

The Federal Trade Commission is offering guidelines to help consumers become aware of misleading environmental- and energy-related product labels. Visit ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/general/gen02.shtm.
—Federal Trade Commission


SITTING PRETTY

Crafted with chrome-free, vegetable-tanned leather and responsibly harvested Chinese chestnut, this sofa from Maria Yee Inc.’s Mendocino Collection takes its inspiration from Asian and Arts & Crafts designs, and also the coastal ambience of Mendocino, California.
 
The sofa, measuring 85" long by 29" high by 33" wide, is available in a variety of leather colors, among which are  Charcoal, Black, Ruby, Red, Avocado, Green, Autumn, Nutmeg, Almond, Truffle and Chocolate. For its wood surfaces, the company uses water-based finishes, which, in addition to being low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), do not contain formaldehyde or emit toxic fumes.

Full details about Maria Yee’s furniture collections and purchasing information are available online at mariayee.com , or by calling (831) 457-2900. In the Phoenix area, Maria Yee pieces are carried by Robb & Stucky, (480) 922-0011, and by Fannin Interiors, (602) 840-8088.



ECO-UNDERFOOT
 
Large leaves in an earthy hue peek out from between patterned bands in this Contemporary Leaf Stripe Soumak carpet from Joan Weissman Studio. Chemical free, and of 100-percent hand-spun wool, the rug is made with natural vegetable and mineral dyes.
 
The Soumak carpets, which have a dense, flat weave, are created by members of a nonprofit women’s craft cooperative located in northern Pakistan’s Hunza Valley. The weavers employ traditional techniques perfected by their ancestors. The goal of the cooperative is to provide the women with fair wages that they can contribute to their families’ income; child labor is prohibited.

Leaf Stripe is available in other custom colorways and sizes ranging from 5' by 7' to 16' by 20', or dimensions based on client preference. For further details and ordering information, or to view other carpets, log on to joanweissman.com, or call (505) 265-0144.   








 WALL DECOR

Bring a touch of luxury to walls with environmentally friendly hand-painted selections from Avignon Specialty and Contract Wallcoverings’ Ogura Cristal Collection. The textural wallpaper is made from sustainable Kozo fibers obtained from the bark of Thailand’s native mulberry tree.

All of the company’s products have non-woven backings that are PVC-free and breathable, while water-based paints are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

See this and other collections from the Phoenix company at avignonwallcoverings.com, or call the firm at (480) 759-0504.  

 

WORDS OF WISDOM

Looking for an energy-efficient residence but not sure where to start? The book Choosing Green: The Homebuyer’s Guide to Good Green Homes (New Society Publishers) may be for you.

Tucson-based author Jerry Yudelson features green housing developments, including three in Arizona, and suggests items to look for when buying or building an eco-friendly house. He also provides the names of builders around the country who are certified by Energy Star.

Yudelson includes diagrams and tables to show how an environmentally sound home can, in the long run, reduce energy bills and improve livability. The author notes that people often are willing to pay extra for well-documented upgrades that will result in less energy usage. This book teaches prospective buyers how to determine if a house is sufficiently green for their needs.
—Laura Gold