Eco-Love Potions

SWEET DREAMS
New from Anna Sova Home, this Indian-inspired paisley-print bedding collection is made of champagne-hued “eco-silk” satin Jacquard produced with earth- and people-friendly methods. The company notes that the fabric is free of unsafe dyes and formaldehyde, and finished—or washed—with the sustainable tree-borne Indian soap nut, long considered a safe alternative to chemical detergents. Available in multiple sizes, and sold individually, are a duvet cover, bed-skirt, pillow shams and draperies. For ordering details, log on to annasova.com.

SNUGGLE UP   Shown in red velvet, the Nest chair by Stylus Made to Order Sofas is cozy enough for two. The seat is 5' in diameter and can be upholstered in a choice of more than 400 fabrics. All of the company’s products have frames constructed of wood certified as responsibly harvested by organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council. Whether the cushions contain standard polyurethane or an optional soy-based bio-foam, the seating is said to be free of ozone layer-depleting chlorofluorocarbons and a fire retardant linked to cancer. The chair is available through homeology in Scottsdale, (480) 488-0010; and Thingz in Scottsdale, (480) 368-8111, and Tempe, (480) 304-8992. For other retail sources, visit stylussofas.com.

BOOKSHELFBritish authors Dick and James Strawbridge believe that living a sustainable life should be enjoyable, and write about this in their new book, Self Sufficiency for the 21st Century (DK Publishing). The father and son discuss alternative home design, methods of cultivating land, and traditional arts and crafts as examples of sustainable living. Detailed illustrations in the book help to demystify ideas such as rainwater harvesting, renewable-energy systems and wind energy. Other projects for do-it-yourselfers explain how to build a solar food dryer and construct a waterwheel to generate electric power.  —Lindsay Norman

ON THE WEBTo learn what is new in natural, earth-friendly goods, visit green-living.com, which showcases a variety of recycled, organic and repurposed products for the home, garden and pets. The online resource makes note of sustainable items and has featured Bambu’s Spork, a combination fork and spoon made from antimicrobial, certified organic bamboo. —Lindsay Norman

DIDJA KNOW?
Under a recently enacted federal law, contractors who do renovations, repairs and painting in homes built before 1978—where lead-based paint may exist—must receive special training sanctioned by EPA. To learn more, visit epa.gov/opp/lead/pubs/renovation.htm.  —Environmental Protection Agency