From last week’s post, I explained that most people who want to buy a “green” sofa look at two major components: the wood and the foam. But our blog post demonstrated how your fabric choice can trump the embodied energy of both these components – in other words, depending on which fiber you choose, fabric …
For this last post for 2009, and because of the disappointment of the Copenhagen Climate Summit, I wanted to end on an up note, and in looking for that optimistic glimmer I remembered the Breakthrough Institute. According to their website, they are committed to creating a new progressive politics, one that is large, aspirational, and …
In a previous post (Prosperity Without Growth, 10.27.09), I discussed a paradigm shift in economics and how that seems to be affected by the fact that bigger isn’t necessarily better – and how more stuff doesn’t mean you’re a happier person. Whether you’re an individual or an interior designer, there are some important considerations …
I have been trying to think of a good subject for this week – one that isn’t too dire and downbeat – while we in the United States are in the midst of our national feast called Thanksgiving. We’re living in a country where I can get a free range turkey with all the bells …
Is it true, as one of the leading fabric distributors says of its “green” fabrics made of recycled polyester, that after “years of enjoyable use, these fabrics are recyclable?” Does buying that fabric really help reduce our dependence on a non renewable resource and lessen the burden that plastic is inflicting on our environment? I’d …
We’ll be at Greenbuild next week, booth 910, with our good friends from LIVE Textiles. Please stop by to see us if you’re there. We are introducing a new organic wool upholstery fabric at Greenbuild (we’re hoping it will be GOTS certified, though it is touch and go as to whether the certificate will be …
Have you ever heard of the Easterlin Paradox? It is a theory developed in 1974, which goes something like this: Money makes you happier until you reach about an average income. After that, money’s affect on happiness is greatly reduced. But there are those who argue that “happiness” is a very imprecise science, so maybe …
Hi folks: I heard from Josh Jacobs, Technical Information Manager at GreenGuard about what they feel is misleading information in last weeks post about the fees charged by GreenGuard. I told them I’d publish their clarification, so here it is: “Fees charged to participating manufacturer’s in the GREENGUARD Certification ProgramSM vary depending upon a couple …
Paul Hawken gave the commencement address to the University of Portland graduates this past June. I think it’s pretty special. Please take the time to read it, posted below: When I was invited to give this speech, I was asked if I could give a simple short talk that was “direct, naked, taut, honest, …
The Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS) prohibits all “genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) and their derivatives”. According to the Organic Exchange, none of the organic growing standards established by any government allows for GMO crops. In April, 2009, Germany announced a plan to ban all GMO crops in the country, citing concerns of the environmental impact, …
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