apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I selected the second option, but not because I'm not "advancing" in my interest: more because I am still as interested as I have been for several years. I'm married to an environmental crusader turned env. eng. and there's a constant discussion about the push and pull of green vs cost vs ease/time.

We're starting a blog in January where we will be tracking our environmental diet - what we eat, where it comes from, and the relative costs. The jury is still out on who's going to do the statistics or comparison charts....

;)

I don't know if I would call it a "resurgence" per se. I think that "thinking green" is finally starting to move beyond the negative "ultra left wing hippie liberal" stigma that it has been incorrectly labeled with for far too long. People are realizing that supporting sustainability and ethics in all aspects of business doesn't necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort or pay more money.

The success of the Prius, Bio Diesel (especially Willy's), and organic foods are great examples.

I've become alot more green consious ever since seeing "An Inconvenient Truth". I've started reading Grist(.org) and bought my parents a TerraPass for their SUV for Xmas.

Oops, I should have chosen the second option too.

Rachel, that sounds really interesting, you'll have to make sure you post the link in one of the open threads!

Oh, and if I had a dollar for eveytime someone mentioned "global warming" evertime it hit 60 in the past month or so...

I totally agree with Mat that if anything, 2006 was the year when most intelligent ppl stop pretending that global warming isn't anything but a fact. And once you accept that, it's kind of worldview-shattering.

I think I have become more green in my attitudes because I have become a homeowner and I feel like my decisions make a bigger impact than they did when I was just a renter with not much in the way of options. Now if I could just get started composting!

I just read an interview with a fashion designer the other day that suggested green (not the color) clothing was the next upcoming trend. I think general interest in green design is spreading.

Mat,
you should have been with me this weekend with my family, who roundly mocked me for requesting carbon offset credits for Christmas. I am still, in their eyes, an ultra left wing hippie liberal; I may even be a communist.

I too have advocated eco conscious living over the past years, in thoughts, conversations, and ruminations spoken aloud but in the presence of no one. Unfortunately, humanity continues with its disposable tissue and not ethical-cotton hankie habits.

I feel very strongly that "Eco Everything" is coming on like a late-season hurricane. I have even heard rumors that other people in the media feel this way, including Stewart, Martha; Ellis, Rosemary (Editor in Chief, "Good Housekeeping"); Salvatore, Diane (EiC, "Ladies Home Journal"). I hear that the cat in my corner bodega now defecates in Pinnacle Pine, Inc's natural pine-based cat litter.

There have been higher tides and a tsunami. There has been a warm winter, a hot summer, and loss of wetlands. There are new strip malls being placed in strip mines.

I would ask that Apartment Therapy take due note of these developments, and considering transition to a totally green blog. You may wish to call it "Sassy Grass Green" -- I claim no trademark on the term -- to emphasize your commmitment to both green and good times.

I think with LEED for homes, the solar decathalon, the push for fluorescent bulbs, etc. other products are going to have to keep up... People are catching on that 'green' products make money...

There's no doubt in my mind that going green is become more mainstream. I work for an eco-lifestyle company and can see the changes happening.

A month or so ago was a great documentary on PBS about Is God Green and interviewed evangelical Christians who see it as part of their faith. And I see more and more about the crunchy conservatives. The Dow Jones now has an index for companies who practice sustainability.

Personally, my husband and I continue to make more green changes in our lives. This year we joined a CSA (Community Assisted Agriculture; produce share); got a worm composter; switched to toilet paper created from recycled paper products. At some point we'd like to get solar panels and feed the energy directly back into the meter.

I'd call myself agnostic, but responded with "interested." I'm particularly a proponent of activities which avoid waste... reusing, recycling, avoiding buying new products for the "newness" of them. I have also used some green products and have really liked them. And, it does factor somewhat into my purchasing decisions. If I were to buy a car, I'd buy a hybrid. That sort of thing.

But I maintain a healthy skepticism when it comes to theories premised on the assertion that anyone could have maintained accurate data on temperatures all over the world a hundred years ago. And the fervor (which can border on religiousity sometimes) of the environmental movement is a turn-off for me.

So I guess I split the baby.

Forgive my cynicism (especially during the holiday season), but the undercurrent of Eco-Everything seems to be consumption consumption consumption.

As Gretchen wrote, "'green' products make money..."

It's our pattern of consumption that isn't sustainable. And I don't see the marketing of Eco-Everything doing anything to change our consumer habits and psychology.

The upside is, if "green" products make money, more investment can be made in research to bring "greener" products to market.

But, I'm a conservative with strong crunchy con tendencies, so perhaps that in an of itself is part of the trend.

And, I do believe there's a trend out there, and I do think that's a good thing.

I went with the 'extremely' option even though I'm no more interested than I was this time last year in the sole interest of skewing this survey as far green as I can. I'm of the camp that thinks my recycling (but only after 1st reducing and reusing) actually makes a difference and try real hard to practice what I preach. I'm a big AT fan, but I have to say that I find the lack of sustainability disappointing. There are plenty of creative re-use suggestions which I really appreciate, but I would love it a bit more if things were more in keeping with a (somewhat at least) ec0-conscious attitude.

Maybe I'll revote...

There's no question in my mind, green is the new hip. Coincidentally, I posted about this very thing a little earlier today!

I think that Mat put his finger on an important point with his suggestion that a regard for the environment is now moving gently from "ultra left wing hippie liberal" towards the mainstream, in public perception. And that is key to market success.

Because, yes, as JenPDX quite rightly points out, products are products and consumption is consumption... but if consumers can be encouraged to choose eco-friendly over "old style" consumer goods (because it's the ethical choice or because it's fashionable: au fond, does the motive really matter that much?), I'd say that's at least a step in the right direction - and who knows what amazing new green-tinted technologies and designs will emerge, as the market shows an increased demand!

It's apparent that the green meme has made a big comeback the past few years- I just hope the resurgence is more than a fashionable stance. The early 90's saw a focus on ecological concerns yet seemed to fade out of consciousness pretty quickly. I remember running across some very mainstream home magazines from the Carter era. The oil crisis put a major focus on active/passive solar, greenhouses, and optimal home orientation in publications like Better Homes and Gardens- only to be forgotten when the oil market went global a few years later. This time around, I don't think we'll have a choice in paying attention to these matters- but rarely do people shift their way of thinking unless forced to.

ocgirl,

Does your family like food? My dad's a big BBQ guy (and a staunch conservative), and next week I'm having him over where I plan to expose him to the wonders of organic chicken and beef. All you need is to get your foot in the door! (although, I already have mine in, so the bbq is to further open it).

JenPDX,
You're right that we're still talking about consumption, but the way I figure it is, if we can get people to start thinking ethically for themselves, then lower consumption and the avalanche of other ideas about conservation out there should naturally follow.

Mat,

Just remind him that at one time "organic chicken" and "organic beef" were just called "chicken" and "beef!"

We had a rep from a large environmental nonprofit speak to us at lunch one day. She brought up an interesting point that the historically the perceived "barrier" to the environmental movement was that you had to be a purist to be a part of it. That you weren't wanted unless you were already deeply committed.

The reality is no matter where you are on the green continuum you made some kind of small step initially. If "hipness" makes someone make a change or buy a product, so be it. I believe each small step encourages another one.

As an aside, I can't stand how the "American people" are always addressed as "consumers" instead of citizens.

You,

Don't be bummed things are heading that way. :(

Thanks for bringing this topic up, Jackie.

I do think that going through the AT Cure or any decluttering/simplifying process makes you confront how much material stuff you have. And how much you've spent on stuff that you don't even use. I know that I'm looking even more carefully at my purchases, "wants" and the largely unsatisfactory cycle of shopping/consumption. And I live fairly "simply."

As far as recycling, reusing, regifting, simplifying and the holidays... I try to keep my gift list to my immediate family. For example, my sister-in-law is showing more interest in living "green" so I got her a set of organic cotton sheets.

My parents usually plan a big spring trip out of the country so I buy them used books related to the trip. (Amazon lists "new" and used books from independent booksellers, used bookstores and individuals.) My parents will eventually donate the books to the library.

This year my husband wanted snowshoes and, no kidding, he found a used pair on Craigslist (top of the line even).

Also my mom's birthday is close to Christmas, and she really doesn't want more "stuff." One year I told her I'd donate XX dollars a month to an organization/cause she volunteered for and felt quite passionate about. Last year I "bought" her bees from Heifer Int'l that went to a needy family. (Her father had raised bees).

And I've regifted (including "swag") when I thought the person would really enjoy the item.

OK. Back to work for me!

On the sustainable remodeling idea, does anyone have any info on sustainable tile products? I am contemplating my bathroom reno and I don't know where to find more info on the provenance of the slate or mosaic tile I will be using. Any tips?
Thanks!

Green has ALWAYS been cool. Just too bad that not everyone thinks so.

I am surprised that so many people at places like Whole Foods and Fairway don't bring their own bags. Perhaps it is because people are always on the go and pick up a lot of their groceries and small items while out and about - and so don't have re-usable shopping bags with them?

I use the bags linked to my name - they are nylon and super light-weight and compactable. I have a few of them and keep at least 2 in my purse at all times. They don't add any weight or bulk. If you have heavier items you can double bag them.

One of my larger accounts is Pfizer. They stress that they practice Green Chemistry, from the selection of chemicals in the research and development process, to the use of raw materials and natural resources in manufacturing, through end use to recycling and disposal. It's a great idea, as long as they practice what they preach.

Personally for me, going through a renovation, I have so many options that just choosing can be overwhelming. One positive way I narrowed that choice was only going with green/renewable options. So instead of stainless steel/corian/granite/whatever I just had to pick what color of paper countertop (yes they make them out of paper and they're beautiful). This also applies to flooring, paint, etc. I think I will love my home more knowing that it doesn't take as much away from the world I want to leave for my children.

I've been green for awhile on a medium scall and this past year decided to go all out.

Being green can be more pricey than one realizes and I believe we can make a huge difference in our own health and that of the environment if we make a commitment to give up the multitude of "toys" we really don't need and put the money into green.

However, I think balance is key. The easiest thing for me has been addressing one room at a time and making it green, being aware of food and where it comes from and who is benefiting or being hurt by its production.

We simply need to be re-educated and I think any green conversations on AT would do well to serve us all.

For those of us who are artists, there is where green decisions can be difficult - with materials such as foamcore, say, or solvents. Make a commitment to find alternatives here and there and suddenly, like Kermit, you're green.

Good topic Maxwell, keep it going, thanks

Ok, so I meant "scale"..sorry

I wanted to add this:

Much of what is on AT is about purchasing modern items. Most of those items are anti-green if you look closely, not AT's fault certainly but that's what designers tend to do, they design new things and not all of those things are good for us.

Personally, I'd like to see some information on how to have a modern style home with all that beautiful sleek new furniture and yet keep it green. More than that, instead of discussing consumption, let's discuss how to recycle and reuse and regift and all that and as I said in the earlier post, get rid of the "toys" we don't really need. Many people buy what's new because its a way of saying "I make tons of money". I think we could consider thinking more along the lines of "I love my planet and want my kids to have a place with trees and water, etc."

Yes, I've said too much but I'm quite empassioned about this topic for many, many reasons.

Thanks for indulging me.

i am currently redesigning a house i have just purchased and i want lots of ideas to make my house green. i am a very big advocate for green everything, only leaving one light on in the house while home, turning down my water heating temp, insulating my roof and even my hot water system and pipes... i was some good and funky design aspect ideas. fun ideas to help the house be green.

Go Green!!

Well, another question should be, is this APARTMENTtherapy or is it ECOtherapy? Yeah, let's try to make our environmental footprints as small as we can. But is that the true focus of this site?
If it is, I don't think I will be visiting here anymore.

If I wanted to read about that kind of thing, I'd see treehuger, or ecoist.

I'm tired of everyone jumping on the "I now care about the environment because that's the 'in' thing" bandwagon. The whole market has been flooded with a whole mess of BS "green" products/services that aren't truly green because people are trying to capitalize on ignorance.

But so it goes. Let AT become another medium for such. This seems to be where the whole world is headed anyway.

Prematurely hit "enter".

Sorry.

Perhaps if you wanted to feature more green topics, you could start a whole different blog. But I hope AT stays the same. I guess that's all I wanted to really say.

I think I'm a little cranky and tired. Also it could be I'm up to my ears in the "mellow" thread from yesterday. Not my cup of tea.

Very interested in sustainability, but not particularly interested in super-expensive boutiquey green products. I can do without the $5000 bamboo-veneered recyclable Dustbuster ;-) .

To me, sustainability is about the three "R"s and I love the AT encouragement towards a "less is more" aesthetic.

I'm VERY interested in green, but want to see our everyday things become more eco-conscious. In my work, I had my home office green business certified, and *try* to get my (holistic business) clients to do the same.

As far as AT goes, I would really like to have more posts on green alternatives, especially the holy trinity of eco-amazingness:

1. Minimal impact (or beneficial) to the environment.

2. Esthetically pleasing.

3. Low or comparable price to usual non-green options.

Bring it on!

Lori2,

Whole foods isn't considered truly green. That's why no one there carries reusable bags. They don't care and they don't really know anything about sustainability other than it's popular at the moment.

Whole foods annoys me. It's just a trendy, overpriced shop for people who think organic non-seasoned import food is ecofriendly.

Reusable bags won't help us if we keep filing them with crap on a regular basis.

http://www.ecohaus.com/index.html

Anne (in Reno) - about your remodeling question. Above URL is for a store in Portland Oregon.

I'm sure you could get product names and find a supplier in your area.

I agree with JenPDX that "It's our pattern of consumption that isn't sustainable. And I don't see the marketing of Eco-Everything doing anything to change our consumer habits and psychology."

We don't just need to buy "green" products: we need to buy less, period.

But maybe for some people buying green will be a transition phase on the way to buying less?

Thanks Jen!

i'm old enough to remember recycling tin cans in the 60's as a kid and it has always been in my consciousness. I also was studying geology in the late 70's during the oil crisis.

I think we are hitting peak oil and "green" consciousness will be forced on us as a consequence of ever increading energy costs. Our current consumption has been underwritten by cheap petroleum and the party is going to be over soon. So learning how to do more with less, and do it locally is everyone's best interest.

Eat local, shop local, work local, vacation local.


my next project is to help organize our community water company to invest in vertical axis windmills and solar panels to help offset our horrendous electric bills for pumping water. It may not be a sexy as the vintage eames chairs I would like to buy or the mcm teak credenza I lust after, but I can't eat or drink furniture.