As Seen in Window Fashions Magazine
January 3rd, 2008



We’ve all heard the statistics and eco-related facts, but can we really make a difference? The answer is a resounding YES!

Everywhere I turn, it seems that green design is being discussed, and I’ve noticed that the information can be confusing and even intimidating. The truth is that the whole concept is really very simple and can be endlessly rewarding.

The first step is to ask yourself, "Will specifying this product address, support, or create an environmental concern?" There will often be times when the answer is not so clear - this is precisely why we’re excited to introduce this column to not only educate, but present countless ways to bring eco-conscious design solutions to any space. Whether you choose to specify a sustainable drapery fabric or bamboo flooring, each choice you make is a renewed opportunity to make a real difference in your business and in your clients’ homes.

Designers often ask me if a certain product is "green," and truthfully the answer is rarely a definitive yes or no. Products are like people and no one is perfect. If the flooring is made of bamboo, but has to travel from China to get to the US, is it still green? Yes and no. It is manufactured from a rapidly renewable resource, (which means it grows quickly, unlike an old growth forest), but requires a tremendous amount of energy to arrive to the US. This is an example of where green design can become challenging, but the bottom line is that a partly green product is better than a completely toxic, non-renewable, and non-recyclable product.

Green design starts with asking questions and increasing your awareness. I know it can seem overwhelming at times, but it really doesn’t have to be. My focus is to keep it simple and get you the information that you need. If you are working on a project and have questions that you want me to explore, let me know. We will address many questions like the above and discover ways to help you find simple green solutions and products for your designs that will not break the budget or the ozone layer!

Till our next column, I've created a page just for you of some fascinating manufacturers committed to products that promote human health and a sustainable planet, www.todl.com/kimspicks/.

"We do not inherit the land from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children." - Native American Proverb

Kim Gordon is the Director of TODLgreen, a division of TODL.com (Trade Only Design Library). TODL is an online research and specification database with over 200,000 products spanning residential, contract, and hospitality. TODL.com is a free service for the professional specifier. A master recycler with a BS in Environmental Science, Kim has spent more than 15 years working and training in various aspects of the eco-industry. She spends most of her time at TODL assessing and researching the environmental impact of the products that are included in the TODL Green Gallery. She finds the design industry to be the perfect platform to see positive changes in the way we treat our planet. You can reach Kim for comments or questions at kim@todl.com.