The solution might just be Ecotextures. These architectural panels manufactured by Architectural Systems, Inc. are made from environmentally friendly OSB (oriented strand board). Their beautiful grain texture makes them attractive enough to be used for column covers, feature walls, millwork and furniture.

The manufacturer’s eco-friendly approach is shown not only by the use of rapidly renewable timber. No urea-formaldehyde is used, and component lumber is SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) certified.

Easy to install panels come in different patterns (like Tiers, Basketweave, Pyramids, and Stripes), colors and sizes. You can also add coordinating flat panels and flooring.

One way of installing living walls inside your home or outside, is a Wally Pocket – a flexible container made out of breathable felt derived from recycled plastic bottles (PET). Thanks to the moisture barrier, it is safe to use indoors. Its modular nature allows for grouping in countless configurations, depending on the size of the wall or the type of application.

I like the fact that Wally Pockets are made in USA. I also appreciate that they are just one of many containers by Woolly Pocket.
Their other products can be used as free-standing plant containers (Islands) or modular gardens (Meadows).
You can even choose the color -  they are available in chocolate, camel and blue, in addition to black. The outdoor version is unlined, and some of the freestanding containers have cool zippers (so trendy!) to adjust the size.

This spring, I’m installing (planting?) my own living wall. How about you?

In the last poll I asked for your opinion on  living green (environmentally friendly). After receiving many comments (and questions regarding the definition of “green” for the purpose of this poll), I’m not surprised that 75% of the respondents try to be “green” most of the time, being concerned about their impact on the environment.

What surprised me is that only 8% of folks answering the questions think that “green” is just a fad and a way of squeezing more money out of people. In my opinion there is a lot of green washing out there, and we should be doing an in-depth research before buying goods that claim to be green, sustainable, recycled, etc. My special concern goes to products with high embodied energy ( which are transported long-distance, e.g. overseas). One of such is bamboo, in which case the benefits from using this rapidly renewable material are outweighed by its embodied energy (transported mostly from Asia).

Only 17% of the poll’s respondents say they would like to be eco-conscious, but they think it is time-consuming and expensive. I guess, nowadays almost everyone realizes that “living green is not even an option” (I’m borrowing from one of the answers). It actually does not matter if you believe in global warming or offsetting your carbon footprint.

In the words taken from another comment: “Hopefully, when today’s very young [reach] our age, they won’t have to answer polls like this because it will be the way they live”. I’m sure it will be so, especially when we’ll be a good example for them.

So, for all of us in doubt, here it comes:

I know, I know, it says “ecology” and not “green”, but what’s the difference? What really matters is the approach: “WE” instead of “ME”. I try to make all my everyday actions responsible. Before acting, I ask myself: will this hurt someone or something? Will my children be able to show this to their children? Will the next generations’ lives be as long and beautiful as ours? Where will this product I’m buying end its life?
Those are very simple questions, coming straight from the heart. Does it matter if you know EXACTLY what “green” means? Stick around – I’ll try to show you here on this site. I don’t know all the answers, but I do know a lot. I don’t think there are many “green purists” out in the world. I’m not one of them. But I know how to teach my children how to respect the Earth and future life. Would this be a definition of “green”?

P.S. Please show this cartoon to your children and grandchildren. I’m sure they will enjoy it. Mine did!

Leaf Personal LED Light in a room setting

Designed for Herman Miller by Yves Behar, creator of  such remarkable designs like the Aliph Jawbone headset or red Toshiba laptop, the Leaf personal light is setting its own standards on the lighting market.

It is the first LED fixture that can provide both cool and warm light. As such, it uses only 8-9W (40% less than a 13W compact fluorescent lamp). It allows for 60,000-100,000 hours of use, which is about 8 times more than a conventional light bulb.
The LEDs usually generate significant amount of heat, but the Leaf is cool to the touch thanks to a special heat distribution system in the body of the fixture.

You can switch between cool light (task lighting) and warm light (mood lighting) and adjust the level of light by just sliding your finger. The Leaf will even remember the last selected setting for the next use.

The unique body that has a 37% recycled content and is 95% recyclable after the end of its lifetime, can be adjusted to folded position for reading and the arm can be straightened to lit up the whole room or illuminate the wall. And there are several colors (black, white, red, nickel and polished aluminum) to choose from, to coordinate with your decor.

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