sustainable homes and businesses
Never before has sustainability been more important. We're taking a look at some of the ways you can make more sustainable choices in your interior design decisions whether you are homeowner or a commercial client. Our handpicked selection of suppliers offer a variety of sustainable, eco and upcylcing options that will have a less negative impact on the environment and health.
Whether you're a homeowner or a business you're most likely to use paint in your interiors. With the ability to transform the look of a space quickly for relatively small sums of money no wonder we all love paint.
Most people know to look for a paint with low VOCs even if they are not really sure what that is. Low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) refer to the chemicals found in solvent-based and water-based paints that can cause health problems. Minimising the number of VOCs entering your home or workplace atmosphere is important because they can cause eye, throat or lung irriation, heacahces, dizziness and vision problems. But that's only half the story. Not all paints are made the same. Paint is made up of pigment and binders and it's in the binders that most paints manufacturers use plastics that are hamful for the environment - even ones that have low VOCs.
Not all paints are made the same!
Graphenstone is a multi-award winning natural, mineral paint that is not only free of plastic, chemicals and harmful toxins, but is also air purifying. That’s because it is made with artisanal lime paste which means the paint absorbs CO2 to improve air quality, prevent mould, fungi and other bacteria from growing and limit pathogens.
Fabrics from recycled plastic
Weaver Green offer a range of environmentally-friendly, handwoven recycled rugs, blankets, cushions and textiles made from 100% recycled PET plastic bottles. All their textures are ridiculously soft! Their rugs look and feel just like wool, but contain up to 3000 salvaged plastic bottles each. With over 35 billion plastic bottles finding their way into our seas each year and over 90% of all marine birds having plastic deposits in their stomachs, Weaver Green believe it is important to find creative and useful ways of turning recycled plastic bottles into beautiful additions for our homes. Within five years of launching the brand, Weaver Green has already recycled roughly 200 million plastic bottles, 40% of which had been recovered from waterways destined for the ocean.
The company also cares about people as well; only using weaving houses committed to employing skilled adults, who are paid fairly and enjoy comfortable working conditions.
To limit potential microfibre shedding, all of their textiles are made from yarn that reaches the highest possible tensile stability and strength. They also avoid toxic dyes and use a closed water system in their yarn production. This means all of their products are washed and dyed with the same re-filtered water rather than using new water supplies and releasing unfiltered water into the sewerage system. They even heat their dye baths by burning recycled wheat and rice husks in a low emission boiler. What's not to love?
Timber Terrazzo
Made of waste wood sourced from trees felled in Britain and hand finished in Birmingham, Foresso is perfect for everyday surfaces such as tables, worktops, and furniture. Their business is ethical, low carbon and circular. Foresso is made using off cut timber, wood dust, mineral powders and non-toxic and formaldehyde free binder glue to stick everything together. They developed this usage in-house and it's a unique water based formulation. The Foresso worktops look modern and add are a sustainable choice for the kitchen.
Getting it all wrapped up.
Vinyl Wrapsody offer homeowners and businesses a different option. With their vinyl wrapping they can cover almost any smooth surface - including kitchen cabinets, furniture, walls and cabinetry - allowing you to refurbish rather than replace. Their architectural vinyl can cover a number of surfaces like wood, aluminium and PVC and means minimal mess and disruption.
Getting it all wrapped up.
co-friendly, biro-resistant, sustainable, recyclable, easy to clean, inherently fire retardant to BS5852 Crib 5 & IMO Part 8, weatherproof and highly durable performance fabrics that can be applied in a variety of ways, even in extreme environments