vintage design is trendy and eco-friendly at the same time
Before the modern age of artificial products and mass production, homes and furniture were handmade from more natural materials. There were fewer chemical adhesives and stains, and homes were generally healthier. In addition, when you use vintage pieces, you bow out of buying something new, and potentially save usable material from entering the waste stream . Thus, we can reach the assumption that vintage is actually green , and there are many creative ways to incorporate more vintage styles into your home. Vintage and green are both "in" right now, so why not bring a little modern " vintage " style to your home?
Try going back to the basics. Install natural wood flooring or paneling on your walls and ceilings. Beadboard, raised panels, and tongue and groove are just three timeless designs. How about wallpaper? Healthier than paint, wallpaper can be very era-specific , and is a great accent throughout your house. Vintage can also include linoleum and other products from yesteryear. Natural stone is very popular in kitchens and bathrooms, and is a strong, lasting alternative to carpet.
Older homes also didn't have the expensive HVAC systems we use today. Try the old-fashioned method of ceiling fans and wood stoves. Opening windows, installing shutters, and planting shade trees are all methods our grandparents employed for energy control within their homes.
Nothing is greener than recycling products....
Read the full article in the CalFinder Remodeling and Home Solar Power Magazine
