Green Home

In-Home Materials

Plants To Improve Indoor Air Quality

Old Way - New Way -

Plants have always been a beautiful and comforting element in the interior design of one's home or office.

Recent studies have shown that particular plants can serve to improve indoor air quality.

Window Coverings

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Vinyl or other synthetic, dust-catching blinds and curtains

Natural material, heat reflecting window solutions

Low Flow Fixtures

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Standard flow (3.5-8 gallon) toilets, and water-wasting fixtures

Low flow (1.6 gallon) and dual flush toilets, and high performance low flow fixtures

Household Waste

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Throw everything into the trash

Recycle, reuse and compost

Water Heaters

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Large capacity, poorly insulated water heaters, far from use site

Solar water systems, tankless, on-demand water heaters, close to use site

Mattresses

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Mattresses filled with flame retardants and other toxic chemicals

Naturally flame retardant wool and cotton mattresses and futons used with organic linens

Lighting

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Energy-wasting fixtures and Incandescent bulbs

Increasing natural light, using compact florescent bulbs and energy star fixtures

Furniture

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Furniture of plastic, glued laminates, particleboard, with toxic finishes

Sustainably-grown solid wood furniture, with non- toxic finishes, organic fabrics, natural cushioning materials

Fragranced Products

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Asthma and allergy triggering air fresheners and fragranced products that add numerous pollutants into your air

Good ventilation, natural oils and essences, fresh flowers, potted plants, fragrance-free products

Flooring

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Wall to wall, chemical-laden, contaminant/mold-catching carpet

Natural fiber area rugs used in combination with non-toxic flooring materials

Appliances

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Inefficient, Energy-wasting appliances

Energy & water saving appliances that are Energy Star Rated

Cleaning Products

Old Way - New Way -
Chemical and fragrance-loaded household cleaning & laundry products Non-toxic, fragrance-free products, and/or food- grade homemade methods

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Spotlight on the Experts

Melinda Gray

Melinda Gray completed her Master of Architecture at UCLA Graduate School of Architecture and Urban Planning in 1982. A licensed architect in the state of California, she has more than 15 years experience with small and large scale projects in the Los Angeles area. Her experience includes the design of sound studios, stages, and offices, retail stores, a medical diagnostic clinic, UCLA hospital renovations, a preschool renovation, … Read More »