The Insider: How to go eco
Sunday 08 May 2011
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Whether it's dead space or tired but workable furniture, I hate waste. Maybe that makes me naturally green-minded. Whatever. Beyond the un-chic domain of composting and insulation, what are the eco style choices for the modern home?
Here's one we made earlier
Sticky-back plastic may not scream "green", but a Fablon revamp for old kitchen cabinets saves much waste. "It comes in some good colours," says textile designer Ruth Singer, who did hers glossy red. Banish air bubbles with a pin-prick and hairdryer. Buy at Amazon.
Take a tip
Eco-focused Oliver Heath offers a cool consultancy service: two hours of green-tinged tips on everything from lighting to layout for £180. Or buy his book, Urban Eco Chic (Quadrille, £20).
Why quarry?
My smart front-garden "gravel" bounces. How? It's Dunweedin rubber chippings, made from recycled airplane tyres. Around £9 per 10kg bag.
We're jammin'
After I lamented by tweet that etsy.com/people/BootsNGus's pretty recycled jam-jar chandelier was US delivery only, fritzfryer.co.uk said they'd do a version for £80ish.
Flash trash
Craftybitches.org hosts online "upcycling" workshops, to help you put your junk to good use.
What's poppin'?
Cork floors are super-sustainable, as well as watertight and durable – and this 1970s throwback is also bang in fashion. Try corkfloor.co.uk
You wood
Love B&Q's Eco Divine FSC wallpapers, printed on recycled paper (£12.98 per roll). B&Q also sells the chic Cooke & Lewis Capulet water-saving bathroom, for just over £1,000.
Your place or...
Inhabitat.com: for the eco-architecture and design of the future. Be inspired.
Find Kate's blog on affordable interiors at yourhomeislovely.com
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