Being an Environmental Steward and Its Importance In Interior Design.

In many cases interior designers are the connection between products and consumers. Interior designers can transform spaces with materials and furnishings. We are the people who suggest bamboo verses oak flooring or what type of appliances will best match a kitchen. So if we have that power, shouldn’t we suggest furnishings that are environmental friendly? That is what being an environmental steward is all about.  Environmental stewardship is the management and care of our natural resources. To restore, maintain, and preserve natural resources requires everyone to be a steward and will result in many benefits including a healthy and happy planet for many more generations to enjoy and flourish on. In the design process it is not only the interior designers but also the architects, engineers, manufacturers, laborers, clients and ultimately every part of the processes to achieve these environmental goals. When attending Neocon this past summer I noticed a large trend in manufactures showcasing their environmental stewardship efforts including Herman Miller who is working towards a zero operational foot print by 2020 (check out this great video by them http://www.hermanmiller.com/about-us/our-values-in-action/environmental-advocacy.html) and Mohawk Group who focuses on transparency, innovation, recycling, and the community to work towards a better planet.

*Information received from http://www.mohawkgroup.com/sustainability/default.aspx

http://www.hermanmiller.com/about-us/our-values-in-action/environmental-advocacy.html and Winchip, S. (2011). Sustainable design for interior environments . (2nd ed.). Fairchild Books.