Becoming environmentally friendly is an important topic for businesses, consumers, family, everybody. Green environmental design is an important concept for everyone to embrace and appreciate. If we continue to ignore the waste and pollution that we dump into our environment every day, we will have fewer resources to use later. Not only that, but our beautiful planet will end up not so beautiful.

One way to help the environment is through what’s called green environmental design. Also referred to as sustainable design, it takes into account the ecological, economical, social, and ethical aspects of a design. The goal is to provide buildings and designs that are better for the environment, healthier for people, and conserve resources, both in building and in use. Environmental design creates buildings that are better for the environment and uses materials that will not harm people or the planet.

There are several ways to accomplish green environmental design, or to go green. The easiest and cheapest way is to reuse materials. This can be accomplished by repurposing old materials for new things. For instance, wood from old windows and doors can be reused as accent pieces in bedrooms and other rooms. Decorating trends have really created great pieces to reuse a variety of old items. Not only that, but reusing materials from these items can save money and resources. For instance, home construction materials at demolition sites can be reused for wood to build a tree house or garden patio. Bricks and windows can be reused for chimneys, backyard grills, and garden walls. Old glass bottles can double as decorative pieces or even contemporary garden pots. There are numerous ways to reuse materials; the only limitation is the imagination.

Another important concept of eco-friendly design is to purchase materials that are free of toxins. We’ve all heard of the dangers of lead paint, but did you know that there are also dangerous chemicals in woods, carpet, upholstery, and furniture. Formaldehyde, as well as other toxic substances, can be found in a variety of press wood products such as cabinets and furniture. Instead choose solid wood options when even possible. For carpets and other textiles, use cotton and natural fiber products. Synthetic fibers can contain pesticides and toxic chemical cleaners. Toxic chemicals can be found in everything from carpeting to window treatments, bedding, and even furniture like couches and beds. Make sure all products are labeled free of these toxins.

Conserving energy is another way to incorporate environmental design into homes and offices. Upgrading products to newer energy star models when possible can help save fuel and other natural resources. Replacing just one product at a time such as dishwashers, refrigerators, copiers, and printers is healthier for the environment and can save you money on monthly bills. And some appliances also offer tax deductions and other incentives.

Green design is fairly simple to follow. Even small things like low flow toilets and faucets and substituting bamboo flooring and using water based paints can only have a positive effect on the environment. The best part is that by following greener living is not only healthier for everyone, but it also saves money.