Looking Ahead As Design Changes The Climate
Now more than ever before is our climate becoming the center of our decisions. From the brands we like, to the homes we live in, sustainability and the effect of our decisions on the climate are vitally important. In the design world, as i + D Magazine put it, “there’s a renewed interest in producing and highlighting sustainable products for the home.” And it is true. At Arise Interiors, we are constantly looking to incorporate recycled materials, fair trade design elements and sustainably manufactured resources. In this blog post we are going to be sharing some of our favorite highlights from the i + D Magazine Spring 2020 issue, ‘Looking Ahead as Design Changes the Climate’.
Highlight 1: A Guiding Principle – Sustainable Design Materials
Founded in 2006, was the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC). This council is comprised of manufacturers, retailers and designers designated to increase the eco-responsibility of furniture being made across the world. The SFC has scorecards for a furniture piece by looking at the materials that are used to make it. For example, the Wood Furniture Scorecard was created to hold furniture companies to a high expectation that they select and source wood sustainably and responsibly. The guided efforts of SFC are not only looked at by manufacturers but also by consumers. According to i + D Magazine, nearly half of their website traffic comes from consumers wanting to learn more about what they are buying. This is something interesting to think about when looking at pieces to incorporate into your next remodel or even just re-decorating project in your home. At Arise we primarily work with certified supplies and select products that are designed to last and vetted for downstream effects. Nearly every vendor we work with is either solely offering or offers LEED certified and/or sustainably sourced materials. We always look for Sustainable Design Materials
Highlight 2: Clearing the Air
One of the largest catalysts to climate change is air pollution. But did you know that there are now ways to combat air pollution that actually start with the household pieces you buy? One of the most popular and budget-friendly retailers, IKEA, is working on this solution within their products specifically. According to i + D Magazine, “In 2018, the company launched the Better Air Now initiative in an effort to combat air pollution by turning rice straw — a harvesting residue that contributes to air pollution when burned — into raw material.” These pieces under the collection, FÖRÄNDRING, are available in Europe and India exclusively, however the collection has made fast waves since the initiative started and has plans to become available globally. It’s options like these that will make the difference for the masses. People from all economic levels can afford to reduce their carbon footprint, without sacrificing design aesthetic.