A Quick Guide to Sustainable Design

Story by Katie Moore - It seems everywhere you look there is an advertisement or article proclaiming the latest and greatest ways to “go green”. This constant influx of information can make it daunting to any consumer hoping to adjust their lifestyle to a more sustainable alternative.

What exactly is sustainable design? According to http://www.gsa.gov :
“Sustainable design seeks to reduce negative impacts on the environment, and the health and comfort of building occupants, thereby improving building performance. The basic objectives of sustainability are to reduce consumption of non-renewable resources, minimize waste, and create healthy, productive environments.”

I have compiled a simplified list adopted from many websites to help make your transition into “green” as easy and as economical as possible.

1. Switch your incandescent light bulbs out with Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs).
-You can find CFLs at any home improvement store or at https://earthaidkit.com.
-CFLs are economically friendly using 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last about 7 years.
-Opt for standard CFLs for every day and night time use.
-Cool CFLs are best for reading and task work.
-Full Spectrum or Daylight CFLs are meant to imitate sunlight and give off a warm glow
-Be sure to check out https://earthaidkit.com for even more information on CFLs!

2. Adjust your thermostat a few degrees higher in the summer and a few degrees lower in the winter.
-Set your thermostat on a timer when you are away.
-This simple move will really help with your heating and cooling costs

3. Unplug appliance when you are not using them.

4. Invest in a “smart” power strip found at https://earthaidkit.com for around $30.
-This power strip senses when appliances are turned off and cuts off the energy supply known as “phantom energy use”.

5. Use cold water when washing clothes.
-According to www.worldwatch.org heating water uses as much as 85% of energy used to machine wash clothes.

6. Use your dryer as little as possible, instead use a drying rack or clothesline.

7. Take shorter showers.
-Also switch to a low-flow shower head they cost around $40-$50
-This small investment will have your wallet thanking you!

8. Bottle your own water.
-Buy a water purifier and an inexpensive re-usable water bottle.

9. Invest in high-quality products. They will last longer which will save you money and consequently produce less waste.
-Check out www.parnian.com for quality pieces that will last, also be sure to check out the eco-friendly products offered at both locations and online!

10. Drive the speed limit
-Going 10 miles over the speed limit is “adding nearly 50 cents to the price of a gallon of gas, since higher speed equals more guzzling” http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/green-living/ways-to-go-green.
For more helpful tips I found these three websites offered the most straight-forward, economical and practical green solutions.
- http://www.worldwatch.org/node/3915
-http://simplemom.net/tips-to-go-green-at-home/
-http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/green-living/ways-to-go-green

It is also important to stay up to date on what is happening in the “green” world. These three websites have the latest events, innovations and products!
1. http://www.seventhgeneration.com/products
2. http://greensource.construction.com/
3. http://www.inhabitat.com/2007/10/03/100-sustainable-product-design/

If you live in Arizona be sure to check out AKA Green a store devoted to sustainable products located in Scottsdale, AZ. You can also find it on the web at http://www.akagreen.com/. And while you are in the area be sure to stop in the Parnian show room and ask about Environments Furniture!

Also, be sure to visit http://www.azrecycling.com/ and http://earth911.com/ for information on recycling in Arizona!

Don’t become overwhelmed with all of the information out there on how to make the leap into a sustainable lifestyle. Just begin with this quick and easy guide and slowly continue to explore the world of “going green”!

Palmwood a Green Alternative

Story by Katie Moore - Brand new to the Parnian showroom is a company that specializes in distinctive, stunning and eco-friendly furniture called Pacific Green. The company is a company of the world in the means of not only protecting the planet from deforestation but also bringing the elements of design from various cultures around the globe into their latest line. Pacific Green is located in the Fiji Islands where they have established the “world’s first Palmwood factory” http://www.pacificgreen.net/.Palmwood was coined by Pacific Green when they discovered the durability and flexibility of the coconut palm tree, perfect for design application. The coconut palm was a popular commodity in the early 1900’s simply for the element known as copra which was essential for manufacturing; however, this material has long descended out of use. The fallen status of the coconut palm tree left many abandoned plantations in the South Pacific, until Pacific Green came across them. The unproductive palms were recycled, new fruit-bearing palms planted, land was leased from the locals and a factory was built employed only by the natives of the area. The factory itself embraces the hand-crafted techniques of the locals for their designs, and demands 100% of their manufacturing process to be chemical and toxin free http://www.pacificgreen.net/.

Not only is Pacific Green a socially and eco-responsible company, but they strive to unite the world simply through their designs. Inspired from cultures and ancient methods of art and construction around the world, their line has the look of one-of-a-kind combining beautiful Palmwood with unexpected materials. The look is raw and unique and the furniture undeniably comfortable.

So far we have rave reviews at our showrooms over the line, calling Pacific Green “Gorgeous and so original” and “Incredibly comfortable”. Come see and experience Pacific Green at both Parnian showrooms located at the Biltmore and just off of Frank Lloyd Wright in Scottsdale.