When the going gets tough, the tough ‘Go Green’!

Vanity Fair is talking about it, a former US Vice President has been talking about it, and even the Academy of Motion Pictures is impressed with this Inconvenient Truth – ‘going green’ is going strong at the moment! The truth is that our home interior choices, big and small, have a lasting impact on the environment around us. Be it just changing the drapes or the paint of just discarding old and tired furniture, some products are more environment friendly than others. It is about time that we consider our ‘green’ choices and help preserve our planet. Here are some easy ways to make your furniture ‘green’, without compromising on even an inch of style:

Use Green: Use natural eco-friendly products to make your furniture. Consider using products such as Bamboo, which are a great combination of good looks and eco-friendliness. Being one of the fastest growing plants on earth, Bamboo is easy to cultivate, and its wood tones infuse interiors with natural warmth. And it also remains as one of the sturdiest natural material for furniture.

Paint it green: Most of the conventional paints used to paint furniture release highly volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - fumes and chemicals, which are not only bad for the environment but may also cause those fresh-paint headaches. Ask for Low- or no-VOC paint from your paint retailer as an environmentally safer option.

Cover it in Green: Look for natural fibre weaves as a natural alternative to upholster your furniture. Seagrass, sisal, coir, jute and rush are quite in demand right now and create a very definitive style statement. All these variety of materials vary widely in terms of their durability and stain resistance, so make sure you ask about their merits and limitations before purchasing.