The real push for eco-friendly design actually started in Europe about 30 years ago in studies done on sick building syndrome or Bau-biology. Sick building syndrome is caused by our vacuum-sealed, no-ventilation buildings that are filled with products (paint, carpet, furniture, cleaners) that emit toxins into the air. Frequent migraines, fatigue, upper respiratory ailments, and sore throats are only a few of the symptoms of SBS (sick building syndrome). Bau-biology is the study of design and construction of homes that fulfill good health and holistic requirements. Eco-friendly design promotes spaces that are built with natural materials, utilize natural light, avoid the effects of EMFs, and use efficient energy and resource systems.

Here is some specific Go Green advice:

• Increase the health of all living occupants in your homeand that includes kids, pets, the elderly, and youby improving indoor air quality, reducing chemicals and toxins, and increasing water quality.
• Follow the 3 Rs (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle); however, I'd like to add one moreRe-think! As you become more informed of all available choices in what you put in and around your home, you will see how easy it is to build and decorate your home in a fashionable and healthy way!
• Use natural household cleaning products and avoid using chemicals and toxins.
• Go organic when possible: food (buy local and in season), clothing (man-made fibers are petroleum based and also include formaldehyde, giving them that new smell)), and bedding and linens.
• Avoid paints and finishes with VOCs. All major paint manufacturers now make low or no VOC paint. VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are the chemicals and toxins used to inhibit mold and quicken dry time, and they're what give off that new paint smell.
• Systematically eliminate plastics and vinyl from your home. Studies have shown that PVC also off-gas like VOC-laden products, and they've been shown to cause certain types of cancers. Yes, this includes getting rid of your plastic shower curtain!
• Candles are a leading cause of indoor air pollution, which studies have shown to be worse than outdoor air. The big offender here is the wick, and most inexpensive candles are made with lead, a leading cause of illness. Metal wicks cause sooting and black smoke that can stain walls and pollute. The best wick choice is cotton, and look for candles made from beeswax or palm or soy wax. Also look for candles scented with natural botanicals and/or essential oils.

Photo credit: Sick Building Solutions

DeAnna Radaj, owner of Bante Design LLC and its production division Eden Place Productions, is a designer who specializes in Integrative Lifestyle Design (the fusion of Eastern and Western interior design philosophies incorporating feng shui and healthy home principles).

Emer Schlosser
		About the author:
		Always a fan of words in various glorious forms – novels, dialogue, lyrics, etc – Emer translated her passion into a writing career in 2005. She has since supplied gossip on celebrities to Canadian Press, interviewed individuals from the arts for Inside Entertainment, expressed her fondness for food for Cheese Boutique’s blog, & co-founded, edited and contributed to iheartthemusic.com. At the moment she’s taking the mystery out of Green Living and providing some great tips on Home Renovation, Decorating & Design and Curb Appeal to the members of casaGURU.com. casaGURU, “the homeowner’s home online”, is a free web community that connects homeowners and local house experts.
	Read More >>