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Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the last few years- you know what "Green" is (its been elevated out of mere colorhood). Green is literally everywhere. It’s in magazines and commercials. It’s slathered on every imaginable household product. It’s the topic of conversation and news sources from here to high heaven, (Mea culpa, by the way). It’s the pet subject of the Architecture and Design field. Green is what you should be. It’s what you should be buying. It’s what you should be doing.

Sustainability and Green platforms are very valid. However, with so much media saturation, in nearly every industry, it can be really hard for the average person to navigate this new world of green and white, (rather than shades of gray, we now have shades of mint green and sea mist). Green, by and large, is also marketed in a more trend-forward way. The first “Green” products to hit the market were suitable for modern and contemporary design, not a Tudor revival or Richard Landry’s latest interpretation of a rural villa. Only now are manufacturers starting to catch up and produce more products for people with classic and traditional tastes for their living environments.

If people in that “other” category with a classic taste set feel there are few ways to be Green, they can think again. What most people don't know is there are plenty of bona fide ways to institute green practices when designing, building or making design related purchases that don’t involve the latest recycled glass countertop.

Here are ways that everyone can be green. These considerations are things that anyone can integrate into a construction or design project, regardless of style preferences. Green isn’t just for the modern folks!

-Buy High Quality Products. When you purchase something of great quality, you increase the longevity of that item. When you purchase an item that will become dated or wear out in a few short years, you increase waste by throwing out the old and you increase consumption by buying new again. Buying for the long term is earth friendly. In the long run, you also end up spending less because you don't have to replace something time and time again. Consider purchasing the best quality and the most enduring seating, carpet/rugs, and case goods your budget allows for.

-Use quality materials with longevity. When you are selecting surface materials, think about longevity and quality. Use materials that are durable and will stand the test of time. Consider materials that won't fall out of favor. Many of the hottest Green materials of today will look dated in the not too distant future. Natural stone is a green option, especially if its remnant or locally sourced. Properly maintaining natural stone and making the selections as timeless as possible will help ensure there is no need for replacement. Key tip: stay neutral.

-Use Green building materials and systems. This is especially attainable when involved with new construction and additions. When you start a project, tell the architect and/or builder that you care about the siting and natural heating and cooling of your home. Also ask them to specify green materials (such as formaldehyde free plywood, recycled insulation materials, etc.) and green systems (HVAC vent placement, lighting, window planning, solar panels, etc.). Green design features that are laid out in planning and green materials that are utilized during construction can be applied to any home style. Green building materials are also better for your health, which is one very important component to the Green movement. Also take a look at your windows, plumbing appliances, and water heater to ensure they are providing optimal performance while achieving minimal energy and/or water requirements.

-Buy an existing home. When you can, strive to buy an already built home. It’s estimated that for every new home, 2.5 tons of construction waste and materials are used. If you buy an already built home, you reduce waste and evade using new resources. This option is not always desirable, but it’s worth heavy consideration when you’re planning on buying a home. Also take into consideration that an existing home has mature landscaping, which can aid in shading and cooling.

-Buy antique and vintage furnishings. This goes hand in hand with buying an existing structure. In buying vintage and antique furnishings, you prevent using new resources and also prevent the waste associated with producing new furniture. Become familiar with local antique shops; tell them what you are looking for. If you are intimidated, hire a designer to walk you through the ins and outs of buying antiques. It’s nothing to be afraid of! (Warning- it can become addicting!). Even people with modern tastes can think about integrating Bauhaus, Mid Century Modern, Art Deco or Post Modern vintage finds.

-Refrain from buying products that use endangered resources. Look for products that use reclaimed wood or other reclaimed materials suitable for your design style (for example, utilize reclaimed ceiling beams, rather than new ones that are made to look aged). Avoid, at all costs, buying products that use endangered or rare species of wood, stone or metal (unless its an antique- then have at it!). The definition of Sustainable is: "to provide for present needs without detracting from tomorrow". Use products that source not only from sustainable materials, but from sustainable forests as well (contrary to popular thought, not everything made from wood has to be bamboo in order to be sustainable!).

-Use low or no Volatile Organic Omissions (VOC) paint. Everyone uses paint. May as well use the healthiest option. Check out Benjamin Moore's “Aura” line of paint.

-Use natural cleaning products. Stop buying household brand cleaning products and laundry detergent. Use basic cleaning methods and natural, fragrance-free products. Just because something has a little green logo or "seal of approval" doesn't mean its green. Keep in mind that companies realize that marketing something as green is a sure way to sway a consumer. Often, those little seals are company designed for the product label. Always read ingredients and consider who is proclaiming a product as green.

Written by Janelle Steinberg