As more and more consumers ask for eco-friendly or green flooring, it is an easy choice to pick woods that make minimal impact on the earth and also create a healthier environment for you and your family. Knowing that timber is one of the earth’s only truly renewable resources, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification on wood lets you know that you are getting wood from a renewable, sustainable source. The council sets international standards for responsible forest management, and through... more

Kohler-Kelston I have been a kitchen and bath designer for 26 years and I just purchased my first low-flow toilet. I have been specifying low-flow toilets since it became the law in 1994, but I never owned one, so I was not aware of the “idiosyncrasies” of actually experiencing one over the long haul. What I learned really changed my perception of toilets. Before I go any further, I must add a disclaimer: “What you are about to hear may be disturbing for some.” I am sorry about this — but... more

Showerhead from Kohler's Forté collection that uses 1.75 gpm of water. Photo courtesy of Kohler As we head into the time of year that we hear about water shortages, it might be a good idea to talk about conservation. Water conservation has come a long way in the past 15 years when people grimaced upon the mere mention of the topic. Today we have toilets that actually perform well while saving water, and the same for showerheads, and faucets. We now have hot water heaters that are more efficient,... more

ECOpdx started out four years ago selling their own custom line of furniture made out of local deconstruction and storm damage woods. Soon after they added the Tropical Salvage line of furniture made from 100% recycled handcrafted tropical woods pulled out of rivers and volcanic pits in Indonesia. Owned and operated by three friends, Darren and Patricia Morgan and Brian Kelly, ECOpdx is a business founded on the belief that quality craftsmanship and personal attention are the cornerstones... more

Spokane County, WA became the launch pad last July for the nation’s strictest ban on dishwasher detergent made with phosphates, a measure aimed at reducing water pollution. The ban will be expanded statewide in July 2010, the same time similar laws take effect in several other states. Among other states that have banned or are banning phosphates in dishwasher detergent are Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York. A bill on Capitol Hill... more

Design often gets my blood pumping. Looking through interior design magazines and websites puts me in a dream world of creating something that is individually “mine.” If you work and live in the design world, maybe your reaction is similar. For me, the same is true with concrete. Concrete is a medium that is indescribable because it begins its’ journey in liquid form. The best way I have found to describe it is the French word couleé. Translated, it means “to flow” and that is the great... more

We are all interested in reducing the rising cost of energy to heat and cool our homes. Insulating your home is one way to reduce those costs. With the ever-increasing interest in green products, it’s no wonder that companies are creating products that fill that need. Existing Structures Since most homes in Portland, OR, were built without any insulation, the most common installation method is to inject a foam product to fill the cavity between the wall studs. Air krete is one of those products. ... more

Coconuts…they are good for more than just Piña Coladas, or so says John Stein, president of Kirei USA. With the introduction of The Sumatra Collection of decorative tiles made using coconut shells discarded after harvest, Kirei, a company specializing in eco-friendly interior design materials, brings style to eco design. Kirei Coco Tiles are an answer to the gauntlet thrown down to interior product makers — a challenge to be eco-friendly, but with flair. The green interior design movement has... more