EcoFabulous!

From time to time, I like to write about the green movement and how it applies to real estate and home design. So, today I want to point you in the direction of a fabulous blog--Ecofabulous.com.

Ecofabulous is run by Zem Joaquin (and what a great name is that?), a design professional with a background in green technologies and philosophies. She is also the "green editor" at House & Garden Magazine. And, in the current issue of H&G, they take a look at Zem's own ecofabulous home here in the Bay Area, which she has fashioned into a green dream home without compromising aesthetics or quality.

Here are some great tips that can gleaned from her greening:

*Buy a classic house with "great bones" that you can work with.

*Retain as much original flooring and construction as possible, so as not to create waste for landfills.

*Use as many reclaimed and recycled materials as possible. She used a cork flooring made from a winery's unused materials!

*Use vintage and antique design pieces instead of newly manufactured pieces.

*Use use non-VOC, non-toxic paints and finishes.

Read Zem's blog entry and link to the House & Garden article here at the Ecofabulous website. If you would like more information or guidance on greening your own home, please let me know. I am always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or MSmartt@jps.net.


*Photos courtesy of Ecofabulous and House & Garden.