Ecodesign is everywhere. Inside buildings, ecodesigned systems control the temperature, heat the building's water, and run the lights and appliances with a fraction of the energy required by conventional methods. Bamboo, a fast-growing and abundant woody plant, has begun to replace less sustainable materials like hardwood as a flooring material. Go shopping and you'll see all kinds of products proclaiming themselves to be "natural," "eco-friendly," or "made from 100 percent post-consumer product." Companies like IKEA produce furniture made from recycled plastic, and other designers are even experimenting with chairs and sofas made from compressed dried grass and leaves! Shoemakers have also gone green, manufacturing footwear from recycled materials like car tires, carpet padding and paper.
While we're still a long way from 100 percent, cradle-to-grave sustainability, it's clear that ecodesign is only going to become more common in the years ahead.
See for yourself.
Conduct a household water audit to help identify areas that you can cut water usage. Get More tips at FutureFriendly.com