Wendy Burt-Thomas
Posted: Friday, December 12, 2008 10:19 am

photo by Ahmad Faizal Yahya, istockphoto.com

 Lighting

You’ve probably heard a lot about LED lights -- bulbs that use only a fraction of the wattage that incandescent bulbs use. But there’s a new take on lighting that uses the process of magnetic induction to produce light. KRANK lights let you crank a handle to produce between 40 and 60 minutes of bright light. Made from recycled aluminum parts, KRANK lights are expected to hit the market in spring 2009.

Paints

More companies are adding no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints to their lines to reduce carcinogens in the home. Many have minimal odor during both application and drying and are mildew resistant. In addition, the color palettes (and their names) are reflective of the growing movement toward ecological and environmental awareness. Common color schemes for 2009 will echo nature with browns, greens and oranges.

Tableware

From cork and bamboo placemats to stone table runners, dinner tables in 2009 will be natural -- even picnic-like. Votives, pitchers, vases and drinking glasses made from recycled glass -- plain or hand-painted — are available in a wide variety of colors. Don’t forget the 100 percent organically grown bamboo serving spoons finished with a natural lacquer derived from cashew trees!

Artwork

The two big trends in eco-art are the use of recycled, up-cycled and/or environmentally friendly materials, and purchasing from artists or galleries that give back a portion of their profits to environmental groups. Look for sculptures made of recycled materials, unique mixed-media wall hangings and reclaimed wood frames. 

Fabrics

Hot for ’09 are silk-like linens made from organic materials such as processed wood pulp and colors produced from non-toxic dyes and no chemical bleaching. Watch for recycled polyester and naturally-dyed denims.

Furniture

Saying something is “green” isn’t enough for savvy eco-conscious consumers anymore. Today’s educated and concerned shoppers want proof that both the manufacturing process and the final product are environmentally friendly. Look for furniture made from reclaimed hardwoods, water-based glues and recycled materials.

Pillows

Synthetic fibers are giving way to organic cotton pillows and eco-wool, made from organically raised sheep and processed in wool-only facilities. Also making its way to mainstream stores is kapok, a cotton-like material made from the pod of a tropical fruit tree. Even decorative throw pillows can boast sustainable materials like hemp, organic cotton and recycled wool.

Fixtures

Thanks to a higher demand for sustainable products, home stores are now selling fixtures and shower doors made with eco-resins. Created from recycled plastics embedded with recycled glass, grasses or shells, these pieces look as beautiful (and are as functional) as their non-eco-friendly counterparts.

Walls

A hot new trend in wall decor is eco-friendly wall flats. Used to add a modern pattern -- like Braille or ridges -- to an existing wall, these fun patterned pieces are typically sold in packs of ten. Made from 100 percent molded bamboo paper pulp with no chemical fillers or additives, these 18" by 18" pieces make it easy to cover a bland or damaged wall.

Accessories

Soy candles are not only energy-efficient, but the wax is easier to clean off furniture and rugs. Organic cotton flannel throws are stylish, eco-friendly and heating bill friendly! Bamboo baskets are great for storing those magazines that you plan to recycle.