February - The Gateway Month
I always think of February as the "gateway" to spring. At this point some of us are ready to order from those seed catalogues we have been drooling over all winter. We may also be ready to spruce up our outdoor space or ready for a whole new outdoor adventure.
In sustainable design, wood can be considered a good choice for beauty, durability (life cycle), carbon reduction and ease of installation. Salvaged wood is an excellent choice for decking and will look like it has been there forever. Black's Farmwood is a great source for salvaged wood in the northern California area.
Another "hot" choice for decks and other outdoor spaces is Ipe wood. Ipe is an extremely hard wood that is required by law to be harvested using forestry methods to preserve and sustain the rain forests from where it is extracted. As a result Ipe may be more expensive than other choices. However, it is likely to last longer than many other materials.
 Photo courtesy of Ipedeckingsource.com
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Sit On It
Whether you are creating a new space or just upgrading your existing space, new furniture and accessories can be the perfect finishing touch. You no longer have to settle for ordinary furniture with so many new designs using recycled materials.
I love everything about this chain link chair by Grain Design. It is made in the USA from upcycled materials and is recyclable. It ships as a flat pack to further reduce its carbon footprint. And you never have to worry about anybody spilling on it.
Photo courtesy of Grain Design
Or maybe you want a chair with a little more substance and weight. This drum turned bench is made from recycled materials and would definitely make a statement on your patio.
Photo courtesy of ReGeared |
Accessorize It
No outdoor space would be complete without some unusual planters.
The Jack planter reminiscent of the childhood game is made from sustainable wood and steel.
Photo courtesy of Steel Life
I also love this idea for reusing old tires for bike parking. No metal necessary.
Photo courtesy of Recycled Art Foundation |
Detox Your Life - The Year of Living Less Dangerously
Follow me on my journey as I explore how to live less dangerously by reducing the chemicals in my home and my life. I will be posting about this journey in my Green Design Huntress blog. I will also be recapping here in my newsletter.
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Would Love to Hear From You
I hope that the Spring brings you wonderful new beginnings.
Eco-Chic Design would like your feedback. Please email marie@eco-chicdesign.com and tell us what topics you would like to see in your monthly newsletter. Sincerely,
Eco-Chic Design 
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