Glamour Goes Green

Can you believe every single part of this glamorous living room is eco-friendly? Green design has come a long way, and this arrangement put together by Seattle Homes & Lifestyles proves eco-friendly furnishings deserve a second look. So if your tastes are more traditional or feminine than the typical modern “natural” look associated with green design, there’s probably a green product to match. Click over to find out where you can find such chic eco-friendly furnishings. And there’s even more stylish green finds here.

Switching to Low-Flow Toilets

Homeowners can save time and money by replacing standard toilets with energy efficient low-flow toilets. Every day, Americans save $11.3 million on water bills as a result of switching to low-flow toilets, with an average household savings of $50-$100 per year. While low-flow toilets were problematic when they first entered the market, new models such as the Toto Eco Drake® toilet, left, work much better and provide more options.

Terry Love of Seattle-area Love Plumbing & Remodel has a helpful consumer report on new low-flow toilets that work on a maximum of just 1.6 gallons per flush. Toto, Eljer, Gerber, Kohler, American Standard, Caroma, and Briggs low-flow toilets all made the list. Consumers can also look for WaterSense-labeled toilets, which meet U.S. Environmental Protection Association requirements for water-wise products. Have you considered switching to low-flow toilets?

Zero Carbon Elevator Unveiled

A zero carbon elevator? You don’t say! Among the innovations presented at last week’s London Festival of Architecture is this groundbreaking solar-powered lift. The elevator, on display until next week, provides handicapped access across the Duke of York steps in an effort to make London a more “Welcoming City” (the festival’s theme this year.)

Another highlight from London is the Union Street Urban Orchard, which will be open until September 19. Local residents built the orchard and community garden for the London Architecture Festival on an abandoned city parcel in Bankside using reclaimed materials and plants.

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