4 Sustainable Design Ideas for Healthy Living
Design is a dialogue between a space and the people who use it. Done correctly and it becomes a powerhouse package of aesthetics and functionality enabling engagement that feels effortless and enjoyable. As such, a well-designed space should improve the whole-body health of its users, not erode it.
In a time when sick building syndrome is real and ecosystems are being pushed to the brink of collapse we need effective, thoughtful design more than ever.
Every Day is an Eco-Day
Each spring comes a parade of days that are equal parts celebration, recognition, and warning. Earth Day, (April 22), Arbor Day (April 30), World Environment Day (June 5), and World Ocean Day (June 8). These eco-days aim to instill lasting and meaningful changes in our daily choices.
Instead, being habitual creatures, our efforts wane entirely too soon. Intellectually, we know that a healthy environment improves our quality of life, but there are barriers to translating that knowledge into sustainable action.
Good design removes these obstacles. Here are four sustainable design ideas for a healthier home and lifestyle.
1. Earth Day: Sublime Solar Structures
Yearning for a gorgeous timber frame structure? Now you can get all the beauty of statement beams and artistic trusses and turn it into a zero-emission energy producer. New Energy Works has teamed up with Vermont’s SunCommon to create the Solar Canopy. Now your pergola, carport, covered patio, woodshed structure, storage space, or other personalized outdoor space can quietly and gracefully generate enough solar power for the average New York home.
2. Arbor Day: Sustainable Landscape Design
Study after study confirms what we know intuitively: exposure to nature is inextricably linked to physical and mental benefits. Increased creativity, reduced inflammation and anxiety, stronger immune systems, and lower blood pressure are among the long list of gains.
Owner of Broccolo Tree & Lawn Care of Rochester, New York, Laurie Broccolo specializes in naturalized landscaping. She recommends designing a yard that brings a diversity of sounds, smells, wildlife, and activity. Boulders, native plants that attract wildlife, climbing logs, and meditative spaces are a few examples.
3. World Environment Day: Sustainable Interior Design
Reduce, reuse, and recycle … right? The classic 3Rs of a lower consumer footprint is a triage with recycling being a last resort. Fortunately, there is a world of stunning style waiting for you at antique and consignment stores. Sourcing your high-quality furniture, artwork and décor from these shops reduces the demand for new and gives desirable, even valuable pieces new life they deserve. Think of it as eco interior design on the sly.
Suggestion: when looking for new furniture, fixtures, or décor start your search at antique, consignment, and reclaimed house parts stores. Hertel Home Consignment in Buffalo, NY, makes a great first stop.
4. World Ocean Day: Water Features for Health
In his book, “Blue Mind,” author Wallace J. Nichols draws upon the science proving that our exposure to water features can help you feel happier and healthier. There are many ways you can bring that wisdom into your daily life. A rain garden, a small waterfall into a pool, or even an outdoor or indoor water feature are a few examples. Exposure can reduce stress while increasing blood flow to your brain. Now that’s smart design.