Repurposed Skid Pallets - a way to look at the world

The organic / upcycled / repurposed fad must be reaching its peak.
While wonderful to see, my wish is that people add a few trendy pieces to their decor and stop for a moment to think about the why and the how of it all.
The why:
We desperately need to change our habits if we want the earth to sustain our human population and the growth of developing nations.  Culturally, we are changing some of our habits (recycling, composting, and "going-green", if you will.) The eco-trend has found its way into every corner of our lives... and that includes every corner of your home. Eco-fashionable home decor makes sense. Start with what you can, and change as you can.
The how: 
By repurposing waste, we are doing the good green thing. On some level it makes us feel like better citizens of the earth. (In the 80s I got the same fuzzy feeling when I bought bottled Evian.)
The caveat: 
Decoration is just frills. Yes, it's true.
(I am a designer. Please realize that frills are very important to my life / environment /overall well-being. Yes, perhaps that is  shallow. Moving forwards.) 

Let's keep the momentum (which is amazing) and start to examine the other important things in our lives. Things like the food we eat and where it comes from, the supply chain of the things we buy, the politicians that we vote for and the repercussions of our choices - our use of the world's resources and our community, our dependence on oil...

It's a lot to think about. And home decor is, by comparison, so mild. I don't mean that we should strip away any of the great eco-things that are popping up everywhere. They're great! They're phenomenal. 

Meaningful. 

Hopeful. 

Inspiring.

If nothing else, I hope we embrace these trends with a vigour that inspires even more humanity and compassion - and positive change.  If we can change ugly, old and dirty skid pallets into works of modern eco art- we can do.. well,  just about anything.

Without further ado - my selection of repurposed skid pallets:

From Creature comforts

From Apartment Therapy

From /caisak.blogspot.com/

Pallet Garden

The grandaddy of upcycles: from skid pallet to Barcelon-esque Daybed

Eco Logo Drywall *love*

Well, I never in a million years thought I would *love* a drywall.
But I do. I know it's not typography or really cool upcycled furniture... but there's a lot about this particular drywall that is making me swoon.
#1 It's going to be in my new home (and that makes me really excited about everything that goes into it... I had to show restraint and not blog about concrete and nails.)
#2 (The bigger reason) The new abode is being drywalled with ECO LOGO Gypsum board.

Google and Ecosia tell me that this means that the VOC levels of the drywall are certified to be under a certain ppm. (Wonderful! No need to worry about too-much off-gassing.)

I am fawning over Great Gulf Homes, and I love the initiative that they are taking to bring safe and sustainable (FSC woods) into the construction of our new place. Thanks! I cannot wait to begin decorating.

FSC New Home

So hubby and I recently purchased a new home.
It's framed and on it's way towards completion.
(October 2011.)

I was so amazed when I was walking through the space, and saw that the wood frame is FSC certified. Great Gulf Homes, you have my hoorah- thanks for giving us the right base to build a home on!

Sustainably harvested wood must be more and more common; nobody told us about the great wood choices that they would be making when we purchased. I realize now that it is definitely something that I should have asked about when making the decision to buy. (Hangs head in shame.)

Lesson learned. (Yes, some days I do learn.)

My take-away: Even when you think sustainable is out of the question- it might be within reach. There's no harm in asking for the materials that you want. Quite obviously, they are attainable, within budget, and being used right under my nose. 

Longing to Bring the Outside In

Oh we are so longing for a stronger connection to nature.
The proof is in the... rugging.
A few shots of grass-like loveliness, and a living rug to boot.

Rug Design By Dhesja

How To Knit This Rug Found Here

From Re-nest

Living Moss Rug - Toildrop

Henry Sofa : FSC Love

West Elm's Henry Sofa
We went to West Elm today. Great store, great furniture and decor, great prices...
and I fell in love with their Henry sofa. Simple, unassuming, and devilishly comfortable; the Henry caught our attention from a distance. Things only got better as we swarmed in a little closer. The price was a mouth dropping $699, which was appealing. The little tag on the side is what really made me excited about the little guy:
1) Solid wood frame made with FSC wood. (Forest Stewardship Council's sustainably harvested wood is one of the highest standards in the industry)
2) The springs in the couch are made with 70% recycled metals
3) The Foam in the seating and arms is made with 20% soy
4) The pillow filling is made with recycled water bottles
5) The padding/fiber on the seat is made with recycled carpeting

With a price and aesthetic like that, along with a curriculum vitae that would make Al Gore nervous, what's not to love?