Just Breathe

There is a great deal of talk about air quality, but in most cases we think about the impact of smog and pollution OUTSIDE.  Indoor air quality is often overlooked despite the fact that we spend a substantial amount of time breathing indoor air.  Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted into the air from a variety of sources including paint, floor adhesives, cleaners, even furniture. Love it or hate it, we are all familiar with that "new house smell" which is, in most cases, the result of off gassing from the material used in production. How it works is that chemicals used in manufacturing evaporate into the air over time.  This might not have been as big an issue when the main source of cooling was an open window, but now in our tightly sealed homes and businesses these VOCs are stuck inside.  Okay, so there's the problem, but what do we do about it?  How do we improve indoor air quality? Awareness is the first step.  Think about what you bring into your home or business.  Many manufacturers are seeking ways to minimize and even eliminate VOCs so seek them out, ask questions, read labels, use online resources and just breathe.

Timeless Beauty

Sustainability is defined as the capacity to endure over time and making things last is at the very core of the green movement.  While many conversations about sustainability are based around the materials, there is a social and aesthetic element as well.  Will a project or product appeal to a wide cross-section of people over time? Will the design endure?  

This weekend I went to see the Chihuly Exhibit at the Dallas Arboretum - an amazing art exhibit in an amazing venue that represented this type of sustainability.  In the early 1930's, a group of people had a vision to create a botanical preserve in the Dallas area.  That vision grew into what is now the Dallas Arboretum.  Their mission - "to build and maintain a public venue that promotes the art, enjoyment, and knowledge of horticulture, while providing opportunities for education and research", was taken to another level with the addition of the dramatic glass sculpture of this American artist.  Spectacular and colorful pieces were nestled in the already breathtaking gardens drawing visitors to the beauty of nature as well as the sculptures.  Despite the staggering heat, the arboretum was full of people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds.  The squeals of surprise and excitement from the youngest visitors to the quiet reverence of the more mature guests reminded me of the sustainability and importance of timeless beauty - both natural and man-made.

Shades of Green

How green is "green"? "Green", "eco-friendly", "sustainable" - all these terms are being used to describe an awareness and intentionality of the way we choose to live. These terms are being used in mass marketing to capitalize the growing trendiness of this movement and as a result have watered down or even confused the meaning. Perhaps the best approach to "going green" is to understand the ideas and vocabulary at its core and then learn to evaluate a company, product, or service based on your personal goals and resources. While many people want to make these terms reflect the highest possible standard, perhaps there is some merit to allowing for shades of green. Encouraging people to make increasingly responsible choices and to participate without having to be "all in" may be the most sustainable approach to building the green movement.