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Eco-friendly, p 1

Staff -- Interior Design, 10/31/2003 12:00:00 AM

accessories • building materials • eco-friendly • fabric & wall covering • flooring •
furniture• kitchen & bath • lighting • outdoor furniture • seating

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Shaw& p>

According to designer William McDonough, he created his carpet portfolio to "leave a healthy environmental footprint." The tile collection was inspired by McDonough's sojourns in China, specifically what he saw underfoot—marble, pebbles, concrete, grass. Shaw's cradle-to-cradle manufacturing technique (fibers and backing are recycled back into fibers and backing) ensures the footprint will also endure.

Richlite& p>

Countertops from paper? Believe it. These flawlessly replicate the appearance of hard-surface counters, in colors that pass for woods and stones (the hemp version is made of 100 percent abaca, grown in the Philippines and Ecuador). Plus, they wash clean and don't let bacteria linger. Will the wonders of modern science never cease?

Knoll Textiles& p>

The neatly aligned Abacus is at odds with the intricacy of its manufacturing process, which employs an entanglement of fibers—achieved via a water jet—in lieu of an added backing. This results in increased durability and eventual total recyclability, though you'd select Abacus on its modernist good looks alone.

Andre Joyau& p>

The elegant Chair on 4 Posts is fashioned from two solid boards of tropical (and environmentalist-sanctioned) jotuba wood for the seat and back, with legs of solid walnut. Don't let the spartan lines fool you—it's plenty comfortable.

el: Environmental Language& p>

Integrity of design, luxurious styling, and recyclable materials don't often dovetail. The clean aesthetic of designer Jill Salisbury's furniture line belies the conscientious and exclusive use of eco-friendly sources. The Orion love seat is made from natural latex, cotton batting, and barrier cloth—and looks pretty swanky besides.

Yemm & Hart& p>

Sure, everyone likes the smell of new cars, but what happens when the thrill is gone? Flexisurf finds a novel use for old car upholstery: flooring! This recycled polyvinyl product is available in 60-by-96-inch sheets or 18-inch square tiles, which can be water-jet cut for designs or logos. At Robin Reigi.