Keeping up the the Jones in an Eco-Friendly Way

Do you like to decorate? Are you the type that likes to fill your home with unique, cool furnishings? Are you concerned about the manufacturing practices of the companies you buy from? Do you simply like to live and eat well but want to do so as a steward of the Earth? No worries. Domino Magazine did the research for you and compiled a list of 125 innovative, earth-friendly companies that produce products you can feel good about buying.

In order to make the list the manufacturers and suppliers had to meet certain criteria. The products had to be made from materials that are rapidly renewable, responsibly grown, reusable, and/or biodegradable. Bonus points were given for durability. Good manufacturing practices such as alternative power sources and fair labor conditions were considered. Domino divided the list into manageable categories for no stress decision making. Here is a sample:

Palecek – From day one, this furniture company has relied on farmed wood and fast-growing materials like rattan and sea grass. To visit a store near you and test out their global designs call (800) 274-7730.

ABC Carpet and Home – This six-story Manhattan storefront has long been a destination of top designers from around the country. Thanks to CEO and creative director, Paulette Cole, the company is undergoing a green makeover. The Grounded collection features pieces covered in old Indian sari fabric and the Pure Seating line relies on sustainable and nontoxic materials. Browse their collection at http://www.abchome.com/.

Merida Meridian – This Earth-friendly rug company offers rugs made under fair labor practices from unusual materials like bamboo, paper, and tweed. http://www.meridameridian.com/.

Trex – The beauty of this unique flooring material, a mixture of recycled plastic and sawdust from reclaimed hardwoods, is twofold: Unlike wood, it won’t rot or splinter, and the twenty-foot planks look just like the real hardwood floors when installed. At about $5.20 per square-foot it’s affordable and responsible. Look at http://www.trex.com/ for stores near you.

Tea Tree by Paul Mitchell – Tea Tree shampoo and conditioner is made with tea tree oil, peppermint, lemon and sage. Tea Tree products contain 95% organic materials and are highly recommended by salons nationwide.

Seventh Generation Paper and Cleaning Products – It means paying a bit more, but Seventh Generation paper towel rolls save trees, landfill space and water. Seventh Generation laundry detergents are made with a nonpolluting vegetable base and no artificial or chemical additives to contaminate ground water sources. Seventh generation is available at most better grocery stores.

Local Farmers and Growers – When making choices about meat and vegetables, take advantage of the quality products grown and raised on small farms in your community. Look for farmers markets. Ask you butcher about meat sources. Not only will you support the independent food grower, you will help cut down on the pollution created by transporting food items from far away to your local grocery store.

Have fun exploring these options. It never hurts to look at alternatives to Wal-Mart and to support companies making important changes for the welfare of our planet.