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I’ve just returned from the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Chicago where Green was a major theme with this year’s exhibitors.

Green products on display this year included new Energy Star rated appliances, new low-VOC (volatile organic compound) finishes, and products containing recycled content. As varied as the products were the descriptions for them. Products were labeled Green, Sustainable, Eco-friendly, Green Friendly, Green Design, and Holistic Design.

This causes many people to question what, if any, is the difference between Green Design and Sustainable Design. While the terms often are interchanged there is a distinction between the two.

Green Design implies protecting people’s health and well-being (e.g. improved indoor air quality and the use of non-toxic cleaners) through the use of natural products, safer procedures, and the like.

Sustainable Design implies reducing the environmental impact (e.g., forest protection and alternative energy sources) from the manufacture and use of products. Many say it is meeting the needs of today without compromising the needs of future generations.

Just as there are many design choices for any particular situation, there are many shades of Green. When considering your own Sustainable Design start with any opportunity to re-design or re-furnish your home with environmentally friendly products and materials. Consider using energy-efficient products with the Energy-Star rating; using standard product sizes to reduce waste; using locally manufactured materials; considering the recyclability of a product to redirect its “next-life” away from the land-fill; using products that are from low-impact materials and using durable products that are longer lasting and better functioning so they don’t have to be replaced as often.

Whatever you decide to call it, it’s the principles and lasting impact behind the words that matter most.