FAQ

How do I get in touch with Greener Lives?

Just call Pamela Portwood at 520-548-6812 for a complementary phone consultation, or e-mail her at pamela@greenerlives.net for more information.

What is green or sustainable design?

Green design creates buildings and interior spaces that reduce people's impact on the environment while promoting their health and wellbeing. The terms “green design” and “sustainable design” are used almost interchangeably now. Sustainable design is based on the idea of creating designs that meet the needs of people today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Ideally, a green home will be energy efficient, conserve water, promote the health of its residents, use the environment's resources efficiently and contribute to the environment's wellbeing.

Why be sustainable?

Buildings account for almost half of the global output of greenhouse gases, so changing the way we build and design homes can impact our environment in a significant way. Also, by building green, we use higher quality and more durable materials, which reduces maintenance and replacement costs. By conserving energy and water, we reduce utility costs. By using healthier products, we protect the environment and our own health. We have only one planet, and preserving it is inextricably linked to our own health and wellbeing. Green design is an important part of that process.

What is indoor air quality (IAQ)?

Indoor air quality is one of the most important issues in green interior design. On average, Americans spend 90% of their lives indoors, yet the air inside buildings is typically 2-5 times more polluted than the air outside. Paint, carpeting, furniture, cleaning products and other materials release hazardous and, even carcinogenic, gases into our indoor air. Having an interior designer specify green products that don't off gas can make a difference in your health and the health of your children.

Will going green limit my design choices?

Definitely not. Even large manufacturers are now producing green products. In fact, many exciting new products have been developed recently to meet the demand for green design. (You can see some of them on our website.)

Isn't going green expensive?

Sometimes green products can be more expensive than standard products, but typically they are a good investment because they are durable and last longer. Although some energy- and water-saving appliances may cost more up front, they save money in the long term.

Also, using natural products that don't off gas volatile organic compounds or compromise your family's health in other ways is an invaluable investment.

Why should I hire a professional interior designer?

Professional interior designers bring much more than a flair for color and style to your design project. They bring the education, experience and knowledge to ensure that your interior space will fit your functional and lifestyle needs. Interior designers are trained in many important technical areas, including space planning, local fire and building codes, lighting, acoustics and universal design.

Green interior designers also have a specialized knowledge of a field and a product market that is continually changing. They understand how to make health and sustainability integral parts of your home without compromising your home's beauty and comfort.

Can I start on the interior design of my home if the construction isn't finished?

Yes! The sooner you start on your interior design, the better. Ideally, your interior designer will work with your architect during the design phase of your home. Interior designers are trained in building practices, plans and materials, so a green interior designer can be an important advocate for you in ensuring that your home is green from the ground up. Interior designers also can work from models in developments and from finished homes, of course.