Apartment Therapy Re-Nest | Reader Tip: On "Building Affection for the Substance of Life"

Reader Tip: On "Building Affection for the Substance of Life"

In a short, eloquent article aptly titled "A Deeper Shade of Green", furniture designer John Houshmand calls for introspection with what could easily become our mantra: "Believe nothing, think for yourself, and ruthlessly question everything." We're inspired by his ideas and tone, gently reminding us that we don't need an eco-vacation to Bali to connect with the earth, because the same connection can be made in much more simple ways. And he suggests several good questions for when we are contemplating whether something deserves to be called green:

• Is it necessary? (Does it aid in our lives?)
• What are its component materials, and what is their production’s impact to the environment? (Sure it is a natural material, but is it assembled by quasi-slave labor?)
• How long will it last?

Simple? Yes. But as you go about making a green home for yourself in a no-so-green world, it's important to remember the basics. As for Houshmand's furniture (shown above): we're also smitten. We'd like to know which questions resonate with you, so, please, comment away. Thanks to AT:Green Home reader Vanessa for the tip.

Comments (5)

Ah, but that first question -- "is it necessary?" -- is deceptive in its simplicity.

What's truly necessary beyond basic shelter and safety? I can make a case for why I want a great many things, and my wants are certainly fewer than those of your basic McMansion dweller, but that's a long way from needing those things.

There are days when my home amuses me and supports my lifestyle, and there are days when I can really see the appeal of going for stark minimalism in 200 sq ft. "Necessary" is a tough call.

posted by wende in the twin cities on August 3rd 2007 at 11:56am
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"Is it necessary?" I think that this should be on my walls to remind me daily, hour by hour....

posted by Mason on August 4th 2007 at 4:36am
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John's SPECTACULAR furniture is available to the trade here in New York at DESIGNLUSH in the NYDC. He is also a SERIOUSLY nice guy.

posted by patrick (the other one) on August 14th 2007 at 12:55pm
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John's questions beyond "is it necessary?" are horrible. People consistently demonstrate that reasoning about environmental issues is hard. Folk impact assessments usually come up with the exact opposite of the correct costs.

Some examples off the top of my head: dishwashers are more efficient than handwashing, disposable cups have a lower impact than ceramic, horses are cleaner than cars, etc.

posted by vagary on August 14th 2007 at 5:38pm
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Why are those questions "horrible"?

posted by patrick (the other one) on August 16th 2007 at 7:37am
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