What could be more green than applying plant fibers to your wall? If you're looking for an unconventional and eco-friendly wallcovering, grasscloth might just be the way to go.
Now, before we scare you off (you're thinking of the straw on the walls episode of "Trading Spaces," aren't you?), take a deep breath. Sure, it's made of dried, woven plant fibers that are applied to a backing.
But like other natural fibers, the appearance of grasscloth can be drastically changed depending on how it's treated. Lighter hues are achieved by bleaching the fibers in the sun, and some designers opt to dye the fibers to create a vivid range of hues.
Bamboo has long been praised for its speedy growth time, ability to thrive without pesticides and its long-lasting, sustainable nature. From flooring to fabric, bamboo has become a go-to eco-friendly material whose versatile nature makes it ideal for a variety of projects.
We recently read about another inspiring application of bamboo--used as trim, paneling or wainscoting. Depending on how bamboo is treated, it can range in color from a light golden hue to a deep brown. This versatility allows bamboo to be used with a variety of color schemes while infusing a rich warmth into any room.
Installing bamboo trim or wainscoting is fairly straightforward, as long as you can find flat-grain bamboo plywood. Try www.plyboo.com if you can't find the material in your area.
We're always on the lookout for new products. Or old products done better. Or anything, really, that gets the mind spinning with DIY possibilities. The Liteblok from Cresco Concrete is one of those products that offers environmentally friendly building that's fast, easy and affordable. We know what you're thinking... so what's the catch?
We're looking. Closely.
What is Liteblok?
These large building bricks are made from concrete that has been specially treated with non-toxic foam to create millions of tiny air bubbles. No, it's not a huge marshmallow. And we don't recommend tasting it or trying to roast it over a fire (because they're also fire-resistant, which is just another plus for this product).
We were looking forward to checking out the AirRenew Gypsum Board from CertainTeed at Greenbuild this year and had an opportunity to speak with Ashwin Himat of CertainTeed about the board.
Here's what he had to say about the AirRenew Gypsum board which will capture VOC's and indoor formaldehydes and other aldehydes and convert them into inert compounds that remain within the board. A built-in air cleaner with your home.
