In this episode of the podcast I had an amazing interview with Erica Reiner from E. Leigh Designs and we discussed the basics of eco interior design and how we can use materials and products in our home that are better for the environment and for our health.

I provide a basic outline of what we discussed below. For all of the juicy details click on the player above to listen to the full interview.

What is Eco Interior Design?

Eco interior design is similar to regular interior design dealing with the decorating, painting, and furnishing the interior of your home but focuses on using products, materials, and furniture that are more eco friendly. This means that they use less resources and are better for the health of the environment and human health within your home.

How Did Erica Get into Eco Interior Design?

Erica Reiner and her dog Hank

Early in her undergraduate studies, Erica learned about the concept of sustainability and how you can live more sustainably as a person, not just being sustainable as a business or institution.

This concept entered her mind and fused with her foundation of loving nature and animals and set her on a path to focus on sustainability in her life… starting off with her graduate studies in environmental science and then working in the environmental sector and teaching environmental science.

Having completed her undergraduate studies at the height of the economic recession, Erica became a bit bored with her job in the environmental sector. She conquered that boredom by obtaining an interior decorating certificate as the pursuit of a hobby.

After obtaining her certificate in interior design, Erica originally just thought of it as a hobby and not as something she could pursue as a career.

Years later, after seeing people around her starting their own businesses, Erica decided to make an attempt to build a business in interior design which marrys the concept of interior design with eco friendly living.

What Does Erica Focus on in Her Designs?

From her background in environmental studies Erica realized the toxins and resources that make up not only common household cleaners but also many other items around our homes. This combined with society having a very disposable mindset with their possessions has led Erica to focus on the resource and toxicity makeup of items used in interior design.

Are Embodied Resources and Toxicity Levels of Materials and Furnishings Connected?

No.

For example, a wood table may be composed of reclaimed barn board or railroad ties so it does not use any additional resources. It can however contain toxic glues and be finished with toxic finishes that may offgas into your home.

On the other hand, a seagrass carpet or organic undyed and unbleached cotton curtains come from very renewable resources and contain no toxins.

What About Certifications?

Certifications are being used (and more are becoming available) by product manufacturers and home designers and builders which not only focus on the efficiency of the home but also the air quality and resources used in a home.

One of the newer holistic standards is the Well Building Standard  which focuses on human health and well-being in buildings.

How do we Help Make Interior Furnishings and Materials more Eco-Friendly and Healthy without Braking the Bank?

Photo Courtesy of Erica Reiner

Consider our style and aesthetic that we want to use in our home and then factor in our budget.

Determine our design and what items we need to complete it.

Compile an organized list of what we need to obtain to complete our design.

When looking for the items you will purchase take the aesthetic, price and eco-friendliness of the items into consideration as we determine what we will act...