AL: The hardwood floors are from Tennessee. We were able to find what we wanted; it’s just that a little more thought went into it. It’s not, “Oh, that’s pretty. I want that.” It’s, “Oh, that’s pretty. I want that, but is there a green way to do it?” Chris masterminded the renovation while Anne planned the interiors. What was important to you from an interior décor standpoint? AL: Achieving the aesthetics we had in mind in a responsible way. Buying items made in the USA was important. I liked the look of marble, but for the master bath, we used a porcelain tile that mimics marble, and it’s made in the U.S. I really thought about the things we used and I tried to be conscientious about where they came from. If I bought upholstered pieces, I made sure I bought something made in America, including items from Lee Industries, a North Carolina-based company that specializes in earth-friendly upholstery. What would you say to people who think creating a green design plan for their home is too difficult? CL: In general, to set your goal and it can definitely be done. You don’t have to go off the deep end to make significant changes. Sometimes it’s just changing the ductwork or purchasing a new thermostat. Select items that have high-recycled content. Choose native, drought-tolerant plants. Use hard surfaces that are easy to clean and don’t hold dust. Find things in your area. Try to limit your waste. There are a lot of things that define green. You can go through the LEED guidelines and determine what resonates with you.
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