"Green" is the au-courant word in the media and design industry. Almost every shelter magazine, home-renovation television show and lifestyle newspaper section headline currently contains the word "green." But what does it all mean? Is it the next color trend? No, silly, it's about an attitude, or rather, a responsible design approach.

Many prospective clients cringe at the suggestion that their projects can be "green" for varying reasons. Some clients are afraid that their projects will turn out looking like some "hippie" communal home from the 1960s or '70s in California or Vermont. Others think going "green" will cost them a lot of green. Neither of these ideas, however, is necessarily true.

Although time-consuming, making correct choices is what this design is all about. The largest part of your investment will be time spent researching resources that are available to you. With the multitude of "green" label products in the market, you should become aware that a label is not enough to warrant something environmentally safe. As a consumer, you should be informed and should not hesitate to ask your designer or manufacturer relevant questions about the origins, process and resources involved in the production of an item. The rewards will come from generating a design that is stylish, earth-friendly and healthy for your home.

Keeping an open mind is essential when embarking on an eco-friendly design. Although most people want a fresh look, not every furnishing in your project needs to be new. Consider that some items you choose to incorporate into your design may already be around your home. This also means you don't have to throw out everything that is not "green." On the contrary, if these are items you already own, it is encouraged that you re-use them to reduce their impact on the environment. Ask your designer to help you inventory things that might be re-used in your project.

When purchasing new furnishings for your home, be skeptical of very inexpensive furniture out in the market. Yes, it might be eye-catching for the price, but at what price to the environment? To keep prices low, most inexpensive furniture is made abroad, which involves a lot of fuel to bring the items to your local shop. These types of furnishings are also likely fabricated from materials that are not sensitive to the environment. In some cases, they are even toxic waste.

Whether designing new interiors or redesigning your existing interiors, here are a few tips:

— No- or low-VOC paints are now available from most paint suppliers.

— Use efficient lighting sources such as compact fluorescent bulbs or LED lighting.

— Shop for locally manufactured goods.

— Reclaim used vintage or antique furniture.

— Use natural fabrics such as linen, organically grown cottons, silks and wools. Use recycled and recyclable fabrics, including some polyesters and synthetic materials.

— Incorporate plants as part of your decor.

— Opening your windows for even only 10 minutes will keep your interiors fresh.

— If purchasing new furniture, make sure the woods used are all certified by third-party agencies, and that biodegradable materials are used where needed.

Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Florida. To find out more about Joseph Pubillones, or to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: at Unsplash