The built environment is responsible for a staggering 40% of humanity’s carbon emissions. It’s our never-ending collection of things, our waste, our home renovations, the warming of our water and air, the lighting of our rooms, our Pinterest-inspired interiors, all in addition to the incredible carbon cost of new construction and renovation.

 

When I first heard this, I felt totally defeated. This was an industry that I loved to my core — inspiring spaces help us build families, create communities, celebrate each other, encourage curiosity and coziness and all of the incredible innovation and connection that defines our humanity. I couldn’t stomach the fact that my industry was damaging the earth beyond what I could possibly compensate for in my lifetime. I felt the weight of every new piece of decor and furniture I bought.  Those tiles in the bathroom, certainly manufactured on the other side of the planet, the old bathroom vanity that we just …. threw into a landfill. But my own impact was dwarfed next to the impact of the real estate industry as a whole, and the magnitude of that realization felt overpowering.

 

For a long while, I existed with that discomfort, but then... very slowly, my optimistic nature began to take hold and I started to believe a different reality might be possible. I started to believe that there was a way — there MUST be a way — for families to live in inspiring, cozy homes, with a curated collection of meaningful things, with that kitchen remodel their desperately needed, and still live sustainably.

 

So my education began. And continues. And what I’ve learned so far is this: as we create inspiring homes, we can do it in a way that prioritizes the planet. We can use materials that are safer for us and that come from resources the earth can replenish over time. We can participate in a cultural shift toward re-using things that already exist, giving old decor new life or choosing to remodel an existing home instead of demolish it. We can create demand for non-toxic building materials, and use building techniques that address both our needs and the planet’s needs simultaneously. And most importantly, I believe that our homes and buildings can somehow become part of the re-wilding our planet so desperately needs.  

 

And as I dig deeply into all of this, I'm inspired instead of discouraged. I feel relieved, excited and energized. There are solutions, and not just new high-tech solutions, but solutions that have been in the works for decades, and some that are truly ancient, only needing to be recovered. Humans are figuring this out. The information is scattered, and sometimes difficult to find, but nevertheless, we have a way to live well, more healthily and with love for the planet we all want to preserve.

 

So begins our new mission. We're committed to providing you with as many resources, as much knowledge and as many connections with sustainability-minded professionals as we possibly can. Through our social media platforms, and as part of our consultation process, we'll share with you everything we know about creating a home that keeps you and yours safe, cozy and healthy and which contributes to a healthier planet.

 

With joy and hope for a greener future,