Going green is not new, but many still think it boils down to simply turning off a few lights and recycling. In reality there is so much more we can do. And green living most certainly doesn’t mean having to kiss your sense of style goodbye.
Head to Decorex from today to Monday at the Cape Town International Convention Centre to stock up on ideas for how to keep up with all the latest design trends and still reduce your carbon footprint. This year’s theme is Beauty and the Basics. In addition to stalls marketing a wide range of eco-friendly products, visitors will be able to explore the latest in global design trends.
One of the most important things in going green is to not be afraid to ask questions, says Angela Chandler of Inside Living. Its 120m2 stand will resemble a life-sized storyboard where visitors will be guided through the process of designing a new kitchen and bathroom – from brief to implementation. Experts will be on hand to tell you what you should look out for and what questions you should ask when remodelling or upgrading.
“We need to become more aware of buying products that are efficient in their use of our natural resources,” says Chandler. “We’re basically trying to educate the public. Just because your tap is made out of rice paper doesn’t make it green. It’s the process behind the tap you need to find out about. There are questions you need to ask of your product suppliers. Is the wood from a sustainable forest? Is the high-gloss paint environmentally friendly? How do I clean and maintain it?”
The All Things Green House exhibit will include plans, partially built and finished kitchens and bathrooms complete with working green appliances. Another ground-breaking concept on show is the Aquapod.
“It’s a preassembled bathroom. The tiles are all up and the toilet flushes, you just wheel it in and plug it in, leaving you with a working bathroom,” says Chandler. The bathroom, which is assembled off-site, essentially saves up to 20 percent of the cost of the build and the company can deliver up to 10 a day.
Such technological developments aside, you do not need a huge budget or a complete overhaul to start living a greener life.
“You’ve just got to start doing what you can, whether it be recycling, limiting the water you use or replacing your toilet with a double cistern that allows for two kinds of flushes,” she says.
When building a new house it’s easier to implement green ideas from the ground up but it can be more tricky when retro-fitting. Chandler encourages people to ask more questions and make informed decisions.
“Lots of people doing lots of small things will make a huge impact. And you don’t need to compromise on your design.”
Another growing trend is upcycling, which sees old, unwanted items being transformed into new products or artworks.
Katie Thompson of ReCreate will explore the romantic pastels and nudes on Plascon’s new colour palette. She does her bit for the environment by making her décor pieces using things other people throw away, like creating lamps from teacups or cooldrink bottles and chairs from old milk tins.
Neil Stemmet of Bos Tea House also combines the old with the new by using old rustic furniture on his stand. His emphasis is on recycling, reusing and reinventing as his old pieces complement sleek Italian design. In addition to enjoying his design flair, experience his creative Bos ice tea and food pairings. On the menu are roasted prawns on mosbrood toast with lumpfish crème fraiche paired with peach tea, and Cape Malay bobotie and lemon salsa on jasmine rice with lemon tea.
There will be a variety of food stalls to make sure you keep your energy up over the weekend. Sip pink bubbly and nibble French-style patisseries at Young Cherry’s Designing stall with Jose’s Craft Steel Interiors and Stucco Italiano.
Robert Thomson’s Villiera Wines Cap Classique Ba will depict a Miami-style outdoor lounge.
If you’re a do-it-yourself junkie then don’t miss the DStv Theatre of Ideas.
There will be a full programme of make-it-yourself and cooking demonstrations. From paint techniques to picture framing and flower arranging, the experts will leave you itching to spruce up your home.
l Entry is R60, or R50 for pensioners and pupils. For more information, see www.decorex.co.za