I am so proud to announce that Paradigm Interior Design is now a member of the Good Future Design Alliance. I have joined a movement of design + build professionals to reduce our waste by 50% over the next 5 years.
The GFDA is founded on the belief that it’s time to start prioritizing genuine sustainable practices within the design + build space. This includes but is not limited to the fields of interior design, architecture, making, & building.
Choosing sustainable and eco-friendly has always been part of my values and I am excited to be stepping it up a notch right here in Colorado!!
Here are a few facts about why the Good Future Design Alliance is so important:
- There are 500 Million tons of Construction and Demolition debris generated annually in the US
- 2x the earth’s capacity is consumed annually by the US
- 12.2 Million tons of furniture and furnishings end up in landfills each year
- On average, interior spaces are remodeled every 3-5 years resulting in perfectly usable materials and furnishings ending up in the landfill from job sites
- 7 out of 10 pieces of furniture produced ends up in landfills
- We buy 2x more than Europeans and more than significantly larger population
- Members commit to reducing their firm’s landfill waste contribution by 50% by 2025.
- A toolkit of resources is provided to members to help reduce their contribution to the landfill system. This includes access to specially approved vendors lists, redistribution pathways, waste-friendly project checklists, client-education resources, exclusive access to GFDA educational & networking events, & more.
What can you do to Reduce Design Waste?
- Buy higher end furniture that can be repaired and re-upholstered when the fabric wears out.
- Use fabrics that are natural or have cradle to cradle certification so they break down when they do end up in the landfill.
- Repurpose old furniture. Think vintage! Find a funky old chair and upholster it with some fun fabric. This company is doing cool things and an inspiration to me. Also check out Chairish which sells used furniture consumer to consumer.
- Buy locally and from manufacturers that don’t use plastic and stryrofoam to ship products. Ask vendors so they know they this is a concern.
- If you are remodeling, ask the contractor what they do on site to reduce waste. There are some pretty simple things they can do such as adding dumpsters for recycling cardboard, clean wood and metal instead of sending everything to the landfill. Or better yet, hire a contractor that is familiar with The GFDA.
- Check out local sources for materials such as Resource.
If you’re interested in learning more, please reach out. We’ll also be giving additional tips on our social media so follow up there!
