ECO-FURNISHING LINE LAUNCHED IN SAN DIEGO

By Miriam Raftery

May 3, 2009 (San Diego)—Now your home can be beautiful—and green! San Diego designer Laura Birns, ASID, LEED AP, has launched LauraBirdsDesignEco-Furnishings. Named among the “Top 10 Green Gurus” by Innovative Home Magazine, the nationally published designer is a Certified Green Build Professional, USGBC,and Sustainable Furnishings Council member. Now she has created home and commercial furnishings that use only certified renewable and sustainable green resources.

Blending form and function, the sophisticated new furnishing products use only low/no VOC (volatile organic compound) adhesives and glues in construction, preserving interior air quality. Birns’ company also offers a selection of Green Guard certified textiles, as well as organic and natural fabrics from suppliers that not only have eco-friendly fabrics, but also utilize sustainable practices in their businesses.

Cushions are made from renewable, soy-based foam with 20% soybean oil, reducing the amount of petroleum-based products, and are wrapped in 100% recycled fibers.

Options for countertops include wood, veneers, lightweight concrete, engineered stone, metal with post-consumer content, and glass.

“Our office is committed towards reducing our carbon footprint by minimizing paper use, reduce energy through day lighting strategies, water use reduction, recycling and wind powered web hosting,” said Birns. “We are committed to educating the public and promote design that assists in the quality of life for all. Working with and researching materials that qualify as “green” is a challenge worth our time and energy …after all, human energy is a renewable resource.”

Even shipping of products ordered off the company’s website is dong in an eco-conscious manner. Many items are blanket-wrapped and the freight company is encouraged to recycle crates. Custom sizes and finishes are available.

All furniture information, including schematics, descriptions, finishes, are available on the company website: www.LauraBirnsDesign.com.