Using reclaimed or found items to create a focal point in a room can really make your space stand out. I love image below (found on design sponge). The designer/owner created interest by incorporating multiple found mirrors all ranging in size and style.  All it took was a few thrift shop runs to create this look! Its easy,inexpensive and keeps these items out of the dumpster.

I just stumbled upon this breathable, non-PVC wallcoverings line from Angela Adams and MDC Wallcoverings.   

"Complete offering of contract wallcoverings combine signature designs influenced by nature produced using an eco-friendly formulation.  angela adams breathable non-pvc wallcoverings are ideal for corporate office, hospitality, healthcare, and retail.  All these materials come with a stain resistant finish to ensure their suitability for upscale commercial applications. 

• Environmentally responsible product.
• Breathable (Ratings exceed 100 perms )/ Non-PVC
• 100% Post consumer recyclable.
• Greenguard certified for low VOC emissions
• Meets/exceeds all Type II requirements (CCC-W-408-D)
• Offers a typical Tensile rating of 150 x 129 lbs. and a typical Tear rating of 73 x 62 (scale reading).
• Stain Resistant Top Coat  
• Meets or exceeds Gardner Scrubbability Test ASTM D 2486; 300 cycles using a cleaning solution with no damage to finish or print.
• Water based inks / no heavy metals.
• All products carry a Class A fire rating." 

Link here.

In the past few years we have seen some amazing developments in product life cycles. William McDonough and the Cradle to Cradle concept has opened both manufactures and consumers eyes to the use and end use of products. We have seen many companies adopt the Cradle to Cradle certification, however, there has been one glitch I have noticed over the years. A product may be able to be made into itself in a closed loop cycle, but how is the product at the end of its life cycle actually identified and reclaimed? 

During a recent quest to select a fabric for one of my projects, I came across  the new FRESH line from Valley Forge Fabrics. The fresh line is made of 100% recycled plastics and is processed into fibers. In addition, Valley Forge has nailed to concept of reclamation and has clearly outlined this process to allow both the designer and end user to use this program effectively. Both the fabric line and the finished product or furniture piece the fabric is places on is identified with the recycle symbol below. When the fabric or furniture piece is replaced Valley Forge will pick up their FRESH fabrics and deliver it to the closets fabric recycler who will then will turn the fabric into blankets, foam for pillows, plastics for car interiors, and other various plastics in the open market. Although the fabrics are not being upcycled (which they are working on), the fabric fibers are diverted from the landfill into another useful product.  Valley Forge FRESH fabrics are a great resource for ecotextiles.