It’s 2011 – and there are still far too many people who say they want to use sustainable and healthy products in their home but who don’t fully understand what constitutes a sustainable home environment.

Unknowingly, we sometimes buy home design products without much thought to the product’s provenance or even more importantly – the product’s life-cycle. Carpets, granite, paint, even the light bulbs you use are all known to be somewhat less than ‘green,’ depending on the types you use. As for carpet: currently, the US discards approximately 4.7 billion pounds of carpet annually. That is an awful lot of landfill refuse. And we’re not even talking about the VOCs (volatile organic compounds) released in the air from carpets as well as their propensity to provide ample breeding ground for various and sundry allergens. There are many carpets that are made from all natural wools, vegetable-dyed – and if you or your family are not allergic to wool, then these can be a good (and beautiful choice).

If there are allergies to contend with – right under our very sensitive noses is a tried and true product that is inherently ‘sustainable.’ A product that lasts for years and years and is easily cleaned with plain tap water. We are of course, speaking of tile; porcelain, ceramic and even recycled glass tiles.

Heck, tiles are so versatile (pun intended) that there are some tiles that even look like wood – without the maintenance issues (polishing, splintering), and there are some that even look like wainscoting – now that is creative!

Painted wood-like tile

Raised wall panel tile

More than just their inherent beauty, there are some other things to note about why tile is a healthy and sustainable choice:

No VOCs – Neither Ceramic nor porcelain tiles contain VOCs that release gas prior to, during or after installation.

LEED certification – For builders, architects and designers interested in obtaining LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for their projects, using tiles should be a natural fit. Products that meet stringent VOC restrictions contribute to LEED credits for a project.

Air quality – because ceramic tile is not an original nor secondary source of air pollution, and because it does not absorb odors — you needn’t worry about indoor air quality.

Mold inhibitors/prohibitors – Porcelain tiles are less likely to absorb moisture and they are resistant to staining, abrasion and cracking in cold weather. Because tile is chemically inert and inhibits the growth of mold, mildew, fungus & other viruses, it is ideal for use even in environments that need to be sterile.

Sustainability – the lifespan of tile products should make it a slam dunk when thinking of sustainable design. Tile’s longevity is reported to be up to four times longer than other materials. Tiles can literally last for generations.

Glazed porcelain bathroom tile

Have we convinced you to take a second look at tiles for any design project? If we haven’t – we hope the drop-dead gorgeous tiles that we’ve shown you here might help us make our case.

All tiles shown available through Hastings Tile & Bath

Penguin
Smartly dressed and debonair, the Penguin Collection brings joy and style to any space. This lever faucet provides a streamlined silhouette, upright form and horizontal spout – similar to that of a penguin.

Penguin faucet by fluid

Sublime
Inspired by the natural arc of a rainbow – one of the most beautiful wonders of nature – Sublime reaches the highest levels of form and functionality. With a gently curved spout pointing toward the sky, Sublime is the ideal fixture for vessel sinks and architectural basins of various heights and shapes.

Sublime faucet by fluid

Toucan
The Toucan line is versatile and features all the elements of effective design. The faucet’s spout is shaped exactly like the keel-billed toucan itself, allowing it to prominently extend over the sink.

Toucan faucet by fluid

All fluid faucets are WaterSense labeled and not only take inspiration from the environment, but also help to improve it.

fluid^® – www.fluidfaucets.com
Imaginatively designed and crafted by artisans, the fluid Fan takes inspiration from an accessory once representing social status in ancient Asia. With graceful lines and smooth motion both the Fan faucet and tub filler emit a waterfall flow for the true spa effect with water-saving technology. The meticulous curves, unique angles, and mirror-like polished surfaces are unmatched, and the eco-friendly collection can be equipped with a low-flow aerator for an industry-breaking 1.5 gallons-per-minute, a rate that has awarded it WaterSense certification.

fluid Fan

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Caroma^® – www.caromausa.com
Innovation is at its finest with Caroma’s dual flush Profile Smart high efficiency toilet (HET) featuring a sink and toilet cleverly merged into one savvy unit. Smart and functional, after flushing, fresh cold water is directed through the faucet for hand washing, and drains into the tank to be used for the next flush. The unit features industry breaking 1.28/0.8 gpf (full flush/half flush), and SmartFlush water saving technology. Eco and space friendly, the cutting-edge design is the ultimate green toilet choice.

Caroma Profile Smart

Caroma Profile Smart Hand Basin

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JACLO^® - www.jaclo.com
With JACLO’s exclusive line of low-flow showerheads and handshowers, “going green” doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. Saving water and energy without compromising performance, their low-flow showerheads feature an innovative low-flow regulator that has been engineered to operate effectively with less water consumption – while keeping the pressure and flow of the water feeling strong, as opposed to a restrictor, which significantly limits water flow and delivers an unsatisfying shower experience. The technology lowers the average rate of gallons-per-minute from 2.5 down to an impressive 1.75 — pretty good considering that the average household uses over 22,000 gallons of water per year in showers. JACLO’s low-flow technology is available in over 30 showerhead and handshower models and the regulator works with all available shower sprays and strengths – full rain, massage, full rain massage, Nebulizing mist^®, and Nebulizing mist full rain.

JACLO's Shower Spray

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Studio Italia Design - www.sid-usa.com
Requiring energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL) the Tris is one of the most stylish and eco-friendly fixtures by Studio Italia Design. Featuring a chrome frame in assorted colors and white glass, the fixture is a must-have for an eco-conscious environment. Seventy-five percent more efficient than incandescents, according to Energy Star, if every American home replaced just one incandescent bulb with a standard CFL, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, saving more than $600 million in annual energy costs.

Studio Italia Design

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Stone Forest^® – www.stoneforest.com
Eco-friendly elegance has never looked better. Bamboo, a wood substitute that regenerates without replanting and requires minimal fertilization is fashioned as a sleek minimalist lavatory sink in Stone Forest’s Moso Bamboo sink. Elevating “green” living to its full potential, the Moso Bamboo sink is durable, water-resistant and stunning. The only finish Stone Forest uses when crafting the sink is a wood sealer and coat of wax. No harsh toxins, which are usually emitted from finishes and varnishes, are released into the environment.

Moso Bamboo Vessel