The Insider: How to go eco

Kate Burt
Sunday 08 May 2011 00:00 BST
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Whether it's dead space or tired but workable furniture, I hate waste. Maybe that makes me naturally green-minded. Whatever. Beyond the un-chic domain of composting and insulation, what are the eco style choices for the modern home?

Here's one we made earlier

Sticky-back plastic may not scream "green", but a Fablon revamp for old kitchen cabinets saves much waste. "It comes in some good colours," says textile designer Ruth Singer, who did hers glossy red. Banish air bubbles with a pin-prick and hairdryer. Buy at Amazon.

Take a tip

Eco-focused Oliver Heath offers a cool consultancy service: two hours of green-tinged tips on everything from lighting to layout for £180. Or buy his book, Urban Eco Chic (Quadrille, £20).

Why quarry?

My smart front-garden "gravel" bounces. How? It's Dunweedin rubber chippings, made from recycled airplane tyres. Around £9 per 10kg bag.

We're jammin'

After I lamented by tweet that etsy.com/people/BootsNGus's pretty recycled jam-jar chandelier was US delivery only, fritzfryer.co.uk said they'd do a version for £80ish.

Flash trash

Craftybitches.org hosts online "upcycling" workshops, to help you put your junk to good use.

What's poppin'?

Cork floors are super-sustainable, as well as watertight and durable – and this 1970s throwback is also bang in fashion. Try corkfloor.co.uk

You wood

Love B&Q's Eco Divine FSC wallpapers, printed on recycled paper (£12.98 per roll). B&Q also sells the chic Cooke & Lewis Capulet water-saving bathroom, for just over £1,000.

Your place or...

Inhabitat.com: for the eco-architecture and design of the future. Be inspired.

Find Kate's blog on affordable interiors at yourhomeislovely.com

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