The Nature Of All Things

9 EARTH-FRIENDLY INSPIRATIONS FOR OUTDOOR LIVING.

- Janice Brewster

Spending time outdoors is one of the best parts of cabin living. With more and more homeowners extending the comforts of home outside, it’s time to consider making green choices for outdoor spaces.

Use these suggestions as a jump start to think about the sustainability of products and finishes you choose. Are they durable, safe for the environment, made of recycled materials?

You’ll enjoy outdoor living even more when you know Mother Nature is happy, too.

1. RE-TIRED.

Recycled rubber is one of the raw materials used for these poufs that you can use indoors or out. Water- and mildew-resistant and highly durable, the poufs let you put up your feet in eco-friendly style. Each 17x18-inch pouf is woven by hand. VivaTerra, vivaterra.com, [phone]

2. MADE IN THE SHADE.

Linger longer outdoors on a deck that’s shaded this summer. Add a partial roof, pergola or Shade Sail to a portion of your deck, and you’ll feel cooler. The Shade Sail blocks UV rays while allowing heat and humidity to escape and lowers ambient air temperatures by as much as 20 degrees. The sails are anchored with marine-grade stainless steel hardware and won’t mold, mildew or fade. Plow and Hearth, plowandhearth.com, [phone]

3. GOT MILK?