Laura Birns to offer eco-friendly furnishings

Will produce line in California

Heath Combs -- Furniture Today, June 12, 2009

DEL MAR, Calif. — Interior designer Laura Birns plans to launch an eco-friendly home furnishings line in October using only certified renewable and sustainable green resources.

The LauraBirnsDesignEco-Furnishings products will include seating, tables and storage items. Products will be manufactured in Chula Vista, Calif., by workers paid a living wage, Birns said in a release.

She said the items will use limited VOC (volatile organic compounds), adhesives and glues to preserve air quality. The line also will use Green Guard Certified textiles and organic natural fabrics from suppliers who utilize sustainable practices.

Cushioning will be made with foam made with 20% soybean oil, reducing the amount of petroleum-based products, and will be wrapped in 100% recycled fibers.

Counter-top options will include Forest Stewardship Council certified woods, veneers, lightweight concrete, engineered stone, metal with post-consumer content, and glass.

Cabinetry will be coated with water-borne urethane, and materials used will include FSC-certified bamboo.

Birns, who opened her interior design firm in 1985, is an accredited professional with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and was awarded the American Society of Interior Design's 2009 Excellence in Design award for Sustainable Residential Remodel. Her firm is online at www.laurabirnsdesign.com.