Get a ‘green’ house

As the threats of global warming and outgrowing our finite and endangered planetary resources loom, our society's consumerism has taken a turn towards redemption.

"Organic", "natural", "ecofriendly" and "sustainable" are fast becoming commercial buzz words as our probed consciences search for appeasement. Living "green" is the future and as manufacturers of fashion and lifestyle products embrace this ethos, there will soon be no excuse for alternatives.

If you associate "eco" products with redundant watery detergents and scratchy natural fibres, think again. Here we explore just a few of the luxuries that are available from the UAE's front runners in this clean-living race.

— Beatrice Boardman is a UAE-based fashion and interiors consultant

Detergents

Laundress, New York offers 100 per cent biodegradable detergents, fabric-care products and accessories for the home. This laundry set is produced using plant-based ingredients, containing essential oil blends that handle your garments with an extra-sensitive touch. Available at Bloomingdale's Home for Dh400.

The Laundress household detergents range is sophisticated, beautifully scented and kind to the environment. Prices start from Dh30. Available at Bloomingdale's Home.

Guilt-free pampering

Neom offers bath and body luxury with a clean conscience. Their extensive range includes a powerful repertoire of luxury organic bath and body products that all work as treatments to make you feel relaxed, energised or even just a whole lot happier — depending on the treatment you select for your mood. Available at Bloomingdale's Home. Prices start at Dh95.

For the bedroom

Calvin Klein's collection of organic cotton bed linen is made with naturally grown organic cotton fibres which are stronger and free from impurities such as pesticide residues, chemicals and bleaches that are harsh on the environment. The added bonus is that it's soft on your skin and is proven to absorb body moisture, thereby preventing diseases. This Pelham Range bed set is available at Bloomingdale's Home for Dh4,975.

VLO wood certification means "Verification of Legal Origin" and this "Good Wood" Dutch cabinet has been made out of VLO wood that is certified to have come from managed forests or plantations and not from illegal logging. Help save the world's precious rainforests by investing in VLO/Good Wood products for your home. Available at THE One for Dh4,495.

Do you suffer from dust, feather or other allergies when it comes to bedding? Treat yourself to one of Brinkhaus' anti-allergen duvets for a sound night's sleep. The king-size duvet is available at Bloomingdale's Home for Dh2,050.

The Ando Chest exudes rustic recycled charm. Made from reclaimed solid elm wood previously used in building construction, the markings from years of natural weathering and use add to the authenticity of this piece with its recycled iron details. Available at THE One for Dh3,495.

Perigot's philosophy is focused on longevity and sustainability. They create products that are made to last, in terms of their inherent quality and their aesthetics. These tie organisers are made from cedar and bamboo. Cedar has a wonderful, fresh aroma, prevents invasion of moths into your closet and is also a natural insect repellent, making it a multifunctional product. Available at Bloomingdale's Home. Prices range from Dh30 for trouser hangers to Dh175 for the tie hangers made from cedarwood.

For the living room

Sink into this luxurious sectional sofa with an impressive ecostory: the frame is made from select hardwoods or engineered hardwoods from certified sustainable forests; the main cushions are made from premium quality soy-based foam which replaces 30 per cent of petroleum-based ingredients; the back cushions and throw pillows are made of 100 per cent recycled fibre; the padding also uses recycled fibre and soy-based foam; and even the springs are made with 80 per cent recycled components. Dimensions: L259xH91xD109cm. Available at Irony Home for Dh20,950. Irony Home says all the materials used in their sofas and chairs are ecofriendly.

Wrap yourself in the comfort of natural fibres, warps and wefts, linens, Egyptian cottons and an ecofriendly range of fabrics from Sferra. Available at Bloomingdale's Home. Prices start from Dh275.

For the kitchen

It's not just metals and wood that can be recycled into attractive home items — recycled glassware never looked so good. This Lilian recycled glass jug in alluring azure will make your summer beverages look cool and refreshing. Available at THE One for Dh49.

This copper-coloured, ethnic-style Loha Tray is part of the rescued-iron range available at THE One for Dh99.