The Early Show

Home Decor Goes 'Green'

By Tatiana Morales

May 20, 2005 / 9:03 AM EDT / CBS

Going "green" is hot right now.

It is not just about taking care of the environment; it's stylish for the home, and good for your health.

There are several home furnishings out there made from renewable resources, recycled products, or organic materials. Jeanie Pyun from Organic Style magazine visits The Saturday Early Show to talk about eco-friendly items perfect for your home.

The difference between organic and eco-friendly is that organic refers to agriculture or food that is grown without harmful pesticides or toxins. Eco-friendly is a term used to describe products or the making of products that have less of a harmful impact on the environment.

Eco-friendly products can be one of three things, Pyun explains in a pre-interview. They are made out of:

Something recycled, like plastic milk jugs that end up in furniture.
Something that grows quickly and can be replenished, like bamboo
Organic-like cotton that was raised without chemicals or pesticides.

There's a common misperception that "eco" products are more expensive across the board. But items like eco-friendly paper are very comparable in price. Also good news is that mainstream retailers, such as L.L.Bean, now carry these products.
The following are the products featured on The Saturday Early Show:

Eucalyptus Table And Chairs
A renewable resource, eucalyptus is a strong, fast-growing wood that has a high resistance to decay, like teak. It grows much faster than teak, however. On display is a table and chair set by Greenfeet, which makes a whole line of outdoor products to match.
Table Price: $150
Chair Price: $100
Availability: www.greenfeet.com

Bamboo Tableware: Bowls
These are made by Bambu Home, which was the first company to offer a full range of bamboo tableware. It makes all of its products from bamboo because it's such a renewable, fast-growing material. The lacquered bowls are made with coiled strips of bamboo, topped by a natural, food-safe lacquer that comes in lots of bright colors.
Bowls Price: $15
Availability: www.bambuhome.com

Bottle Glass Tumblers
These tumblers are made from the bottom half of tossed-out bottles. They are big enough to hold an ample serving of beverage.
Price: Set of 4 - $59
Availability: www.vivaterra.com or 1-800-233-6011

Recycled Denim Placemats
Those reliable, broken-in blue jean garments resurface as informal, durable, and easy-to-clean placemats. They are washed, scrubbed, and colorfully bordered in four different tones.

Price: set of 4 $49
Availability: www.vivaterra.com

Vivaterra Organic Cotton Napkins And Twig Napkin Rings
Hard-to-find 100 percent organic cotton sets these napkins apart from their conventional counterparts. They skip all the harmful pesticides and insecticides that are used in growing conventional cotton. Did you know it takes about a third of a pound of chemicals to grow enough cotton for one T-shirt? This is a much better alternative.

Napkin Price: Set of 4 for $30.
Twig Napkin rings Price: 4 for $24
Availability: www.vivaterra.com 1-800-233-6011
Ergo Natural Soy Candles

Soy candles are made from essential oils rather than paraffin, which is a non-renewable material. Natural candles like these typically last a lot longer than regular candles.
Price: $5 per candle
Availability: www.ergo-candles.com

L.L. Bean Recycled Plastic Side Table
L.L. Bean is just one of several big companies that are making more of an effort to "go green" and incorporate more eco-sensitive products. This is a weatherproof Adirondack-style table, built to last outdoors year-round. It is made from strong, heavy, high-density polyethylene (recycled plastic containers), and it will not rot, crack, splinter, absorb moisture or ever need painting. Heavy wind can't blow it over. Stainless steel hardware.
Price: $99
Availability: www.llbean.com

L.L. Bean All-Weather Rocker
This rugged rocker can be left outdoors year-round. Made entirely from recycled milk bottles, it will not rot, warp, crack, splinter or absorb moisture. It is maintenance free and so heavy the wind won't blow it over.
Price:$249
Availability: www.llbean.com

Starfish Oils All-Natural Mosquito Repellent Candles
These are key for summer barbecues, but can be used indoors, too. They are handpoured with all natural, 100 percent pure essential oils and a non-toxic blend to keep away mosquitos and insects, while smelling wonderful. It does not use toxic chemicals such as DEET (which some researchers say may lead to memory loss, muscle and joint pain, shortness of breath, and even brain damage if there's too much exposure).
Price: $8 each
Availability: www.starfishoils.com

Recycled Glass Tumblers
Artisan glassmakers transform bottles headed for landfill into glassware that feels just right in the hand. The tops of bottles become goblets, while the bottoms become tumblers. In addition to reducing waste, they make a persuasive argument for combining responsible lifestyle choices with a demanding eye for style.
Price: Set of 4 $39
Availability: www.vivaterra.com

Wine Barrel Stave Chair
These garden chairs are made from recycled oak wine barrel staves and even fold flat for easy storage.
Price:$150
Availability: www.vivaterra.com

Fire & Light Recycled Glass Wine Goblets
These goblets from Fire and Light are made from hand-poured recycled glass. And they're dishwasher safe.
Price: $28
Availability: www.fireandlight.com and 1-800-844-2223

Organic Wine
These bottles are from Bonterra and are made from organically grown grapes. Some think organic wines give you less of a headache the next day.
Price: Range from $12-24

Cardboard Speakers
They are perfect for outdoor entertaining. Muji makes these from recycled cardboard and can be found at the MOMA store in New York . You can also get them online.
Price: Set of 2 $42
Availability: www.momastore.org