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Use Eco-friendly, Sustainable Design to Improve your Life

4.5 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Based on 815 ratings
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Erikka Fogleman

Do you want to save money on your utilities and improve your indoor air quality?

Are you interested in making changes to your home to make it more eco-friendly and sustainable?

Are you a design professional who wants to learn how to incorporate this hot design movement into your own business?

Read more

Do you want to save money on your utilities and improve your indoor air quality?

Are you interested in making changes to your home to make it more eco-friendly and sustainable?

Are you a design professional who wants to learn how to incorporate this hot design movement into your own business?

If you answered with a resounding "yes. " to any of these questions, then this will be a great course for you.   Eco-friendly, sustainable design is a rapidly evolving area of interior design with so many choices available today.  For the average consumer, it can be incredibly overwhelming.  My goal with this course, is to break it all down for you so that you can create your own eco-friendly dream home at your own pace.  

By the end of this class, you will be able to:

  • Use 3 Easy Ways to Incorporate Green Interior Design into Your Home Today

  • Understand why Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Design is More Important than Ever

  • Explain the Difference Between the Terms, "Eco-Friendly" and "Sustainable"

  • Articulate the Main Principles of Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Interior Design   

  • Implement Affordable and Higher End Upgrades to improve Your Energy Efficiency

  • Implement Easy Ways to improve Your Water Efficiency

  • Maximize your Natural and Artificial Lighting in an Eco-Friendly Way

  • Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

  • Understand the Green Finishes and Furnishings Available for Your Home and Where to Source Them

  • If You're a Professional, You Will Learn About Green Professional Certifications and Green Trade-Only Vendors

In this course, you will have an opportunity to apply the information in a very practical way through two exercises:  By creating a list of current and future upgrades that you can make to your home, and by creating your own eco-friendly, sustainable interior design plan.  I've also included a bonus lecture that will show you other easy ways to "green" your home and your life.

This is a great course for all levels of individuals who are interested in learning more about green interior design, and more importantly, how they can easily incorporate these principles into their own homes.  It’s also an ideal course for design professionals who want to learn how to incorporate green design into their own business.

Please join me as I help you to navigate the rapidly evolving world of eco-friendly, sustainable interior design.

  I would start with "How to Design a Room in 10 Easy Steps" because most of my other courses are in-depth classes of the concepts touched on in this 10 step class.  Following the 10 Step Course, I suggest moving on to "How to Use Color Like a Pro", followed by "How to Work with Interior Design Styles Like a Pro", then "How to Use Lighting Design to Transform your Home", and finally "Design is in the Details". 

  • My other five courses, "How to Use Minimalist Interior Design to Live your Best Life",  "Use Eco-friendly, Sustainable Design to Improve Your Life", "How to Design Your Dream Kitchen", "How to Design Your Dream Bathroom", and "Everything Small Home Design" are all stand alone classes on specialty topics within interior design, and therefore, can be taken in any order.

  • Please be aware that this course, or any of my courses, is not intended to provide all of the knowledge needed to become a professional interior designer.  As with any professional field, there is a significant amount of education and/or experience that is needed to achieve competency in this field.  My intention with these courses is to provide some solid foundational knowledge to assist either those individuals interested in "DIY" interior design to work on their own projects more effectively, or to provide supplemental education to both interior design students and professionals.

    • Enroll now

    What's inside

    Learning objectives

    • Learn how to save money in the areas of energy, water, and lighting for your home
    • Improve your indoor air quality by choosing green finishes and furnishings for your home
    • Be able to explain the difference between eco-friendly and sustainable interior design
    • Understand and apply the main principles of green interior design to your own home
    • Be able to make green selections for all the finishes of your home (e.g., floors, walls, kitchen)
    • Be able to make green selections for all types of furnishings in your home (e.g., furniture, textiles, accessories)
    • Learn where to source green finishes and furnishings for your home
    • Create your own residential eco-friendly interior design plan
    • For design professionals, learn about green certifications/accreditations available to you

    Syllabus

    Welcome and Introduction
    Introduction and Course Overview: Let's Get Started on Your Eco-Friendly Home
    Frequently Asked Questions

    In this lecture, you will learn 3 easy ways that you can incorporate eco-friendly, sustainable design into your home today!

    Read more

    In this lecture, I will cover the main areas given to support green design, and why we should all make an effort to green our homes as much as possible.

    Confused about the labels eco-friendly and sustainable?  Don't worry, you are not alone.  In this lecture, I'll explain the differences to you in an easy to understand way.

    Have you ever wondered what defines eco-friendly, sustainable design?  Great!  In this lecture, I will break down the main principles that define this movement.

    Learn about easy-to-implement and affordable upgrades that you can make to your home in the area of energy/power.  

    Learn about more expensive upgrades that you can make to your home in the area of energy/power that provide a good return on investment.

    Learn about the upgrades that you can make to your home in the area of water conservation. 

    In this lecture, you will learn how you can most the most of natural light in your home through various types of window coverings.  We will also touch on the incredible movement of biophilic design.

    Learn how to maximize the artificial light in your home through smart lighting systems, paint colors, and energy efficient light bulbs.

    In this written lecture, you will have an opportunity to create your own customized plan for green upgrades in your own home and on your own time frame.

    Have you wondered what affects your indoor air quality?  The wait is over!  In this lecture, I will cover the main culprits that negatively affect our indoor air quality.

    Learn about the most eco-friendly, sustainable flooring options for your home.

    Learn about the most eco-friendly, sustainable wall treatment options for your home.

    In this lecture, you will learn about how to identify green options for your kitchen and bathrooms, including cabinetry, countertops, and backplash materials.

    In this lecture, learn what green options you have for your fireplace.

    In this lecture, we will discuss what makes furniture "green" with a more in-depth discussion on leather.

    In this lecture, learn what makes a textile eco-friendly and sustainable, including rugs, window coverings, and bedding.

    In this lecture, I will share with you my favorite places for sourcing green accessories.  We will also have an in-depth discussion on candles, which is an often hidden, toxic product in our homes.

    In this written lecture, I will share with you some of my favorite vendors that sell green products, both in the area of finishes and furnishings.

    In this short lecture, I will touch on the growing trend of social responsibility among companies, and how to identify whether or not your favorite vendors have their own social responsibility practices.

    This is a fun lecture that describes the differences between upcycling, repurposing, and recycling, all popular and growing home design trends.

    Learn why buying used and buying local is likely the most green option in interior design.

    In the main activity of this course, you will have an opportunity to create your own eco-friendly, sustainable dream home!  The sky is the limit!  No budget, only your imagination, and an opportunity to source the most stylish, green finishes and furnishings that you can.  You can also use this completed plan as a reference sheet for actual future green upgrades in your own home.

    I will also provide you with an example that I created to help get you started (if needed), and I also include a link to my Pinterest page that contains examples of real eco-friendly, sustainable products that I used in my own plan.  

    In this lecture created for professional interior designers, learn all about LEED and other green accreditations and certifications available to professionals today, and why you may want to consider investing the time and money in obtaining one. 

    In this brief lecture, I want to share my thoughts with my fellow design professionals as to why we should all consider incorporating green design into our businesses.

    This written lecture will provide you with some solid trade sources that carry eco-friendly, sustainable furnishings.

    In this lecture, I will share with you my other favorite ways to green your home and your life.

    Traffic lights

    Read about what's good
    what should give you pause
    and possible dealbreakers
    Offers practical exercises, such as creating a list of home upgrades and an interior design plan, which allows learners to immediately apply the concepts
    Explores the differences between eco-friendly and sustainable design, which clarifies a common point of confusion for both consumers and professionals
    Discusses green professional certifications and trade-only vendors, which is highly relevant for those looking to incorporate sustainable design into their business
    Examines how to maximize natural and artificial lighting in an eco-friendly way, which can lead to both energy savings and improved ambiance
    Details how to improve indoor air quality, which is an important aspect of creating a healthy and comfortable living environment
    Suggests taking other courses first as prerequisites, which may slow down learners who are eager to dive into sustainable design right away

    Save this course

    Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
    Save

    Reviews summary

    Eco-friendly design for home and life

    According to learners, this course is a positive and accessible introduction to eco-friendly and sustainable design, particularly well-suited for beginners and homeowners looking to make practical changes. Students appreciated the clear explanations of core principles and concepts, including the distinction between "eco-friendly" and "sustainable." The course provides many actionable tips for saving energy and water, improving indoor air quality, and selecting green finishes and furnishings. Several reviewers found the sections on materials and sourcing vendors particularly valuable. While providing a broad overview of the topic, students report that the course may lack sufficient depth and technical detail for design professionals already working in the field or seeking advanced knowledge, suggesting it is better aimed at DIYers.
    Assignments help apply the learned concepts.
    "The upgrade plan exercise was useful."
    "The design plan assignment was challenging but rewarding."
    "Assignments help solidify my understanding."
    Highlights materials, vendors, and sourcing.
    "Useful resource guide provided in the course."
    "Loved the section on materials and sourcing."
    "Learned about new materials and vendors I didn't know existed."
    Offers a good overview across various green design areas.
    "Covers a lot of ground. Good overview..."
    "A broad introduction to green design."
    "Touched on many aspects from materials to energy."
    "Explains definitions like eco vs sustainable clearly."
    Excellent starting point for those new to the topic.
    "Great course for beginners! Explained everything simply..."
    "Perfect for someone new to sustainable design."
    "As a homeowner, this was exactly what I needed."
    "Not overwhelming for a beginner in this field."
    Provides actionable steps for a greener home.
    "Gave me easy ways to start making my home greener."
    "Found the tips on energy and water saving very useful."
    "Very actionable advice. Liked the tips on energy and water saving."
    "The course provides practical tools and strategies I can immediately apply."
    May be too basic for experienced designers.
    "As a designer, I found some parts a bit basic."
    "Wished there was more technical detail for professionals."
    "As a professional, this was not worth the time. Lacks depth..."
    "More suited for homeowners than experienced designers looking for advanced techniques."

    Activities

    Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Use Eco-friendly, Sustainable Design to Improve your Life with these activities:
    Review Basic Home Construction Principles
    Reviewing basic home construction principles will provide a solid foundation for understanding the impact of design choices on energy efficiency and sustainability.
    Browse courses on Home Construction
    Show steps
    • Review online resources on home construction.
    • Focus on energy efficiency and insulation.
    Read 'Sustainable Materials, Processes and Production'
    Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of sustainable materials and their impact on the environment.
    View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon
    Show steps
    • Obtain a copy of the book.
    • Read the chapters related to interior design materials.
    • Take notes on key concepts and examples.
    Create a Green Home Upgrade Plan
    Creating a detailed plan for upgrading your home with eco-friendly features will solidify your understanding of the course material and provide a practical application of the concepts.
    Show steps
    • Assess your current home's energy and water usage.
    • Research potential green upgrades.
    • Prioritize upgrades based on cost and impact.
    • Create a timeline and budget for implementation.
    Four other activities
    Expand to see all activities and additional details
    Show all seven activities
    Build a Sustainable Material Sample Board
    Creating a material sample board will help you familiarize yourself with different sustainable materials and their properties, making it easier to specify them in future design projects.
    Show steps
    • Gather samples of sustainable materials like bamboo, cork, and recycled glass.
    • Organize the samples on a board.
    • Label each sample with its properties and sourcing information.
    • Present the sample board to others and explain the benefits of each material.
    Read 'Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things'
    Reading this book will expand your understanding of sustainable design principles and inspire innovative solutions for creating eco-friendly homes.
    View Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make... on Amazon
    Show steps
    • Obtain a copy of the book.
    • Read the book and reflect on its key concepts.
    • Consider how these concepts can be applied to interior design.
    Follow Online Tutorials on DIY Green Home Projects
    Following online tutorials will provide hands-on experience with implementing eco-friendly design principles in your own home.
    Show steps
    • Search for tutorials on topics like upcycling furniture or creating DIY cleaning products.
    • Gather the necessary materials and tools.
    • Follow the tutorial step-by-step.
    • Document your progress and share your results.
    Redesign a Room Using Sustainable Principles
    Undertaking a room redesign project will allow you to apply the course concepts in a comprehensive and practical way, leading to a deeper understanding of sustainable design.
    Show steps
    • Choose a room in your home to redesign.
    • Research sustainable materials and furnishings.
    • Create a design plan that incorporates eco-friendly elements.
    • Implement the design plan and document the process.

    Career center

    Learners who complete Use Eco-friendly, Sustainable Design to Improve your Life will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
    Interior designer
    An Interior Designer creates functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces, and this course is particularly relevant for those looking to specialize in sustainable design. This role involves planning layouts, selecting materials, and overseeing installations, with a focus on eco-friendly options. The course's emphasis on sourcing green materials, improving air quality, and maximizing natural light directly aligns with the responsibilities of a sustainable interior designer. By taking this course, one will be well-equipped to develop comprehensive eco-friendly designs, considering both aesthetics and environmental impact. The course also teaches how to discuss the difference between "eco-friendly" and "sustainable", which is crucial for professionals.
    See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer
    Sustainability Consultant
    A Sustainability Consultant advises organizations and individuals on how to reduce their environmental impact, making this course a valuable asset for residential projects. This role requires a deep knowledge of eco-friendly practices, especially in areas such as energy efficiency and material selection, which are covered in depth in this course, as well as knowledge of certifications. The consultant will analyze a client's current practices and implement strategies and solutions for improvement. The course’s focus on practical application, including creating green home design plans, as well as its deep dive into eco-friendly design, are particularly relevant. Individuals aiming to become sustainability consultants might find this course very useful to start developing their knowledge base of sustainable design.
    See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant
    Green Building Consultant
    A Green Building Consultant specializes in advising on sustainable building practices and materials. This course introduces key principles of eco-friendly design, which provides a base for this type of role. Those in this role will often consult on various aspects of a project, such as materials, energy efficiency, and water conservation – all of which are covered in this course. The practical application presented in the course through creating lists of upgrades and design plans directly applies to this role. A green building consultant will benefit from this course’s in-depth discussion on sourcing green finishes, furnishings, and trade vendors, which is unique to this course.
    See salaries and explore the career path for Green Building Consultant
    Home Improvement Specialist
    A Home Improvement Specialist advises homeowners on how to renovate their homes. This course is highly relevant, as it provides detailed information on eco-friendly and sustainable upgrades for the home. This role requires a practical understanding of both energy and water conservation, as well as the ability to maximize natural light and improve indoor air quality. The course's detailed coverage of green finishes and furnishings, as well as how to source them, will be directly applicable to the work of a Home Improvement Specialist. A person interested in becoming a Home Improvement Specialist can use this course to learn how to make recommendations on sustainable upgrades.
    See salaries and explore the career path for Home Improvement Specialist
    Environmental Specialist
    An Environmental Specialist works to protect the environment and human health. This role can be quite broad, but this course aligns well with environmental specialists who focus on the built environment, assisting individuals in making their homes more environmentally friendly. An Environmental Specialist in this area might make recommendations on materials, energy, and water use. The course’s coverage of indoor air quality, efficient use of resources (water, energy, lighting), and eco-friendly materials provides practical knowledge needed for this role. This course may be useful for professionals looking to deepen their expertise in sustainable design for the home.
    See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Specialist
    Architectural Designer
    An Architectural Designer focuses on the aesthetic and functional aspects of building design. This course introduces key concepts regarding green building practices, which will be useful as a basic understanding. While this role often requires advanced degrees, the course provides a foundation in sustainable design principles, such as energy efficiency and sustainable materials. This course is particularly valuable for Architectural Designers seeking to integrate environmentally conscious practices into their designs. Many architectural designers might benefit from the course's coverage of green finishes and furnishings, as well as how to source them, as this is often the kind of knowledge they need to give to clients.
    See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Designer
    Building Material Sales Representative
    A Building Material Sales Representative sells construction and building materials to contractors and clients. This role is relevant because the course covers eco-friendly materials and green certifications. Understanding the differences between eco-friendly and sustainable options, as well as where to source them, would improve the representative's capacity to work alongside contractors and architects. This course is particularly valuable for sales representatives who wish to specialize in selling green building materials. The course would help them better understand the features and benefits of these products, thereby increasing their ability to sell them.
    See salaries and explore the career path for Building Material Sales Representative
    Real Estate Agent
    A Real Estate Agent assists clients in buying, selling, and renting properties. This course is helpful for Real Estate Agents who wish to distinguish themselves by emphasizing the sustainable features of homes. An understanding of eco-friendly design, energy efficiency, and green building materials, as is taught in this course, can lead to higher value appraisals and sales. By taking this course, the agent would become more capable of advising clients on the benefits of purchasing an eco-friendly home. This course's focus on practical ways to improve energy and water efficiency, as well as indoor air quality, may give the real estate agent a selling advantage when it comes to environmentally conscious clients.
    See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Agent
    Project Manager
    A Project Manager oversees and coordinates projects, and this course may be useful for project managers who oversee sustainable residential projects. This role demands a solid understanding of the different elements involved in a sustainable design, including materials, energy, and air quality, which is given by the course. The course may give insight into how to integrate eco-friendly practices into various stages of a home renovation. The course’s emphasis on planning, resource allocation, and green upgrades could benefit project managers by providing a background in best practices. The course may help a Project Manager understand the priorities when green design is involved.
    See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
    Furniture Designer
    A Furniture Designer creates furniture for residential and commercial use. This course is relevant for designers who want to develop their knowledge in sustainability. This course covers sustainable materials, as well as the environmental implications of design choices. The course’s focus on sustainable textiles and furniture options is directly applicable to this role. This course may be useful for a furniture designer to understand how to make more sustainable choices in their design work. The lecture that provides a deeper discussion on leather may also be useful to the designer.
    See salaries and explore the career path for Furniture Designer
    Home Stager
    A Home Stager prepares homes for sale by arranging furniture and decor to make them appealing to potential buyers. The course may give a home stager knowledge of sourcing and aesthetics when it comes to sustainable design. A Home Stager who knows how to present a home in a way that accentuates sustainability will have an advantage. This course may help a Home Stager learn about eco-friendly furniture, accessories, and finishes that will appeal to a segment of environmentally conscious buyers. The course may provide a Home Stager with new ideas, and also a unique selling point.
    See salaries and explore the career path for Home Stager
    DIY Blogger
    A DIY Blogger creates online content for a devoted audience on topics such as home improvement, and this course may be useful for those who wish to create content on sustainable design. The course teaches how to make eco-friendly upgrades, improve indoor air quality, and incorporate green materials into your home, all of which are great topics for blog content. The course provides a deep dive into these elements, and a DIY blogger would find this course valuable to generate new ideas and content. A DIY Blogger may benefit from the course's detailed information on green materials, as well as the bonus lecture that includes other ways to be "green" in your life.
    See salaries and explore the career path for DIY Blogger
    Urban Planner
    An Urban Planner develops plans for the growth and development of communities. This course may be somewhat helpful to Urban Planners who are involved in sustainable development projects. Topics in the course such as resource management and sustainable building are useful at the micro and macro level. The main principles of eco-friendly design explained by the course would be valuable for an Urban Planner to understand. The course's coverage of energy efficiency and water conservation, while geared toward the home, could be useful when conceptualizing larger projects.
    See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner
    Product Designer
    A Product Designer creates new products or improves existing ones. This role is tangentially related because the course discusses green products that are typically available in the market today. The concepts of eco-friendly design and sustainability, which are central to the course, are becoming more important in product design. A Product Designer can use the knowledge in this course to create more environmentally responsible products. The course may be somewhat useful to a Product Designer as it provides examples of eco-friendly products, as well as how to identify them.
    See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer
    Construction Manager
    A Construction Manager oversees and coordinates construction projects. This role may benefit from this course as they learn about eco-friendly building materials. The course provides key knowledge of energy efficient design, as well as how to source green finishes and furnishings, and this can provide background for the manager. This course may be useful to a construction manager who is working on residential, green projects, as it provides a better understanding of the materials and green design elements involved.
    See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager

    Reading list

    We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Use Eco-friendly, Sustainable Design to Improve your Life.
    Cover image
    Cradle to cradle : remaking the way we make things
    Save
    Introduces the concept of 'cradle to cradle' design, which focuses on creating products that can be completely recycled or composted at the end of their life. It provides a philosophical framework for sustainable design that goes beyond simply reducing harm. This book is highly relevant to the course as it challenges conventional notions of waste and encourages a more holistic approach to eco-friendly design. It is often used as a foundational text in sustainability courses.
    Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things
    Paperback
    $$
    (Deutsch) Cradle to Cradle: Einfach intelligent produzieren...
    Kindle Edition
    $$
    Cover image
    Putting Knowledge to Work
    Save
    Provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable materials and production processes. It is particularly useful for understanding the environmental impact of different materials used in interior design. It offers a deeper dive into the lifecycle assessment of products and the principles of circular economy, complementing the course's focus on eco-friendly choices. This book valuable resource for design professionals seeking to make informed decisions about material selection.
    Putting Knowledge to Work
    Paperback
    Check
    Putting Knowledge to Work
    Kindle Edition
    Check

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    Course image
    Rating
    4.5 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
    Effort
    3.5 total hours
    Via
    Udemy
    Instructor
    Erikka Fogleman
    Language
    English
    Traffic lights
    Read about what's good
    what should give you pause
    and possible dealbreakers
    Offers practical exercises, such as creating a list of home upgrades and an interior design plan, which allows learners to immediately apply the concepts
    Explores the differences between eco-friendly and sustainable design, which clarifies a common point of confusion for both consumers and professionals
    Discusses green professional certifications and trade-only vendors, which is highly relevant for those looking to incorporate sustainable design into their business
    Examines how to maximize natural and artificial lighting in an eco-friendly way, which can lead to both energy savings and improved ambiance
    Details how to improve indoor air quality, which is an important aspect of creating a healthy and comfortable living environment
    Suggests taking other courses first as prerequisites, which may slow down learners who are eager to dive into sustainable design right away
    Share this
    Share to help others discover this course.
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