Living Wreath

This wreath could be considered the "greenest" option to holiday decorating as this living wreath will continue to flourish long past the winter season.

Hotel du Departement in Hauts-de Seine, France

 Home Installation

 Marches de Halles in Avignon

LEED Platinum Home in Chicago

The first LEED platinum certified home displaying green options everywhere. The V-shaped roof helps hide energy storing solar panels, the counter tops are made with recycled newsprint and there is a bamboo bed and clay walls in the bedroom. The exterior of the home is a combination of durable cement board and Forest Stewardship Council-certified cedar, covered in a cocoa soy based stain. In the interior, the south wing's floors are a dark brown recycled porcelain tile, and the north wing's floors are made from scrap lumber, which would have ended up in a landfill.

Photos: Elle Decor

Low Energy Bulbs With Style

The Plumen bulb uses 80% less energy and lasts 8 times longer than incandescent bulbs, giving you the opportunity to purchase an ecological product with style. "It's strange that the bulb, an object so synonymous with ideas, is almost entirely absent of imagination." The name Plumen comes from 'plume'- the bird's decorative feather, designed to attract attention to its' prowess and beauty.

Green Hospitality & Building Restoration

On a recent trip to New York City's meat packing district, I stayed at the Jane Hotel. It takes green hospitality design to a whole new level with communal bathrooms and custom brass energy efficient keys. In Europe, guests commonly insert a card into a slot when entering the room to turn on the electricity. Removing the card (which doubles as the room key) on the way out the door shuts off the power. It is an easy way to conserve energy, yet it is almost never seen in the United States. The Jane was originally completed in 1908, and was designed by William A. Boring (the architect renowned for Ellis Island's immigration station). Originally built for sailors this landmark was restored on its centennial in 2008; so not only is this place over a hundred years old but it is one of the most energy efficient hotels in the county. Oh and I forgot to mention...my room was 50 sq. ft!

photos: The New York Times

Check out their website: http://www.thejanenyc.com/