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What is an Eco-Stager?

Stagers by definition can already be considered eco-friendly. After all, we reuse items that the homeowner already has.

How can a stager take a bigger leap into being green?

The answer is so simple. There are so many sustainable products to choose from now. Stager's tools of the trade: furniture, bedding, towels, candles, plants, flowers, the list can go on and on.

My favourite green items to use in staging are:

Real plants and potted flowers. Not only to they look so much better than artificial, they also emit the kind of good, prosperity energy as used in Feng Shui.
Organic Cotton and Bamboo bedding and towels. Wow, I could not believe how soft these towels felt. Just incredible, and the fact that they are more earth-friendly than conventional towels, well that is just a huge bonus! If laundering your props, hang them outside to dry. Nothing will smell as good and fresh as just hung out on the line linens. Use vinegar in the rinse cycle to soften. Steer clear of the toxic fabric softeners and dryer sheets.
Natural beeswax or soy based candles. Natural essential oil scents and cleaner burning. Beeswax candles help clean the air naturally and emit negative ions, which is an extra health boost! Make your own air freshener with distilled water and pure essential oils in a spray bottle. I use lavender to spritz the bedrooms, and my favourite living, kitchen and family room scents are grapefruit with bergamot.
Non toxic paints, earth friendly bio-degradable cleaning supplies.
Use recycled paper and office supplies.

I really could go on and on, but I will save that for another post!

There are so many subtle changes that we could make as stagers that will not only be better for our planet, but also for our health, the health of our clients and their children.

Posted by Natascha de la Court-Wolter Simply Staging Solutions on 04/15/2008 01:17 PM

Comments (5)

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5 Comments on What is an Eco-Stager?

Natascha,

On average, how much do these eco-friendly options add to the cost of staging a home? It seems that you are from a very environmentally conscious area of our country. Do you have a lot of counterparts in other areas, like mine for instance, that share your passion for conservation?

04/15/2008 01:27 PM

by Brian Horan (Realtor.com)

Natascha - I was just thinking about this very topic a few days ago. There's no denying that "green" is in. More and more, people are going to be looking at what businesses are doing to be (or become) more environmentally responsible, and they're going to begin to give more consideration to patronizing businesses that are stepping up to the plate. You're right that our industry already promotes reusing what you've already got. As stagers/redesigners, we should all look for ways to take it even further and be even more environmentally responsible. Thanks for reminding me to put that back up on the top of my list!

04/15/2008 03:08 PM

by Andrea Santmyer, Room Revisions (Room Revisions, LLC)

Thanks for the info. I never thought about going green with regard to staging but I see how that can be a benefit to the environment and a great marketing niche for a similar minded builder.

04/15/2008 10:20 PM

by Tori Lynn Ross - Omaha's Premier Home Stager (Ross Designs, LLC)

Brian, I don't really think it should cost more than "normal" staging. It may cost the client a little more for paint, but that is something that is ultimately up to them. But I would certainly educate them in the difference between the cheaper paints vs the low or no VOC's paints. As for the other items, again they may cost a little more upfront, but they are all items they can take with them to their new home, to continue to ensure good, postive energy!

04/17/2008 01:54 PM

by Natascha de la Court-Wolter Simply Staging Solutions (Simply Staging Solutions)

Interesting. I take it that you include a bit of feng shui in everything you do as well?

04/17/2008 03:04 PM

by Brian Horan (Realtor.com)