West Michigan’s First Sustainable Design Center Opens...

Recycling the common misconceptions of going green by showcasing the beauty, simplicity, affordability, and benefits of sustainability is exactly what Denise Hopkins, owner of Eden Environments in Grand Rapids, intends to achieve with her new sustainable design center. Providing a fusion of sustainable architecture, interior and landscape design services, along with sustainable building materials, finishes and furnishings for the home and office, makes Eden Environments the only design center of its kind located in west Michigan.

Eden Environments, opening Thursday, September 4, combines an array of design expertise and products based on sustainable living. Hopkins, a LEED accredited professional, guides the design department with her 17 years of experience as an architect and designer. She’s a member of the American Institute of Architects, the U.S. Green Building Council, and Local First.

The September 4 Grand Opening festivities occur from 4 to 7 p.m. and include drawings for beautiful prizes, vendor presentations and food and refreshments. The general public is welcome to attend the opening event or visit the store during regular hours, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A sampling of the sustainable products at Eden Environments includes furniture crafted by Knu, a product line manufactured in Zeeland, Mich.; construction boards made from renewable agricultural products such as sunflower hulls and wheat straw; and carpeting made from wool with hemp, cotton and jute backing and a biodegradable adhesive from the rubber tree.

"All of the products we carry must be sustainable and beautiful," added Hopkins. "I’m most excited to dispel the tired images of environmentally friendly products and show that sustainable products can be extraordinarily beautiful."

According to Hopkins, the path to sustainability doesn’t have to be expensive either. "In the past, sustainable products have typically cost more than their traditional counterparts.  As the natural components become more commonly used, the prices decrease and most sustainable products' prices are now more in line with traditional products.  Also the quality, value, and craftsmanship of the products are much higher than traditional products, and the benefits to customers are significant."

In the interest of helping customers and the community become better acquainted with the possibilities and ease of creating sustainable living spaces, Eden Environments' designers are prepared to share their knowledge and resources through their in store Discovery Center.

"I’m thrilled to create total environments that are good for us and the earth and spread that enthusiasm throughout the greater Grand Rapids area," enthuses Hopkins.

Eden Environments’ sustainable design center is located at 5747 28th Street SE, Ste 101 in Grand Rapids. For more information call 616-956-5000 or visit EdenEnvironments.com.