While philosophers, economists, scientists, and artists everywhere search for more sustainable ways to build and grow post the Industrial Revolution, McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC) continues to chart their path. William McDonough and Dr. Michael Braungart founded MBDC in 1995 to promote and shape what they call the “Next Industrial Revolution” through the introduction of a new design paradigm called Cradle to Cradle Design, and the implementation of eco-effective design principles. Now, MBDC has created a certification process by which the Cradle to Cradle (C2C) design protocol rates and certifies all types of various building products.

Cradle to Cradle Design is a fundamental conceptual shift away from the flawed system design of the Industrial Revolution. Instead of designing products and systems based on the take-make-waste model of the last century (‘cradle to grave’), MBDC’s Cradle to Cradle Design paradigm is powering the Next Industrial Revolution, in which products and services are designed based on patterns found in nature, eliminating the concept of waste entirely and creating an abundance that is healthy and sustaining. Eco-Effectiveness is MBDC’s design strategy for realizing these results by optimizing materials to be food either for nature’s ecosystems or for humans’ industrial systems—perpetually circulating in closed systems that create value and are inherently healthy and safe.

Additionally interesting is the USGBC’s recognition of the program by awarding an Innovation in Design, or ID, credit point for any project using the Cradle to Cradle program for certified building products.

[via MBDC]

What is a life without purpose but a series of passionless, robotic actions, leading one only to an uninspired destination?

Today, I aspire to honor our limitless human capacity for greatness. In my attempt to stretch myself towards living well and reaching for greater heights, I have found the driving force which is behind Project Green Spot. Fueled by my long-standing environmental ideals and inextricable connectdness to the earth that provides us all life, I see a need for more responsible living.

On my path towards greening my immediate surroundings (with tons of room for my own improvement in this area, too), I have found it to be very difficult to research and locate various “green” products. Most consumers will turn to traditional products if the market does not make it easier for us to get information on and purchase green as an alternative. So I continue to search and discover, and as I do, I intend for this site to act as a reference for sustainable goods and services.

My background is in interiors, so I will likely focus on the inside of buildings. I also strive to research the products that I find in hopes of learning more about the companies who produce them and their real commitment in walking the green walk. With the recent barrage of green marketing, it is hard to decipher the truth from the hype. The true cream will rise to the top, but in the meantime, some background checks will only help in the process.

And finally, I am in the midst of becoming a LEED Accredited Professional. I wish to provide as much information and guidance to everyone wishing to become a LEED AP, as it is a bit overwhelming and sometimes ambiguous. Hopefully, my experiences along the way may help you along your path.

This journey will lead to many destinations. Let’s go forth and GREEN.

***UPDATE***
I sat for the LEED AP test in August, and passed my first try! Whoo-hoo!