3.27 Live Natural with Ali Davin

"We’re not sacrificing anything aesthetic.  We’re not sacrificing anything ergonomic by being mindful.  We’re just pausing and thinking about it and making a good decision instead of rushing through to check everything off the list.  It’s not going to be apparent in the final end result that you did everything in a very sustainable mindful way.  It looks the same.  It functions the same.  It’s just going to last, and it didn’t hurt anyone in the process.  And if it’s ripped out, it’s not going to hurt the earth for getting ripped out." - Ali Davin Ali Davin is a founder of Jute Interior Design, who specializes in sustainable and healthy designs.  Ali's passions for art, antiques, and spatial design led her to study and work in those fields in Italy and the US. Clients regularly sought her design advice beyond individual pieces, inspiring her holistic interior design practice. For her sustainability means prioritizing the earth's and inhabitants' well-being. Ali incorporated sustainability from necessity due to her chemical sensitivities. It involves mindful material selection, waste reduction, and opting out of consumerism through repurposing. Building codes and contractor mindsets don't always support sustainability. Willing contractors make incremental changes, while some reject discussions. Education is key to accepting health risks in building practices. Ali informs clients of sustainable options without pushing agendas. Most clients initially prioritize aesthetics over sustainability. Changing mindsets requires patience, as rushing decisions sacrifices health and environmental impacts. Ali sees growing receptiveness as sustainability connects to individual and planetary well-being. Her dream is working with aligned clients and contractors on thoughtful, waste-reduced projects that minimize footprints. Her book, Live Natural, aims to introduce sustainability gently through beautiful imagery and approachable, bite-sized writing. It encourages absorbing sustainable messages comfortably without sacrificing aesthetics or function.