Sometimes it's the smallest changes that can have the biggest impact. Throughout the house, there are the standard plastic switch plate covers that appear to have been put in place 30 years ago. They were definitely used, dingy and needed to be replaced.
Since I'm going with this all gray, stainless look for the house, I thought a simple steel switch plate cover would look fresh, modern and cool. So, I headed to Lowe's and was surprised to find out that the best-looking covers were---ta dah!----the cheapest ones. I love it when the best choice is the most economical one.
So, here's the after on a similar switch plate cover:
The best part is that the stainless steel covers are 100% recyclable. If you need to ever replace them (and why would you?), you can just toss them into the curbside recycling bin for recycling. Steel becomes steel which becomes steel. Infinitely recyclable!
the stainless steel looks great against the warm tone of the wood wall!
Posted by: ercy | February 16, 2008 at 04:50 PM
i love it, it's very modern and classy.
Posted by: shelby k | February 16, 2008 at 05:36 PM
If the switchers remained the same, why not colour with cromo-spray the old covers?
More cheaper and maybe more eco, if you choose the right spray color... or not?
Posted by: Lucia | February 18, 2008 at 10:05 AM
so what did you just throw the old ones in the land fill?
Posted by: daniel baudanza | February 18, 2008 at 05:24 PM
Those look great and would be good idea for when I need new ones...but if the plastic ones were still in OK shape, it doesn't make much sense to just throw them away. Just polish them up or paint them silver and keep them out of the landfill! :-)
Posted by: David@The Good Human | February 18, 2008 at 08:00 PM
Exactly! Replacing a functioning item for aesthetic reasons alone isn't green - it's greenwashing. If the old plastic is in good shape, it can simply be cleaned (as can the switches, rather than replacing them with brand-new units) and/or painted the same color as the wall. Where painting won't work, as on the wood paneling, a lovely scrap of fabric or wrapping paper can he adhered and treated with a water-based clearcoat.
Posted by: Dina | March 02, 2008 at 03:33 PM
I use steel covered switch plates too. And you are right...they are the cheapest! Love it.
Posted by: S | March 05, 2008 at 06:12 PM
Okay, I'm often pretty critical of peoples' green attempts. But come on... give the guy a break. Yes, swapping the covers wasn't the most eco-friendly move. However, what is important, is that the plates look damn sexy. How much waste did he produce? Ummm a few ounces? Pick your battles.
Posted by: Frank | March 27, 2008 at 03:41 AM
check out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaGoOnOpvek
and bearcreekbronze.com
Posted by: Kassie | September 12, 2008 at 12:55 PM