By Jess Chamberlain, Sunset home & design writer
Photos by Thomas J. Story

Think ideas for green living are just for homeowners who drive hybrid cars? Meet Eszter and Dan Rabin, San Francisco renters who bike like nobody's business and thrift like it's going out of style.

Eszter owns Emma Rose Papery, where she takes her eco-friendly values to work: she uses soy-based inks and recycled paper, cleans her letterpress with vegetable oil, uses energy efficient light bulbs in her workspace, and of course rides her bike to her office in downtown San Francisco. I love her aesthetic, which she calls “European classicism and modern American simplicity.” A very unique, clean and delicate style accented with design elements from nature.

Look for our story about the Rabin's easy (and budget!) ideas for eco-friendly living in Sunset's May issue.

Here's a teaser:

(Above left) Repurpose furniture: Two bedside tables serve as a console in the Rabin's dining room.

(Above right) Buy in bulk: The Rabins keep bulk pantry items in glass jars stove-side.

(Above left) Shop second-hand: Estzer loves flea-market shopping. Here, some collected treasures artfully displayed in built-in shelving (with low-VOC paint).

(Above right) Green your bedroom: The Rabins invested in an eco-friendly mattress made of material derrived from fair trade rubber trees. Their bed frame is family heirloom.

Dan and Eszter Rabin

“It’s just about taking that little extra step,” explains Eszter, of the Rabin's eco-conscious values. “Whether it’s researching the sources of where our food comes from and how it’s produced, finding ways to reuse packaging material, or deciding to ride our bikes to work, it’s important that our daily lives impact our environment as little as possible.”

We're so inspired! And hope you are too.

Their little green book
Some of the Rabin's favorite eco-businesses (in San Francisco and beyond): 

SF Green Clean - Non-toxic dry cleaner
A Happy Planet - Organic linens
Spring - A healthy home store
Yolo Colorhouse - Environmentally responsible non-toxic paint
Rainbow Grocery - Natural and organic foods and products
Blue House - Environmentally-friendly home products
Rose and Radish - Home, art, and floral gallery
Flora Grubb Gardens - Incredible plants and outdoor furnishings
Relish at Home - Local and handmade art, crafts, and home accessories
Etsy - Handmade art and crafts