It’s the New Year…time to start fresh! With all the buzz about “going green” what better way to help the environment than making your home green? There are some great ways to do this that will make your home look stylish and environmentally friendly.
Don’t use vinyl wallpaper and regular paint. They give off harmful toxins. Instead, use products that do not contain vinyl like grasses or bamboo pulp. When it comes to the flooring, there are a wide variety of choices at your disposal. For area rugs, you can choose those made from recycled material or even natural fibers like wool. You can also cover your floor in bamboo, linoleum or even concrete.
If you choose to use wood for your flooring, make sure it is rated with the Forest Stewardship Council or FSC. This means that it has been harvested with only minimal change to the environment it was from.
Everything in your home must be taken into consideration before going green. That includes your windows. Are they energy efficient? When it comes to window treatments window coverings and blinds, you need to consider your lifestyle. Is your home a formal one or casual? There is a variety of materials that can be used for window treatments that can help with going green. These include bamboo and even wood. You can find gorgeous blinds. You can also get energy saving windows that will help with your electric bill as well as the environment. When planning home decoration with windows, there are a variety of treatments. Curtains are most commonly used, as well as window shutters, and blinds.
Think you can’t furnish your home with great green products? Think again. There are lots of manufacturers who offer a dazzling variety of choices. Look for the low-VOC label on any furniture with wood and if possible, get them from a local vendor so the furniture doesn’t have to be sent far.
Another great idea with your furniture is to recycle old pieces or use antiques. These are great options as they can create a vintage look for your home. You will also be saving wood, materials, and giving your home some real character.
When it comes to material likes your upholstery, curtains, fabric blinds, pillows, and the like, there are great materials out there that are green, functional, and beautiful. You can use bamboo which is pesticide free, organic, and very functional. Other materials that can be used are cotton and wool. Make sure whatever you buy is not treated with chemical stain-repellents, which can be highly toxic. Anything that is colored, get ones that are treated with a solution dye as it is better for your home and the environment. Using window treatments or blinds that are made out of organic materials like wood or bamboo can help tie the whole look together.
You can also buy lots of beautiful recycled accessories for your home. Many of them come in materials like bamboo. Due to the green movement, they can be found at many different stores. You can keep your air clean by having a houseplant. They will clean the air of toxins and also, just look nice. Try ivy, ferns, philodendron, peace lilies, or spider plants.

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