"Green" decorating is not new. In fact, it is all the rage. And there's good reason. Regardless of your position in life, it's obvious that everyone needs to take baby steps to help conserve the environment.
Serious research has been done to identify renewable materials, natural fibers, toxin-free finishes, and low-emission products. Read how to choose "green" when you renovate, remodel, and redecorate your home.
For starters, see our video on eco-friendly renovations.
- Decorate With Live Plants
One of the simplest ways to freshen indoor air and clear things out is by using live house plants. While artificial plants and flowers add texture and color to a home, some plants can actually cleanse the air you breathe and add beauty at the same time. The best plants are lilies, any variety of English ivy, Chinese evergreen, gerbera daisies, and rubber plants. Read more about air purifying plants. Choose Natural Fabrics
As people become more aware of the need to use recyclable and eco-friendly materials, natural fabrics are becoming a big part of decorating resources. You'd be amazed how soft sheets made of bamboo are. Hemp fabrics are made from renewable fibers. Nothing can compete with the beauty of 100% linen draperies. Cotton prints cannot be beat. Silk is the epitome of luxury. And wool plaids and solids make magnificent upholstery fabrics. Return to the natural and you won't miss a thing.And Natural Fibers
For soft and comfortable cushions, bedding, and pillows, reject polyester or foam filling and discover how wonderful feather, wool, or cotton fills are. You won't ever want to go back to the synthetic fibers. And these natural fibers are constantly renewable.Install Wool Carpet
Made without chemicals and harsh dyes, all wool rugs and carpets are biodegradable. While there are a limited number of color choices, wool carpet is woven into many interesting and attractive textures and patterns. Even the backing of jute and natural rubber adhesive are environmentally friendly.Build With Solid Wood
Avoid plywood or particle board lumber which is made contain formaldehyde and emit toxic gasses and go for solid wood for furniture, molding, doors, cabinets, kitchen island, tabletops and fireplace mantel. The beauty of natural wood cannot be beat and it's renewable.Recycled Wood Cabinets and Molding
By refinishing or repainting old cabinets, moldings, doors, and floor boards, you're giving new life to old wood. Add molding to cabinets and finalize the transformation with decorative hardware.Reclaim Old Wood
Furniture, beams, ceilings, cabinets, siding, and floors made of reclaimed wood are beautiful and warm. Through years of drying indoors in another form, this wood acquires a hardness, beauty, and depth of color that is not found in newly harvested wood. Read more about recycled wood flooring.Environmentally-Friendly Wall Coverings
Select wall coverings made from environmentally friendly fibers colored with non-toxic dyes and water-based inks. Use vinyl-free, fully-breathable coverings that cannot lock in harmful molds and mildew.Choose Non-Toxic Paints
It's believed that non-toxic paints relieve some major causes for indoor contamination in homes. They've been developed by almost all major paint manufacturing companies so that they're cost-effective, durable, have good covering qualities, produce almost no odor, and are environmentally healthy. These low- or zero-VOC (meaning they don't emit Volatile Organic Compounds into the air) are easy clean-up and help keep toxic materials out of our landfills. Look for low-VOC or zero-VOC paints at any paint store or home repair center.Dust-Free Surfaces
Select surfaces that don't collect dust and can easily be wiped clean. Avoid textured fabrics for draperies and opt for wooden shutters. They look neat and sleek, can be custom-made to fit any window, and are easy to clean when they need freshening.Room-to-Room Windows
Take advantage of light in another room by installing interior windows. The light will pass from a well-lighted or window-full space into a darker space and provide lighting at no additional charge.
By choosing wisely, you'll not only have a beautiful home for years to come. You'll be creating a health environment for your family in a space that is environmentally responsible and just "feels good."