Talking About Green

In this day and age, with more people expressing concern about the state of our environment and looking for innovative ways to go green, you might be surprised by the number of ways that you can turn any room into an eco-friendly retreat from the rest of the world.  And it’s not just small changes; with so much information available via the internet and a vast number of vendors offering reclaimed furnishings and flooring, low- or no-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, and linens composed of organic fibers, you really have no excuse not to go green when the time comes to renovate.  So if you’ve been thinking of upgrading your love nest (which has really become more of a pig sty), then here are just a few ways that you can do so with your own best interest at heart, along with that of your fellow man.

1.       Flooring.  Forget about synthetic-fiber carpeting when you decide to redo your flooring; it’s extremely hard to recycle (everyone wants new) and it won’t biodegrade in the landfill.  Anyway, wouldn’t you really rather have hardwood flooring?  I know what you’re thinking: hardwoods are bad because harvesting them means further denuding our planet’s rapidly shrinking rainforest.  You are correct on that score.  But if you opt to purchase reclaimed hardwood planks, you can get the gorgeous floor you want (along with a surface that traps fewer allergens) for less money, and still do your part to protect the environment.

2.       Walls.  You might not think the paint is such a big deal.  After all, any harmful effects are gone once it dries, right?  Not really.  Interior paint that contains VOCs has been found to release these toxins into the air for years after application, which means you’re breathing them in all the time.  And considering that VOCs are thought to be responsible for a whole host of health issues (from headaches and nausea to cancer), you’ll probably agree that you don’t want them in your space.  Luckily, there are a lot more options than there used to be when it comes to VOC-free paints, so you won’t have to sacrifice your color palette in order to ensure breathable air.

3.       Furnishing.  When it comes to furnishings, you’re going to want to use the 3 Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) as well as a fourth: reclaim.  You can start by reducing your waste, as in keeping your items instead of throwing them away.  If you no longer want to use them in the bedroom, reuse them in other areas of the house.  With a little TLC or some serious refurbishing, nightstands can become side tables and dressers can house media (DVDs, video games, etc.).  If all else fails, sell your used items through Craig’s List or donate to a local Goodwill as a way to recycle and give your items a second life.  And when it comes time to buy new stuff, get reclaimed items (read: second-hand or refurbished) to stop the felling of trees for new furniture.

4.       Bedding.  Skip the satin sheets and spend your money on organics instead.  You might be surprised at how soft a set of organic cotton jersey or sustainable bamboo sheets can feel, as well as the huge selection of colors and patterns available (gone is the stigma of scratchy burlap in ghastly neutral shades).  Pillows, throws, and curtains can also get the organic treatment.

5.       Accessories and electronics.  The best way to go green with accessories like photo frames, candlesticks, and other tchotchke items is to pick them up at second-hand shops (or estate sales if you need something fancier), although there are certainly retail stores that specialize in green decorations.  And when it comes to electronics, skip them as much as possible.  Opt for an analog alarm clock and keep your device-chargers in the office.  At the very least, put everything on easy-to-unplug power strips so you can stop phantom power drain when you’re not home.

Sarah Danielson writes for Design 55 Bedrooms where you can find a large assortment of high end furniture to meet your decorating and budgetary needs.