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Using Green Materials in Your Home
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- Using Green Materials in Your Home
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We are continuing our May theme of ways to develop a green, sustainable home with a blog post about interior design. Replacing your old windows and doors with new, more energy efficient models is a great way to invest when you are remodeling your home, but you can make other changes that result in a “greener” living space, as well. Here are some of our favorite “green” tips for interior decorating to make your home more beautiful while making it more sustainable at the same time.
Repurposing Your Possessions
Rather than throwing out a chair with ripped upholstery, or a lamp with a broken shade, look for a way to repair the damage. This goes for items that aren’t broken—if you are tired of your comforter, purchase a new duvet cover to go over it rather than replace it altogether. A good professional cleaning, or a high-quality repair job on things you already own is as sustainable and responsible as it gets.
Antiquing
High-end thrift and consignment shops are full of previously-owned treasures. Sometimes they require some restoration, but a beautiful antique can add unique character to your décor. Ask around at consignment shops if they have restoration professionals in-house, or someone that they recommend.
Plants
The simple addition of houseplants makes your home more “green,” literally and figuratively. In addition to visually brightening up any room, there are all kinds of health benefits attributed to adding live plants to your home décor. Some plants, like aloe, are practical and useful, too—a little fresh aloe on a skin irritation feels great; plus aloe plants are low-maintenance.
Eco-friendly paint
Many well-known paint manufacturers are coming out with lines of paint formulated without VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which are gases that are emitted from solids or liquids. Sherwin-Williams, Dutch Boy, and Benjamin Moore all offer consumers low-VOC options for paint.
Sustainable materials
When you are looking at things like linens, towels, and pillows look for organic cotton or bamboo; shop for carpets that are formaldehyde-free, or that use recycled fibers, or consider flooring in a natural material like stone, slate, or concrete.
It’s easy to make your home “greener” on almost any budget. When it’s time to improve the energy efficiency of your home with replacement windows and doors, visit us at Renaissance Windows and Doors.
Windows | Tags: Repurpose, Sustainable, Green Materials, Green Initiatives, fiberglass, Eco-Friendly, Energy Efficient
