When you're thinking of buying items for your home, updating a room, or just swapping what you have for something new, consider buying eco-friendly items. The following suggestions are affordable, easy to find, and easy to do:
1. Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights in table lamps, ceiling and pendant fixtures, and can lights. There are many styles to select from and they look great.Many are dimmable as well. Try the bulk packs at Home Depot.
You'll use 75% less electricity!
2. Save water and create a new look by swapping fixtures in your bath and kitchen with WaterSense label fixtures. Check out Delta for some beautiful, affordable and functional fixtures. You could save over 500 gallons of water per year!
3. When replacing a floor or carpet, look for those made from reclaimed, renewable or recycled materials. Strand bamboo is a beautiful, durable wood with many color option. Today's carpets have post-consumer recycled content and are luxurious and elegant. Take a look at products from Mohawk.
4. Give your room a quick face lift by painting an accent wall in no VOC paint from Sherwin Williams. The Harmony line of paints is both no-VOC and low odor; try "Warm Stone" for a rich, neutral look.
5. Updating your bedding and bath? Purchase those made with bamboo. The fibers are soft, luxurious and affordable. There is no pesticide use in growing, bamboo is an easily renewable resource it is naturally antibacterial, and towels are highly absorbent. A bonus for allergy sufferers...they are gentle and unlikely to cause reactions.
6. Thinking of new kitchen or bath surfaces? How about Caesarstone? Made from granite and resin, these counters are durable, stain and heat resistant, and anti-bacterial properties. Glass and porcelain tiles are also wonderful floor and wall surfaces, with eco-friendly manufacturing, recylability, and low cost maintenance.