Choose a Safer Paint
Got a room in need of a perk-up? Trade pale walls for bright
hues, like canary yellow. Choose a paint labeled low-VOC (volatile organic
compounds). Conventional paint has a number of VOCs, which are carbon-containing substances that vaporize into
the air and cause indoor pollution.
Revise Your Rug
Rugs made from natural or recycled fibers are the greenest way to cover your floor. You can also seek out antique rugs. Remember, “antique” and “vintage” are always green -- and often more stylish than something new.
Consider Your Curtains
Looking for a new window treatment? Insulated curtains help keep heat in -- or out -- which conserves energy and money. A side benefit is they also cut down on sunshine-induced fading on furniture and floor coverings.
Furnish Wisely
Sustainably designed furniture -- that is, tables, chairs, etc. made from natural, recycled or reclaimed materials and constructed with nontoxic glues and varnishes -- comes in a range of prices and styles. Even adding one planet-friendly piece to your home is a step in the right direction.
Rethink the Tchotchke
Whether you’re a collector or a minimalist, accessories and knickknacks will likely find some place in your home. Go green by purchasing items that have been made from recycled or reclaimed materials and by scouring your local tag sales for treasures.
Marisa Belger’s work has appeared in Travel + Leisure Family, Natural Health, Prevention
and TODAYShow.com, where she wrote a column about eco-friendly living. She was an editor at Lime.com and collaborated with author Josh Dorfman on his bestselling books, The Lazy Environmentalist
and The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget. She is the managing editor of and frequent contributor to
Green Goes Simple.