How To Go Green With Home Decorating

Are you interested in how to go green with home decorating? The terms eco-friendly, organic, and earth-friendly are popular and important buzzwords today. More and more people are remodeling and decorating their existing homes today than ever before and they're interested in how to go green with home decorating in the process.

It's nearly impossible to adequately explain green living, also called sustainable living, in just a few sentences, but here is an overview. Green living is based on the idea of using products that have been composed using renewable and reusable materials. Green decorating refers to the impact your furnishings have on the environment and your health.

No one likes the idea of breathing in chemicals, right? Unless you are purchasing eco friendly products, you are more than likely bringing chemicals into your home without realizing it. New carpet, wood flooring, plywood, paint, stains, and some tile materials contain VOC's, or volatile organic compounds. These are dangerous chemicals that will off-gas from these products for as many as 20 years. Make the decision to use earth friendly products and organic home products in your home and you'll help the environment and better your health at the same time.

Flooring

Green living means choosing flooring components that have been produced from renewable resources. Consider using reclaimed wood, antique wood, or vintage wood to create a new floor, furniture pieces, kitchen cabinets, or simply as beautiful accents for your home. Cork, bamboo, stone, recycled metal, linoleum, or even glass tiles are all excellent materials for new flooring in your home.

Fabrics

We handle fabric in our homes in some way, shape or form every day. Look for fabrics produced from organic materials that have been treated with water-based dyes, which are non-toxic. Organic cotton is an excellent choice for linens and bedding. Organic materials are free from synthetic chemicals, which means a much smaller chemical footprint if you will on your home and health. Fabrics made from 100% hemp to make curtains or pillows for the home are chemical free as well and add beauty to any decor.

Paints and Stains

There are now paints and stains on the market that are either VOC-free or contain few volatile organic compounds. These are a good example of how to go green with decorating. These green products are excellent for the environment and will not release gasses and chemicals into the air as you use them. This means you and your family will not be breathing dangerous chemicals into your lungs.

Furniture

Antique furniture is more than just a hobby now; instead purchasing and using antique furniture is a big part of green decorating movement. By using these sturdy and durable pieces, you're saving the landfill, saving the environment and saving money. Furniture that was built between 50 and 100 years ago was typically constructed in a way that will last for years and weather the journey very well.

Repurposing

Green living also means that you're willing to use what you already have on hand for a different purpose. Learn to reuse, recyle, and repurpose i tems in your home. When you're ready to throw out a large rug, consider making it into several smaller throw rugs instead. Do the cabinets look worn and dilapidated? Paint them with VOC-free paint and add new knobs and you have new cabinets.

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