Going green is great for your health, conscience and wallet. There’s no better place to start making eco-friendly improvements than your bedroom. Even though we’re not awake for most of it, we spend more time in our bedrooms than any other room in the house.
A few simple changes is all it takes to make a positive impact on your well-being and the planet.
Start With a Green Energy Plan
Your bedroom and every other room in your home can be greener without reducing electricity use when you have a green energy plan. These residential electricity plans utilize renewable energy resources instead of fossil fuels like natural gas. Now that wind and solar power are more abundant, green energy plans are affordable and reliable.
To find green energy plans, use a local comparison website. For example, if you live in Texas, Illinois, New Jersey or Pennsylvania you can find and compare green energy plans at http://www.localelectricitycompanies.com/. In some areas of Texas, you can get 100% green energy plans for the most eco-friendly power possible.
Upgrade Your Windows & Treatments
If your bedroom seems cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer than the rest of the house the windows could be the reason. If they are damaged or single pane, replacing the windows can significantly improve energy efficiency and comfort.
Another way to boost efficiency is to use shades or curtains. Window treatments can help block the heat and cold that passes through, especially if the windows receive direct sunlight. When you’re selecting window treatments consider how green the materials are. Natural fibers like wool and organic cotton are the best choice for curtains. If you prefer blinds, wooden treatments that are painted with natural paints are going to be the greenest option.
Eco-Friendly Bedding
Everything we come into contact with can have a direct affect on our health, including the sheets that we wrap ourselves up in every night. Organic cotton sheets, pillowcases and comforters create a comfortable oasis that’s free of chemicals and toxins that are found in synthetic fibers. They are also better for the environment because the cotton that’s used doesn’t require the use of pesticides.
Reduce Toxins With Natural Paint
Many paints contain VOCs, volatile organic compounds. These harmful chemicals evaporate into the air we breathe and are two to five times higher inside than outside. One simple way to reduce the amount of VOCs in your bedroom is to use plant-based or milk paint. Both are created using natural ingredients such as milk protein that emit only low levels of VOCs, no fungicides and no biocides.
Add a Few Houseplants
To green up your bedroom literally, add a few houseplants. Keeping plants indoors has been proven to clean 87% of pollutants out of the air and create a soothing atmosphere that’s conducive for sleeping. For the maximum benefit, put orchids in your bedroom because these plants respire at night, filtering out carbon monoxide all day long.
Buy Used Bedroom Furniture
Buying used furniture is always greener than buying new. Plus, it can give your room tons of character. Heavy-duty wooden bed frames, desks, dressers and side tables can last for decades and are easy to spruce up. Just make sure to use stains that are water-based or made from beeswax to limit the VOCs.
Focus on Green Flooring
Pollutants and allergens may be hiding in your floors. If you have synthetic carpet this is certainly the case because these materials are almost always petroleum based. If you want carpeting in the bedroom or comfy rugs on the hardwood floors, wool is the most eco-friendly choice. Look for wool carpets and rugs that have been naturally dyed to minimize any potential of VOC off gassing.
Now you can rest a little easier at night knowing your bedroom is clean and green!
