Let’s talk about making a bedroom more environmentally friendly. Why should we bother to do this? Well, we spend approximately one-third of the day in that room and we want the air we breathe to be as healthy as possible (eco-friendly means health-friendly). Also, we want to make sure that in the future our children live in an environment that’s as healthy as the one we’re in today. Being eco-friendly is very much in our own self-interest.
Remodeling a bedroom to make it “green” is not as challenging as you may think. There are a number of ways you can achieve this without compromising on style or color. I’m going to tell you about a few simple things you can do to start the process of sustainability. Spending a little extra time to do some research on sustainable materials will ensure that your bedroom is free of pollutants, giving you a much healthier sleeping space.
Windows
Replacing your old bedroom windows with energy-efficient windows will reduce your utility costs. If you can, replace them with larger windows; this will permit more natural light to enter your room, lowering your heating bill in the colder months. For the window frames, there are many materials available for you to choose from. The most popular frame materials are vinyl, wood, aluminum and wood. Of these, wood is the most environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. Talk to a window expert to learn which material would best suit your needs and budget.
Lighting
If you have incandescent bulbs, swap them out for light-emitting diode (LED) or compact fluorescence light (CFL) bulbs. They can be found in any hardware, grocery, or drug store. They’re pricey, but they use considerably less power than incandescent bulbs (77% less for CFL bulbs, 83% less for LED bulbs). Also, an incandescent light bulb has an average use of 1,200 hours, while an LED bulb has an average of 50,000 hours and a CFL bulb has an average of 10,000 hours. With energy usage considered, CFL and LED bulbs are 75% less expensive than incandescent bulbs in the long run. How’s that for an incentive?!
Paint
Volatile organic compound (VOC) paints are the most common paints found in hardware or paint stores. But did you know that VOC paint has toxins (including carcinogens) and therefore emits harmful fumes as it dries? To minimize the amount of harmful chemicals in paint fumes, go for the low VOC paints. They dry quickly and their fumes have much less toxicity.
Bedding and Mattress
Dress your bed with linens made from fibers of natural materials (such as cotton and bamboo) that are organically grown. By doing this, you are sleeping on toxin-free sheets that don’t contain traces of pesticides or chemical fertilizers. If you have allergies to dust mites, cover your pillows and mattress with an allergy control cover. When washing your linens (which you should do at least twice a month), include a laundry additive to kill dust mites. If you have chemical sensitivities, choose a mattress that’s free of polyurethane foam and fire retardants.
Furnishings
Bamboo and reclaimed wood are perfect materials for bedside tables, bed frames, headboards and storage furniture. For your electronics, buy items that require less energy by sleeping when not in use.
Carpet
Carpets (and the padding underneath them) are generally not an environmentally-friendly option for your bedroom. They often produce fumes containing harmful chemicals and they reduce air flow in the room. If you simply must have a carpet in your bedroom, make it an eco-friendly one. Consider carpets made from green carpeting materials, such as organic cotton, jute, sisal or bamboo. You can eliminate the need for padding by choosing a carpet with a lightweight backing. Go one step further and protect your carpet with a non-toxic carpet finish that prevents the discharge of chemicals from carpets.
If you have the resources, use traditional hardwood floors instead of carpets. There are also some less-expensive eco-friendly materials that you can use for your floor, such as reclaimed wood, bamboo, cork, tile and linoleum. Whatever material you choose, layering it with an eco-friendly rug will add to the decorative look to the room.
Window Treatments
For window accessories, choose materials that are organic and easy to clean, such as cotton and linen. Light curtains are advantageous because they let lots of sunlight in, killing bacteria and preventing mold and mildew from congregating in dark spaces. Add some texture to the window curtains by including bamboo shades.
Keeping Air Fresh
Have a ceiling fan installed in your bedroom. The circulation created by a moving fan prevents air from stagnating in the room. Potted plants make wonderful natural air purifiers and add greenery to the room.
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Hopefully these tips will help you make your bedroom more eco-friendly. This will improve the health of you and your family, and there’s nothing more important to your enjoyment of life than good health! And your children will love you for doing what you can to make their future healthier for them.
Simone