It's a global phenomenon. We are striving to find more ways of reducing our effect on the planet during day to day living. Homes are going green through construction options like insulation and other building material choices. The concept can be easily carried into our homes as well, influencing the choices of home décor and design. Opting to go green has benefits for the homeowner's health and wallet as well as for the entire planet.
1) Breathe Better Air
Manufacturing processes have historically given little thought to the air quality of your home. Carpets produced off-gases, and inexpensive furniture contained glue and formaldehyde that caused unhealthy conditions. Indoor air with such poor quality caused a particular condition to arise. SBS (or Sick Building Syndrome) was a result of improper ventilation or noxious gases and fumes pervading the air.
Eliminate the risk of SBS by choosing interior home furnishings and finishes that are natural. Carpets made with materials like sea grass, bamboo, sisal and alpaca wool will not reduce your air quality. High quality wood furniture made with sustainably harvested timber is an excellent choice. Opt for these décor choices to ensure the healthiest indoor air quality possible.
2) Light Up Your Life
Simple choices like the type of light fixture or bulb that you use can make a big difference. Change your incandescent bulbs to CFLs (compact fluorescents), and your lighting costs can be reduced by up to 75%. CFLs are not the optimum choice for the environment as they do contain mercury and need to be disposed of carefully, but they are an improvement over traditional light bulbs.
Watch for LED (light emitting diode) bulbs to become more popular. Manufactures are working to develop an energy-efficient, standardized and reasonably priced LED bulb for your home, which will be able to be used for over two decades. This technology will save you even more money and be greener than CFLs. Indeed, commercial LED lighting is now more cost effective than for residential applications. Click here to see more information.
Solar lights are widely available and effective for your lawn and garden. They store up energy throughout the day and give off their light at night for safety and outdoor enjoyment.
3) Use Trees For Climate Control All Year Round
Planting trees strategically around your home will help with energy usage and climate control. In summer, trees shade your home and reduce dependency on the air conditioner. In winter, they will act as a wind block, deflecting the chilly air and protecting your home. Trees also help with air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and transpiring water with their leaves. A well designed and attractive treed landscape increases your property value of your home. Click here to see more tips on tree planting.
4) Party On The Patio
Leave the stove off and use your barbecue for meals to help to keep the indoor temperatures down. You'll give the air conditioner a break and enjoy some time in the fresh air. Set out comfortable patio furniture for lounging and outdoor dining. Enjoy the backyard, and help reduce your energy usage at the same time.
5) Crack A Window
Homes are designed to be airtight for better efficiency, but spring is the time to open the windows and let the air in. This is not only cost-efficient, but provides a healthy atmosphere. With removable screens in place you can conveniently let the breeze flow through.
6) Conserve Your Water
Design your yard using xeriscaping techniques to help conserve water. Native plants are hardy and require less work on your part. Collecting precipitation with a rain barrel and using that to water your gardens and pots is another eco-friendly option. Reducing your water usage can also save you quite a bit of money as the cost of water tends to rise in the summer months.
7) Invest In Furniture That Lasts
Shop for and buy furniture that will stand the test of time, reducing the amount in the landfill. Being green can also mean investing in products that truly last instead of buying into the disposable culture around us. Look for furniture made with sustainable materials. Timber like Western Red Cedar is sustainably grown and is also naturally resistant to rot and pests. Furniture made with red cedar will last for years without any chemical sealants or preservatives.
Enjoy a peace of mind moment while sitting on your favorite backyard wooden swing:)
8) Balance And Harmony
A home designed with the planet in mind will naturally lean towards feelings of balance and harmony. Décor with the colors and scenes of nature will create a pleasing atmosphere. Wood furniture and finishes inside and outside your home help with the harmony. Choose wood counters and floors for warmth. In the yard, a green wooden swing or bench is inviting and allows you to fully relax in your surroundings.
9) Choose Peace
By reducing the amount of petroleum-based products you buy, you are also helping to reduce the amount of oil that's needed in their production. Going green makes our nation less dependent on foreign oil supply and can help to promote peace.
10) Help Save the Planet
Despite the entertaining fantasy of science fiction, earth is all that we have. By reducing your carbon footprint and making changes in your home, you are contributing to a greener planet. We need to take care of our homes, globally and under our own roof.
The benefits of choosing green home décor are many. Maintain better health for your family, lower utility costs and be an eco friendly citizen by going green around the house.
About The Author
Jay Chua is the publisher of PorchSwingSets.com and loves being outdoors and close to nature. Jay and his wife Deisy live in Vancouver, Canada where they enjoy gardening and traveling. When he's not designing backyard retreats, Jay can be found on his outdoor porch swing, savoring a coffee and a good read with his wife by his side. To help you choose sustainable and durable outdoor furniture, check out the porch swing reviews at PorchSwingSets.comand invest in lasting green home décor.
