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Greening Up your Bedroom
September 5, 2014

"Greening-Up" isn't always about energy efficiency, although that is a huge part. Greening-Upcan also include somethings that are as simple as decorating with organic sheets, adding houseplants and natural fiber rugs?

Now, don't get me wrong, adding solar lighting or changing out your light bulbs to LED lighting creates 5 times the usage, thereby creating energy efficient lighting in your bedroom. Energy efficient windows as well as insulating window shades and curtains is also an important addition to any green room. But were you aware that you can purchase Eco-friendly mattresses that are not made with plastics or fireproofing chemicals that release VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds)?

So, let's start there, with the most comfortable and important thing in your 'bed'room...your bed.

1. There are several different elements of the bed that can be "green": the frame, the mattress and the bedding/pillows. Having a "green" bed is not only Eco-friendly it is YOU friendly as well! Beginning with wooden frames that are certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) as coming from sustainably managed forests. Unfinished wood is usually best, as it does not have any VOC releasing paints, stains or polishes. Invest in a Eco-friendly memory foam mattress or box springs topped with natural wool. Both of these options are plastic and VOC free! Since there is not a clear regulated certification for a "green" mattress, look for one that is free of polyurethane foam and doesn't contain any fireproofing materials such as PBDE's (polybrominated diphenyl ethers). "Green" bedding is not only important for the environment, but can make a big difference on how you sleep. Organic cotton, pure wool, hemp and bamboo can aid in deterring allergens and help promote REM sleep and keep you cooler at night. Organic bedding can be more costly, without a doubt, but it lasts much longer than the conventional bedding.

As a side note: old mattresses take up a whole lot of space in the landfills, try and find a place in your neighborhood that recycles or accepts mattress donations when you are ready to get rid of your old one.

2. Get rid of the chemical odor absorbers such as chemical-scented candles, air diffusers and room sprays. Instead enjoy some 100% essential oils, soy-based candles, bouquets of aromatic herbs and house plants. Did you know that there are certain house plants that can actually increase the air that you breathe by decreasing the amount of VOC's in the air around you? Plants such as English Ivy, Peace Lily, Lady Palm and Boston Fern are a few such plants that are great to keep inside the home as they aid in keeping the air inside clean. Keep in mind, that you may want to keep these plants in Terra cotta or ceramic pots, as opposed to plastic ones, so that you are not bringing in more of the harmful chemicals that you are trying to rid yourself of.

3. A fresh coat of paint can revamp a room in just a few short hours. Choose paints free of VOC's, they have become easier to come by and cost effective as well. You'll find that the paints with low to no VOC's is virtually odorless! These formulas are made from water, milk casein, natural latex, plant oils, resins, plant dyes and essential oils. Some common paints with low to no VOC's are Benjamin Moore Aura and Natura, Yolo Colorhouse, Bioshield Clay and Casein Paints, Green Planet Paints and Sherwin-Williams Harmony Interior Latex.

4. As a final touch add a natural fiber rug for a little pizzazz, warmth and beauty. The natural fiber rugs are free of dyes, chemicals and last a really long time! They can be made of jute, sea grass, hemp and/or bamboo and come in a variety of sizes and shapes.

As a final thought: when "greening up" a space decorate to the minimal. The less "stuff" that you have, the less clutter that you will make, hence the less trash that you will generate for the landfills.

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