The green movement is catching on everywhere, in all aspects of people’s lives.  While we all may be familiar with small lifestyle changes that can be made to make our homes more sustainable and energy efficient, there are many ways we can be more sustainable in decorating our homes as well. So, here are a few ideas that can jazz up the look of your home while still keeping it eco-friendly.

Opt for exterior sun shades instead of mini-blinds.  Exterior sun shades can reduce your homes cooling costs by up to 50% in the hotter months and make your windows treatments look more elegant. Most of these exterior shades block up to 90% of UV rays, while still allowing lots of airflow and just the right amount of light. They can be installed directly on the exterior of a window or can be used to enclose a porch or veranda.

Remodel sustainably.  If you are doing larger renovations to your home there are a few things you should keep in mind.  Using low or zero-VOC paint is better for the environment and for your family’s health. VOCs are volatile organic compounds that release solvents into the atmosphere as the paint dries.  These solvents create indoor air pollution as well as smog in the atmosphere. 

Installing energy efficient faucets and showerheads can reduce water consumption by half. Also, adding a pre-cut insulating jacket or blanket to your hot water heater can reduce heat loss by 25-45%, saving you about 5-9% in water heating costs. 

If you want to add a new, eco-friendly wood floor to your home, choose one from Mullican flooring's Green Haven collection.  The Green Haven line has the 100% PURE certification from the Forest Stewardship Council.

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