| Loving Your Home...Loving The Environment |
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| Environment - Environment |
| Written by Joel Clayton |
| Sunday, 15 March 2009 09:50 |
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Times are changing and these days we are compelled to rethink the things we buy. No longer are items made of wood or synthetic materials considered to be the status quo as before. Now, it is all about protecting the environment and using reusable materials wherever we can. Let's take a closer look at the eco-friendly home, also known as the "Green" home.
Times are changing and these days we are compelled to rethink the things we buy. No longer are items made of wood or synthetic materials considered to be the status quo as before. Now, it is all about protecting the environment and using reusable materials wherever we can. Let's take a closer look at the eco-friendly home, also known as the "Green" home. An important note is to buy furniture or home decors made from recycled materials and others made from discarded items. This one is called "upcycling". Such products that in no way harmed the environment during its production are easily identifiable because of a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) stamp on them. You might have seen this sign on a cabinet made from used woods, chairs made from leftover cork, and window blinds or screen made from recycled paper. But we know, that is easier said than done. After all, the difference between shelves made from the finest mahogany or oak and their "Green" counterparts made from recycled plywood is rather immense. So what do you do? Think about an antique shop for a moment. We know that antiques are highly coveted stuff. They say so many stories and impress so much strength acquired through the years. Owning one is like being privy to history or someone else's past. And most of the time, antiques look classically appealing that owning one is like showing off a battle mark. Consider this and remind yourself that the brand new oak-made chair may look tempting, but another tree has been cut down to make that chair. The moment you buy a re-used product, you open another slot for another of that recycled material to be sold, thus saving another tree from being logged down, plus you're adding a demand for recycled goods. Small things do make a world of difference. That single tree spared from being made into a chair can help save lives from flooding or can serve as shelter and food source for animals. It also supplies us with clean air to breathe. Right, moving on to the next obstacle: Even though you would like to do your bit to save the environment, there are just some things you want to buy new. However some of the new products branded with the FSC mark or any other environmentally friendly mark just won't go with your mahogany shelves. What's the solution? There are decorative items called transitional rugs that can be used as a "melting pot" of all decors in such a way that these rugs match with all other items and help blend some or all other things together so the room will look coherent and fitting. This kind of rug usually has elements of the items like theme, color, pattern or design in the room. It can be used as a central point or as an added embellishment. You can do more for the environment by purchasing transitional rugs made of wool. Getting wool from a sheep doesn't mean slaughtering the poor animal, so if you're an animal-lover, you have no reason to ban wool altogether. Think of it as the sheep getting a buzz cut and hair will grow back in no time and fortunately, the environment is not put at risk. Picking out the right rugs will blend all the pieces together, old and new, for a great interior look. About the Author: Keep up to date with Interior Design trends and enhance your home with decorative area rugs. This Dynamic Rugs Mystique 2011-7029 Nude Rug works well in any home. |