(NC)-Gone are the days of doing just about anything without first considering the environment. Many Canadians feel eco-friendly features are important to the home because they add value. The good news is it doesn't require major renovations to be ecological. Consider the following simple décor trends from The Home Depot Canada to increase the green quotient of your home.
Colour confident - Even after the paint smell has gone, chemical solvents such as benzene and formaldehyde still linger. Choose paint with low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as they release fewer pollutants and are virtually odourless.
Happy wall - Select wallpaper made from responsibly managed forests. Several wallpaper companies are now certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and continue to offer the same high quality textures and designs.
Cut a green rug - Consider carpet manufactured from 100 per cent post-consumer recycled content, such as plastic bottles. It is still soft to the touch and available in a wide variety of colours and styles.
Cover me - Solar films can be applied directly to any window, working to conserve energy by retaining heat during winter and blocking heat in the summer. Consider bamboo blinds; strong enough for daily wear and tear, but appealing to the eye, or window covers made from 100 per cent organic cotton. The material is processed without the use of chemicals and dyed with natural colorants.
Hanging out - The newest models of ceiling fans use energy-efficient motors and advanced blade design to move air up to 20 per cent more efficiently than standard types. There is a range of styles available to complement any type of décor.
Get grounded - There are many options of eco-friendly flooring to suit any lifestyle. Consider flooring made from bamboo, cork, marmoleum or recycled leather. Each offer elements of style, versatility, durability and resilience.
- News Canada