Simple Tips for a Green New Year!

2011-01-11T09:23:00.000-08:00

The new year has begun, and with it come New Year's resolutions. Many have promised to eat healthier, further their education, or spend more time with family. The New Year is also a great time to begin living a greener lifestyle. Resolving to be green not only helps preserve our environment, but can improve your health, and even save you money!

Here are some simple steps you can take in your home for a green start to the new year!

Ditch incandescent light bulbs for good

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) have come a long way. The are now available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and color temperatures, and even dimmable and three-way models. Incandescent bulbs, which use four times more energy and need to be replaced more often - a CFL can last up to 15,000 hours while an incandescent bulb lasts just 1,000 hours. Replacing one 75-watt incandescent bulb with a 25-watt CFL will save you up to $83 over the life of the bulb! CFLs are even available in dimmable and three-way models.

LED technology is also improving. LEDs last up to 100,000 hours and use very little energy. Right now, LEDs are mostly available in the form of desk lamps and accent lighting, but in the coming years more products will be available and the prices will decrease. Be on the lookout for LEDs!

And don't forget about nature's light bulb - the sun! Daylighting is shown to increase productivity, improve mood, increase worker satisfaction in offices, improve test scores in schools, and increase sales in retail settings. And of course, utilizing natural light will lower your energy bill.

The designers at Accommodating Interiors can help you select lighting fixtures that coordinate with your home or business and utilize CFLs or LED bulbs. We can even help you design a living space or office environment that will take maximum advantage of natural light.

Select antique or vintage furniture and accessories
Antiques are the best way to reduce, reuse, and recycle in the home decorating world. Selecting an antique or vintage piece of furniture reduces waste and saves the energy that would be used to create and ship a new piece of furniture. And of course, vintage pieces boast better quality and higher resale values than modern ones.

The designers at Accommodating Interiors can help you select the perfect antique or vintage pieces to complement your home's decor.

Buy local
Many people do not realize the amount of energy it takes to simply get a new widget or gadget from the manufacturer to your home. One way to reduce energy consumption is to patronize local manufacturers and artisans, whether that means buying more food from local farmers or purchasing a new bookcase from a local crafter instead of from the store. Plus, supporting your local economy is always a good idea.

Our designers can help you select high-quality furniture, milwork, artwork, and accessories from our network of local artisans and contractors.

Refresh and reuse items you already have
You don't always need new! Quality furniture pieces can be refinished or reupholstered to fit your new decor. Our designers can help you determine which pieces you own that can be repurposed or renewed.

Choose energy-efficient appliances and fixtures
It's easier than ever to find Energy Star rated refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, and more. An energy-efficient dishwasher can actually use less water than washing by hand! You can also select a low-flow showerhead, a low-flow faucet aerator or motion sensor faucet, or a dual-flush toilet, which can save thousands of gallons of water a year. The designers at Accommodating Interiors can help you select appliances and plumbing fixtures that are both attractive and efficient.

Use low-VOC paints and other finishes
The chemicals in paints, vinyl wall coverings, and many other finishes common in the home, contain volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, which are toxic and can cause a myriad of health issues. You may be familiar with the chemical odor given off by new shower curtains, wallcoverings, or furniture -- this is caused by VOCs, which are associated with health problems like fatigue, dizziness, nausea, liver and kidney damage, and even cancer. Our designers can help you select finishes that are low in VOCs and safer for your family.

Add plants to your decor
Plants not only add beauty to your decor, but they help to remove toxins like ammonia, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and benzene from the air in your home.

Accommodating Interiors would love to help you choose environmentally friendly furniture, finishes, or accessories for your home or business. For more information on our services, call 313-205-3736.

Sources: PlanetGreen.com; BHG.com; EPA.gov; doityourself.com

Welcome to Accommodating Interiors!

2008-11-11T08:08:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Accommodating Interiors blog! Check back often for the latest interior design tips and tricks, and our current service special offers. Don't forget to visit our website at http://www.AccommodatingInteriors.com