“Going Green” and “Eco-friendly” are two popular terms that are being used today, especially in the design world. People want to know that the products they place in their home are not only better for the environment but for their family’s health as well. Green homes or even choosing green options have other benefits such as lower electric bills  Which is why we have partnered with companies that care about the environment and are eco-friendly. Here we share some ways you can include some “green” into your home.

Trash with class

We agree that trash is one of our least favorite topics but we would also have to say that recycling is an important and necessary part of going green. Each year we add more and more to our already full landfills, but by changing a few things at home we can reduce our amount. Here are some items that can be recycled in your home:

• Paper- this can be cereal boxes, old papers that don’t need to be shredded, egg cartons, and even cardboard.
• Canned or plastic bottles – milk jugs, soda pop, and old juice cans
• Glass – old spaghetti sauce jars and glass bottles

As great as recycling is, it is not always as simple as it sounds, which is where we recommend Rev-a-shelf, innovation through organization. They have several products that make recycling a breeze such as their recycling center waste system, allowing you to easily sort and recycle your items but all neatly tucked inside your cabinets. This is the perfect way to create a space for going green without disturbing the look of your design.

Eco-friendly countertop

When it comes to choosing an eco-friendly countertop granite has been named the top choice for several decades but quartz is becoming a popular choice for several reasons.

• Unlike granite that needs to be sealed with harsh chemicals, quartz does not.
• 90% of the product is made from a material that would be discarded making it a true eco-product.
• When compared to other countertop materials it has a longer replacement life

While granite is a natural stone the process of mining it and preparing it to sell requires more resources than quartz and the easy maintenance plus its resistance to collecting bacteria gives it more selling points on the green scale. Quartz also comes in a variety of colors and patterns meaning there will be something that perfectly compliments your design scheme.

Letting the light in

Nothing says going green like natural sunlight and it comes with a host of benefits including better mood for you and the family. It also creates a warm and inviting place for everyone to gather. When designing your space think about how natural light can be incorporated such as:

• Skylights – they are also a beautiful way to enjoy the nighttime canopy of stars.
• Add an additional panel or window in the room.
• Replace solid doors, like the back door, with a solid glass door or even sliding doors.

Allowing more sunlight inside can also help with your electric bill. Natural sunlight is a great way to reduce heating expenses and better for the environment since there is less need to use the electric heater. Of course in the summer that can produce the opposite effect which is why we recommend Graber, a company that creates efficient designs for window treatments. Their cellular shades insulate your windows and can reduce this loss by as much as 64%.†. Visit their website to learn more.

Your family matters

Choosing better products is not just better for the environment but the health of those you love. Your family matters to us and drives us to provide you with the best possible options. Eco-friendly options are a great way to ensure that the quality of your products not only lasts but is safe. We encourage you to visit our showroom where we have several products on display that you can browse and receive more information. When meeting with your designer be sure to mention your desire for choosing eco-friendly options so that they can create a design that is a perfect balance of function and harmony.