Green Your Bedroom for a Better Night's Rest

Sometimes, we just can't avoid breathing in things that could make us sick. We walk outside to meet a toxic swirling combination of car exhaust and other chemically-based fumes that may emit from lighter fluids, factories and even the everyday objects around us. It's true that the clothes we wear, the food we eat, and utensils we use at lunch and dinner may contain some kind of treatment that isn't necessarily good for us, but unless you want to live in a bubble or move off the grid into the woods and forage, how else can you survive naturally?

If one should start anywhere to enjoy a more natural, eco-friendly experience, it's the bedroom. This is your sanctum, a place where you come to wind down and recharge at the end of every busy day. It is important, since your body requires deep sleep to rejuvenate energy, to make sure you have few to no interruptions at night, and certainly nothing in your personal space that could cause you to get sick. When you prepare to green-up your bedroom for a peaceful existence, bear in mind that every element of living space - not just the bed - comes into play.

Draperies

As with most textiles, heavy drapes will come treated with chemicals designed to preserve the durability of the fabric. When these hang over your windows to block incoming lamplight, you may think you are helping set a sleeping mood, but the chemicals that remain stay with you. For a healthier, greener window treatment, look for curtains made of natural, untreated fibers like organic cotton, hemp or bamboo, or consider unpainted wooden blinds or shutters.

Greenery

A good way to keep healthy circulation in your room is to add a plant or two to your sleeping space. Live plants help with filtering your home air naturally, and even absorb some chemicals and reduce risks. Ask your local nursery about good options for keeping in your bedroom.


Bedding

A natural wood frame, a latex mattress topped with organic fiber sheets, and a natural pillow of components designed to help your head support (buckwheat, latex, etc) are essential in the pursuit of a natural night's sleep. Bear in mind if you have considered a fancier sleep system like memory foam, the mattresses may still have chemical treatments. It's best to consult with a green home furnishings company so you know what you're getting is the real deal.

Put everything together your bedroom for a relaxing, renewing experience. When you green your bedroom, a good night's sleep comes naturally.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on finding the right latex mattress for your bed, and articles on green living.

Green Plumbing Options Improve Your Home

A big concern for the homeowner these days is how to "green" the homestead. It seems automatic to recycle plastic and paper, keep unused lights off and use resources sparingly, but did you know that by making a few adjustments to your bathroom fixtures can greatly reduce the strain on your surrounding environment? Plumbing mechanics are training to offer green repair and installation options for home owners to ensure strong resources for the future.

Why Hire a Green Plumber

There's no question that employing the services of a "green" plumbing company benefits your property and the economy. Environmentally conservative fixtures and repairs to your home can increase its value over time, and help save money on energy and water bills. You also gain the peace of mind that you are working to reduce your carbon footprint and improve the natural resources in your surrounding area. Neighbors who happen to see a green plumber working on your home may be inspired to hire one as well, thereby increasing consciousness of the environment.

What a Green Plumber Can Do for You

Besides save you money, here are some things that can be done to improve the functionality of your bathroom.

• Water efficient commodes - The less you flush, the less water wasted and the less running through the tank. If you're not a fan of jiggling the handle after use, maybe look into this option.
• Solar hot water system - What's hotter than the sun? Rather than expand expensive energy on heating your water, install a solar powered system to keep down costs.
• Environmentally friendly tank and drain maintenance - When you pour chemicals down the toilet or sink to undo clogs, you could be releasing dangerous toxins that eventually wind up in the soil underneath and around your house. If you have a garden, you especially don't want that! Green alternatives include additives made of natural resources that won't harm the earth.

The next time you're in need of plumbing repair around the house, confer with a company that applies eco-friendly techniques. The work you do now may alleviate the need to do so in the future.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach handyman services, Virginia Beach window replacement, and Virginia Beach commercial plumbing.

Top Ways to Turn Your Home Green

Go green to save green...no doubt home owners have heard this phrase more than once. In this age of growing concern about the environment, we're seeing more people take the time to make little adjustments to the way they live. Each step works toward preserving our natural resources and reducing our population's collective carbon footprint.

If you are interested in applying "green" features to your home, know that the benefits extend beyond improving the health of the planet. Eco-friendly initiatives may also result in lower utility bills, and lessen the costs of daily living. What's more, making the change is simple to do. Here are just a few ways you can gradually adjust to green living and make your home a cleaner and more environmentally sound place to live.

Cut down on dryer use: Whatever did we do without electric dryers? Ask your grandmother, and she'll tell you her mother hung clothes out to dry. The next time you run a load of wash, set up a clothesline for your shirts, slacks, and dresses. The fresh air will dry clothes just as nicely without expending the energy a dryer does.

Unplug unused electronics when necessary: We are a gadget-driven community. The average person likely owns a laptop computer, base for recharging a cell phone, and other must-haves to get us through the day. When not used, some of these products can use up electricity while still plugged into the wall (check for tiny illuminated lights on your computer and other objects). Unplug them when not in use, and take several dollars a year off your bills.

Buy local: You might not realize it, but when you buy groceries you may contribute to the continued pollution of the planet. That's because grocers have food shipped from all over the country, and that means gas, oil, and energy is expended to maximum levels. Next time you're hungry, buy from local farmer's markets instead. The more people shop where the food is actually grown, the greater the chance to reduce the travel.

Install renewable energy: Burning coal increases the volume of greenhouse gas emissions, whereas "cleaner" alternatives like wind and solar power harness natural energy and lower the impact of wasteful methods. If you are able to apply renewable energy to your home, consult with an expert to see what is involved.

Simple changes, when made to improve your home, can also help the environment. Try these tips today to make your home a greener, and less expensive, place to live.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia green homes and Virginia vinyl siding.