Mother Earth is now vulnerable as a child. Environmental hazards, primarily pollution and improper waste disposal, and global warming have put the planet we call our home at great peril. Things aren't getting better either. With each day, the environment is getting deeper and deeper in its rubble. It is just right and humane to do our share in protecting the environment. Reusing and recycling are fast becoming popular as more and more people are becoming aware of their importance. Everything starts at home in doing one's share. Let us then consider an eco-friendly home, more popularly coined as "green home".
A good way to start off is to look for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or any other appropriate environmentally safe mark on furniture you intend to buy. Buying an item with this mark means that the materials used to make this product have either been recycled or "upcycled". Upcycled refers to products made from materials that would otherwise have been discarded during the manufacturing process. Ideas here include lampshades made from recycled paper, chairs made from left-over cork or wood, containers made from rubber that were used during the manufacturing of shoes.
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.
Perhaps you're now squirming in your seat, stricken with guilt yet still hesitant to buy this "green home" idea. You do want to make a difference don't you? However you're thinking that not all FSC marked products go well with your home decors or furniture, and that you would rather scout the bigger market of brand new stuff. So what do you do?
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.
A good way to start off is to look for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or any other appropriate environmentally safe mark on furniture you intend to buy. Buying an item with this mark means that the materials used to make this product have either been recycled or "upcycled". Upcycled refers to products made from materials that would otherwise have been discarded during the manufacturing process. Ideas here include lampshades made from recycled paper, chairs made from left-over cork or wood, containers made from rubber that were used during the manufacturing of shoes.
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.
Perhaps you're now squirming in your seat, stricken with guilt yet still hesitant to buy this "green home" idea. You do want to make a difference don't you? However you're thinking that not all FSC marked products go well with your home decors or furniture, and that you would rather scout the bigger market of brand new stuff. So what do you do?
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.
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Interior Design has never been so easy with these floor rugs. Be sure to take a look at Dynamic Rugs Mystique 2011-7029 Nude Rug.
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