Eco-friendly home improvement and decorating projects are becoming more trendy, says the Today Show on MSNBC. Using eco-friendly window treatments is good for the environment and can reduce energy costs, according to Modern Eco Homes. Changing the products covering windows is one of the most successful ways to save money on energy expenditures. They help reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. Eco-friendly products such as GreenGuard certified window treatments have the additional benefit of improving indoor air quality. Many eco-friendly window treatments are available.
Shades
Shades are the easiest and most effective eco-friendly choice, says Modern Eco Homes. You should hang them very close to the window glass for the best benefits. Shades are a good option for colder climates; they hold in heat in the winter when they are opened to let the sun in and then closed when the sun goes down. A shade with a reflective backing effectively blocks the sun in the summer as long as the blinds are closed. Shades are made in a variety of eco-friendly materials and come in many colors and patterns so that they match any decor.
Blinds
According to Modern Eco Homes, blinds are good for people who live in a warm climate where heat gain is a problem. Blinds differ from shades because you can adjust them to let in light and ventilate the room by opening or closing the slats. Modern Eco Homes says that blinds can reduce heat gain by 45 percent if used properly. The most eco-friendly blinds are made from environmentally friendly materials and come in many colors.
Organic Cotton Curtains
Curtains made from organic cotton are produced in an environmentally friendly way and are effective at saving energy in a home where they are hung. If they cannot be found already made, you can purchase organic material and make your own, according to Care 2 Make a Difference. Using organic cotton with a light backing is the best way to deflect the light. Curtains are good at both holding heat in and keeping it out. Organic cotton curtains need to be washed or vacuumed regularly to prevent dust and mold buildup.
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