2. Choose sustainable woods:  Look for case goods, cabinets, and flooring made from sustainable woods such as eucalyptus or bamboo which grow faster than many other wood species.

 

3.  Add layers of window coverings:  By simply adding Hunter Douglas window fashions to your windows you add insulation at the window to reduce heating costs, moderate the sun's heat in summer to reduce cooling costs, and improve the quality of natural daylight to reduce the costs of electrical lighting.

 

3.  Recycle your own items:  Save wood by swapping out cabinet fronts instead of replacing the entire cabinets.  Schedule a redesign, and  remix  your furnishings in great new ways.

   

4.  Shop locally:  If you're choosing products to put in your home, try to stay local and buy products manufactured within 500 miles or less. If it has to come from China, you're using a lot more energy getting it to your house than if you chose something made just down the road.
 
5. Go antiqueing:  Not everyone appreciates the beauty of antique furnishing.  But antiques can give a room a great look and reduce the need to produce something new.  Plus, every antique restored and used in your home mean one less piece will wind up in a land fill..

 

6.  Opt for low-VOC paints:  All major paint manufacturers have developed paints which give off fewer Volatile Organic Compounds.  Check out these great new paints when you are ready for a fresh new coat.