by Dale Morris

Created on: December 11, 2008   Last Updated: August 19, 2011

I have never been into recycling. Now, you want me to be eco-friendly when I redecorate my room? What does that mean?

Let's start with the overall job at hand. I'm re-doing, which means I am getting rid of things I no longer want. What do I do with this stuff, short of throwing it all in the garbage can and ultimately in a landfill?

Check into www.caigslist.com. You can list your unwanted items to sell or for free. It cost nothing to list. You might even make a few dollars to throw into your decorating budget, because I have learned that my trash is truly, another woman's treasure. You can also check out sites like

www.freecycle.org, or www.earth911.org. Charities like Goodwill and Salvation Army really need your donations. Check your local newspaper for local auction companies. Many of them hold consignment auctions where you take your items, they sell them and charge a percentage of what you earn on them. Of course, you can always have a yard sale, but that is so old school. The bottom line is try to do something constructive with your unwanted items.

Does being eco-friendly mean that my room will end up looking contemporary? The simple answer is NO. Be eco-friendly by selecting fabrics that are natural fibers like cotton and wool. These fabrics are naturally flame retardant and don't have to be treated chemically with PBDE. While you are selling your items at auction, look for new things too. You can get everything from the kitchen sink, windows, and doors to the throw pillows on your sofa at auction. Oh yeah, and great furniture pieces too, at a fraction of the cost of new items. It might need a little TLC to be just what you want, but that's part of the fun in redoing a room, isn't it? Make it yours!

Try using Low VOC Paint. VOC is a chemical emitted into the air from the paint on your walls. Sherwin Williams has a line of interior latex paint that is low VOC and for spray paint, try Krylon's H2O.

Now for the big things: when replacing your roof, try out www.classicroof.com. They make several styles of shingles out of recycled aluminum cans. You could even qualify for a $500.00 tax credit. Cha-ching, a little more green in the redecorating coffer.

If you are considering replacing counter tops, tub surrounds, back splashes, walls or flooring, visit www.icestone.biz. Icestone makes products that are 75% recycled glass mixed with 25% concrete.

So, you need wood? Look for reclaimed or recycled wood or bamboo products. Beautiful flooring is made out of bamboo and it is a fast growing renewable resource. No kidding, the stuff grows almost as fast as weeds. If all else fails, make sure the wood you purchase comes from a managed forest.

Replace windows with performance windows with Low-E glazing. Replace old water heaters with the new tankless water heater. Not only do they use much less electricity than their counterparts, you will gain a closet where your old tank is currently housed.

While you are redecorating, make an effort to replace all incandescent light bulbs with the new CFL light bulbs. These no longer are only available in the cute little curly design. Now you can purchase Cf Ls in all of the interesting decorative shapes you are accustomed to, including flood lights.

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