Everyday people are becoming more environmentally conscious. Using plastic bags and buying bottled water are frowned upon and gas consumption is monitored for the effect on our carbon footprint.

Going green in home decorating though seems to carry a stigma that it is either expensive or ugly or both. This couldn't be further from the truth and the following eco-friendly decorating tips have been compiled to drive this point home.

Buy Used Furniture

One of the easiest ways to go green in home decorating is choosing to buy used furniture. If you think that buying used will look tattered and worn, think again. It is possible to get almost any style of furniture in a second hand shop. You may be able to find something that can be used as is, or your furniture find might need a little refurbishing to bring it back to its former glory, either way you would be able to get a piece of furniture that did not take any additional material from the environment and a more eco-friendly option is hard to find.

Use No-VOC Paints

Ordinary paints can give off toxic fumes that are bad for the environment and bad for our health. Paint manufacturers have come up with an option that does not have any Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs. This means the paint has no odor and it is safe to use and move right in. Since paint is one of the most popular ways to decorate using a no VOC option injects some green into the process.

Consider Using Sustainable Materials

If you are going to replace the floors in your room you should consider using sustainable materials. Bamboo flooring is one of the most sustainable options because it takes only 5 or 6 years for bamboo to reach to maturity and be ready for harvest, whereas it can take up to 50 years for other hard woods to be ready for harvest. Other eco-friendly flooring options are cork and linoleum.

Use Natural Fibers

Fabric often forms a large part of any decorating plan and luckily there are lots of environmentally friendly materials that are also beautiful and affordable. A fabric is eco-friendly when its production adheres to the best land management practices, it uses minimum chemicals and pesticides in production and it is animal friendly. Organic cotton, jute, hemp and bamboo fibers are all examples of green fabrics that can be used in interior design.

Green home decorating is not just a trend, it is here to stay. Try to find a green option for your next decorating project and enjoy a healthier home while not sacrificing on style.

Learn more about this author, Natalia Jones.
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