by Susan Klatz Beal

Created on: August 27, 2010   Last Updated: January 15, 2011

Although a college dorm room is a temporary residence, it is very important that it be as comfortable and relaxing as possible. It needs to be a place where you feel comfortable and relaxed, regardless of whether or not you do most of your studying there. A dorm room that is eco-friendly in its decor can be every bit as attractive or hip as it would be with any other decorating scheme. An added bonus is that green dorm room decorating can also be very budget friendly.

*Look for organic bedding -

Organic bedding is a great way to add that touch of green to your room. You can find organic sheets, blankets and comforters that are very attractive.  Places like Walmart and Target have taken to selling organic cotton bedding, and the prices are quite affordable.The soft fabrics will be more comfortable and inviting, too.

*Look for used furniture -

If you're going to add some extra furniture to your room, go to second hand stores, garage sales or even Freecycle. You'll be keeping your room decor as green as possible, and the best part is that you'll also be saving yourself money. Even dumpster diving can yield some really fabulous finds, as can yard sales.

*Add plants to your room -

Plants are a great way to add a green touch to a dorm room. Some plants purify the air, but aside from that, plants are known to have a calming effect, so they may help you focus while studying and concentrate while feeling less stressed.

*Look for recycled products -

If you are using things like baskets or plastic bins, make a point of looking for things that are made from recycled materials. Recycling is always a great way to go green. Instead of buying a wooden bookshelf, consider looking for some boards and simply buying some bricks. You can create a very hip looking shelving system by using bricks and boards.

*Use eco-friendly lighting -

Compact fluorescent bulbs are very eco-friendly, and they don't get as hot or cost as much as incandescent bulbs. The bulbs may be more expensive, but in the long run, they will last you much longer.

*Make your furniture serve multiple purposes -

Things like footlockers or trunks can act as a coffee table for your dorm room and also provide you with storage. They are great for storing extra sets of sheets and/or towels and bedding.

*Put recycled paper pictures on your walls -

If you want to hang up pictures in your dorm room, look for pictures that are made on recycled paper. Alternatively, print photographs you have taken and print them on recycled paper. You can then frame them and hang them around your dorm room.

*Use energy star appliances -

Make sure that any electrical appliance you use in your room, be it a light, your computer, your television, and so forth, is energy star rated. Not only is this a greener way to use energy; it's also cheaper so you'll be eco-friendly while saving money at the same time.

Figuring out how to decorate your dorm room in a green or eco-friendly way doesn't have to be difficult. By incorporating used furniture or using furniture you purchase in multiple different ways, you are being more eco-conscious. Organic fabrics for your bedding, towels and furniture covers is another eco-friendly thing to do, and the fact that these fabrics are grown without insecticides or pesticides will make them healthier for you to use. The best part is that you'll save yourself a considerable amount of money in the process.

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