FAMILY ROOM
The family room is my favorite room in my house. It is a shared space where we gather, relax, and spend quality time together. As our main living area, our family room also serves as a hub for socializing (hello, date night!), entertainment (Sunday football, yay!), and relaxation (talking to you, movie night).
If you have children as we do, the family room can also be a place where the kids feel safe and secure and grow through play.
It makes sense that families want to create a healthy and eco-friendly family domain.
Check out the tips below for creating a more environmentally sustainable family room!
Ways to Create a More Sustainable Family Room
Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
Use Energy Star-certified appliances, such as LED or CFL light bulbs, and unplug electronics when not in use to reduce standby power consumption.
Let the Natural In
Maximize the use of natural light by positioning windows to allow in as much sunlight as possible and keeping window coverings open during the day.
Decorate With Vintage or Second-Hand Items
Consider shopping for vintage or second-hand items to reduce the environmental impact of new production and consumption. Check out Etsy, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or other online vintage and pre-owned decor shops.
Use Eco-Friendly Paint
Use low-VOC or no-VOC paint, which emits fewer harmful chemicals into the air.
Update Your Windows
There are a few types of sustainable windows to consider:
Triple-paned window
Triple-paned windows are more energy-efficient than traditional ones because they have an additional layer of glass, which helps insulate the room and reduces heat loss. This window type also helps reduce noise pollution and UV light exposure.
Windows with low-e coating
Low-e coatings are thin, virtually invisible, metal or metallic oxide layers applied to the window glass’s surface. These coatings reflect infrared light, which can help reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter.
Smart windows
These windows are equipped with an electrochromic layer that can be adjusted to control the amount of light and heat that enters the room. This feature allows for greater energy efficiency and can help to reduce the need for artificial lighting and heating or cooling.
Use Sustainable Furnishings
Examples of sustainable furniture include:
Reclaimed wood furniture
Furniture made from reclaimed wood is an environmentally friendly option because it is made from salvaged wood that would otherwise have gone to waste.
Bamboo furniture
Bamboo is a fast-growing and sustainable resource that can be used to make furniture such as tables, chairs, and bookcases.
Organic cotton or linen upholstery
Furniture with organic cotton or linen upholstery is a sustainable option because these materials are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
Recycled plastic furniture
Furniture made from recycled plastic is sustainable because it diverts plastic waste from landfills and conserves resources.
Cork furniture
Cork is a renewable resource that is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees. It can be used to make furniture such as tables, chairs, and flooring.
Other sustainable materials
Furniture made from materials such as reclaimed teak, recycled aluminum, or reclaimed steel are other sustainable options.
Upcycled furniture
Consider “like-new” or “gently-used” furniture for sale in your area. Some places to shop include Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, Ebay, and Gumtree.
