Easy, Eco Bedroom Makeover

Tuck In

Being the room's focal point, the bed is where most of your decorating effort (and budget) will likely be spent. Organic cotton bedding is now readily available at national retailers.

GREEN TIP:
Organic cotton is made without the use of harmful chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers). As a result, the ground and the plants are not polluted with pesticides―and we get beautiful, soft cotton for sheets, pillow, towels, and clothing.

Honeycomb and Pintucked Organic Cotton Percale Bedding
From Eileen Fisher Home by Garnet Hill:
Queen Flat and Fitted Sheets in Soft White, $90 each
Available at Garnet Hill

Queen Gauzy Cotton Blanket in Soft White,$118; Honeycomb Quilt in Clay, $298; Honeycomb Sham in Bone, $44/each
Available at Garnet Hill

Headboard
Private collection from yard sale

Plush Pillows

GREEN TIP:
Another benefit to buying organic is the lack of harmful chemicals used during manufacturing, which reduce allergies and skin irritations making buying organic a smart choice for your family.

Pintucked Organic Cotton Percale Bedding Pillowcases, in Soft White, $70/pair
Available at Garnet Hill

Bolster Pillow
From Haven by Hotel Collection
$95 (on sale for $69.99)
Available at Macy's

Bed Pillows
(back)Organic Cotton Pillow
$50
Available at Gaiam

(front)Ingeo Fiber Pillow
$24.99
Available at Target

Get Your Footing

Basic Linen Duvet
From Haven by Hotel Collection
$270 (on sale for $199.99)

Hypoallergenic Eco-Down Comforter
From Haven by Hotel Collection
$600 (on sale for $299)/Queen
Available at Macy's

Mattress Pad
Ingeo Fibers Natural Living Mattress Pad
$59.99/Queen
Available at Target

Recycled and Reclaimed

GREEN TIP:
When decorating, use your purchase power to support the use of recycled or reclaimed materials. Not only are such pieces usually more interesting than new store-bought items, but your support also helps keep quality materials in use and directly helps reduce the amount of waste produced.

Lamp made from reclaimed wood
$325
Available from Architectural Heritage

Bedside carafe made from recycled glass
$39
Available from Gaiam

Table
Private collection from flea market

Old-Time Charm

Keeping with the reclaimed theme, this mirror's frame was salvaged from a ceiling tin. The traditional dresser, purchased at a flea market, was updated with new hardware and some shabby distressing to make it a one-of-a-kind piece.

GREEN TIP:
Look to antique and previously-owned furniture as affordable and earth-friendly options.

Mirror made from reclaimed ceiling tin
$195
Available at Architectural Heritage

Vintage Dresser
Private collection from flea market

Drawer pulls
$8 each
Available at Anthropologie

Under Foot

Who wants to get out of a warm cozy bed and step onto a cold floor? Warm up a room with a natural fiber area rug. This one is made of wool and jute―both renewable. Rugs not only warm up the appearance of the space but also act as an insulator.

GREEN TIP:
In addition to organic materials, look for renewable ones. Certified sustainable materials (wood, bamboo, jute) are harvested responsibly.

Natural Wool & Jute Rug
$499.00/ 8x10
Available at Pottery Barn

Lighten Up

How about not changing a light bulb until the summer of 2014? Sounds good to us too, so we changed out all the old incandescent lights for new compact fluorescent bulbs. Each bulb can last up to 7 or 8 years and can contribute to generous savings in your energy bills.

GREEN TIP:
These coil-bulbs sometimes get an undeserving bad wrap. Several companies are making these with more indoor-friendly wattage, and many do make dimmable versions. The bulbs do take a short second to warm up, but the light they give off is as warm as traditional lights.

Light Bulbs
Energy Smart CFL by GE
$19.76/ 12 pack
Available at Wal-Mart

In the Shade

We replaced the dusty old mini blinds with these ivory cotton roman shades. Their thermal backing makes them a great energy saver because they block out outside elements (weather, noise, and sunlight).

GREEN TIP:
Make sure you don't just throw your old window treatments away. If possible, recycle plastic mini blinds or donate old curtains and panels to a local thrift store or charity.

Dublin Energy Solution Roman Shades, Cream
$39.99-$59.99
Available at Bed Bath & Beyond

• Get More Energy-Saving Ideas for the Bedroom

Low-VOC Paint

GREEN TIP:
Painting your walls and trim can instantly reinvent your room, but make sure to buy a low-VOC paint. Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are harmful toxins found in conventional paint. When you paint, these toxins are released into the atmosphere and harm the ozone. But a low-VOC paint will reduce the amount of pollutants in your home.

Low-VOC Paint
Aura Collection from Benjamin Moore
Tranquility (Wall)
White Dove (Chair Rail)

Wrapped Up

Handmade Alpaca Wool Throw
$199 (on sale for $139.99)
Available at Gaiam

Folding Wooden Chair
Private collection from estate sale

Breathe Easy

Part of making a room green is keeping it healthy. The AirPod by Blue Air keeps the air pure and free of dust and impurities. All the components (even packaging and replaceable filters) are recyclable. This tiny but powerful air purifier uses 85% less energy than comparable filters.

AirPod Mini Air Purifier
$129 (on sale for $99.99)/$60 for set of two replacement filters
Available at Gaiam