Now that even the white house has decided that man made global warming is real you should take a look into eco friendly design. Sometimes simple things like changing the light bulbs and getting new energy effect appliances are great, but not everything you can do.
Buy things that are produced in ways that are environmentally friendly. There are many new companies out there that would love to sell you things that you can use in your everyday life. Also buy as many home items as you can locally. Furniture made by the Amish 20 minutes from your home or that local guy who makes amazing tables in his garage. Don’t live by the Amish or know someone? Talk to people you know or just kinda know, they probably do know someone.
The last tip I have and one of the best is to buy from estate sales and antique stores. These items are wonderful things to have and to fix up. The best part is technically you are recycling them!
Next fall I will be taking a lighting class, at least I hope to be there are a few complications I have to get though first. I am though, looking forward to this class. Lighting is so much more then just having a light in the room so you can see. Lighting can make things pop out at you, it can set the mood by making it brighter or darker in a room and it can keep you safe.
There are many types of lighting you can buy. I recommend going green and buying compact florescent lighting or LED lights. LED’s take some getting use to as their light tends to have more of a blue tint then other types of lighting, but they last forever. Think of a child’s toy that has the small lights on it. Those lights hardly ever die and that is because most of them are LED’s. Both compact florescent and LED’s are great for the environment and your pocketbook. Yes they may cost more in the long run, but with energy prices going up they will really help save you money in the long run.
If your looking to switch but are not sure where to start here are a few tips.
1. change all of your night lights to LED lights. I got 2 LED bulbs for around $2 at walmart. Shop around though you may find a better deal
2. Figure out which lights you use most during the day and evening. Switch those first.
3. If you can replace all of you bulbs at once, if not do one room at a time.
4. Don’t forget about your outdoor lights
5. Buy all new holiday decorations made with LED’s. Sometimes trying things that are not permanent can help you see what you would get out of switching everything. Christmas lights are a great way to do this.
Having a well designed home is always a huge health benefit because it makes you feel good to be there, can give you less stress and provides a piece of mind. One thing that most people don’t think about when designing their home is the quality of the air in the home. Air filters help to create a clean environment for you and your family. A good clean filter can keep your family from getting sick, having allergy flare ups and can actually help improve their concentration and energy level. Clean air is important for everyone.
If you already have an air filter you should check it to make sure it’s clean and running properly. If it’s dirty it’s not cleaning the air and all of that dust and other germs are going into your air and onto your furniture, carpet and family. The other reason you want it to be clean is that it will save energy, a clean air filter will run better and more energy efficient then a dirty one.
Yesterday I talked about cheep electricity and making money from this cheep energy on one of my other blogs. I wanted to share with you how you can benefit as a homeowner from this type of program. The program is run by stream energy they work with different energy companies to get you the best rate possible. They are regulated by the department of energy and they offer a month by month program where you can leave at anytime. I like this part of the deal as you know there is nothing to lose and you can try it out without the worry of a contract.
Another program they offer that works with the cheep energy program is a green and clean plan that will give you energy from renewable sources. In this way you can help keep the environment clean and have energy for your home. I hope to see more programs like this from other companies soon.
I believe this is a great way to get cheap electricity and to help you save money that can be used for other things, like bills, additions and new furniture or energy saving appliances. If you can get these appliances and use the renewable energy that stream energy provides just think of how much you are doing to help save our earth and save yourself some money.
Right now many people are concerned with gas prices so they are going to smaller cars and trying to get the best gas mileage they can they also look for other ways to save money like comparing online auto insurance to get the best deal. I’m all for that, but at the same time you have to look at what is best for your business.
Most of the time a designer wants a good size car or even a truck. You want something you can put all of the pots, plans and accessories you need to do your job in. Normally these are gas hogs, but now many dealers have come out with hybrid trucks and SUV’s so if your a soon to be designer or even just want to start a decorating business I would look into one of these cars if you can afford it. Not only is it good for the environment some of your clients or potential clients may like it too.
This blog is for information on interior design and decoration. You will find many reviews on products and services as well as tips and tricks to make your home look and feel better.
lights. LED’s take some getting use to as their light tends to have more of a blue tint then other types of lighting, but they last forever. Think of a child’s toy that has the small lights on it. Those lights hardly ever die and that is because most of them are LED’s. Both compact florescent and LED’s are great for the environment and your pocketbook. Yes they may cost more in the long run, but with energy prices going up they will really help save you money in the long run. 
