Consumers are becoming more eco-minded and are looking for ways to incorporate environmentally friendly elements into their homes. However, many consumers are unsure as to what the different environmental terms mean. Blinds Chalet has defined the following terms in order to help consumers shop wisely:
Sustainable materials: Sustainable materials usually refer to wood products or hemp products. These products grow and are harvested in such a way that the biological systems remain productive and intact. Bamboo is a similar to a weed in the amount and speed with which it grows. When the plant is cut, the root system remains intact and bamboo quickly replenishes itself.
Energy Efficient: Energy efficient materials are those that help save energy. Examples of these are cellular shades that can be as effective as installing a double-paned blinds. By reducing usage of heat and air conditioning, less polluting elements are released into the air. They also reduce fuel use, minimizing need for fossil fuels. Some window treatments qualify for federal tax credits of up to $1,500.00
Environmentally Friendly Products: These window treatments are recyclable, which means the materials don’t end up in landfills. They are also constructed without PVCs and contain no volatile organic compounds. PVC is a plastic substance that can be toxic to the environment and takes a long time to break down. An example of PVC-free blinds is the Eco-Green line of solar sun and roller shades. Other examples of environmentally friendly materials would be window treatments made of bamboo fabric, hemp or organic cotton.
Recycled Materials: Recycled materials are also considered environmentally friendly. Using recycled or reclaimed wood has become a popular trend. Other manufactures use recycled fabrics to construct patchwork designs or vintage style blinds.
Another consideration is how the materials were processed. While bamboo is a sustainable material, some companies will use harmful chemicals to process the material that can leach into water systems and damage fish and wildlife. Companies seeking to establish themselves as leaders in the environmental movement will be open about their materials, their processing methods and how their materials are manufactured.
Shipping is another consideration. While a company may do everything the right way environmentally, if they have their products manufactured overseas, the carbon footprint of shipping the materials has to be considered.
As consumers, there are many ways to incorporate green materials into a home. From vintage furniture to reclaimed wood flooring and cabinetry, the ways are endless. With window treatments, consider bamboo wood blinds, Eco-Green Roller Window Shades and cellular shades. By replacing outdated window shades and treatments, consumers can increase the efficiency of their homes, incorporate unique colors and designs and create a focal point for conversation.
Sustainable materials: Sustainable materials usually refer to wood products or hemp products. These products grow and are harvested in such a way that the biological systems remain productive and intact. Bamboo is a similar to a weed in the amount and speed with which it grows. When the plant is cut, the root system remains intact and bamboo quickly replenishes itself.
Energy Efficient: Energy efficient materials are those that help save energy. Examples of these are cellular shades that can be as effective as installing a double-paned blinds. By reducing usage of heat and air conditioning, less polluting elements are released into the air. They also reduce fuel use, minimizing need for fossil fuels. Some window treatments qualify for federal tax credits of up to $1,500.00
Environmentally Friendly Products: These window treatments are recyclable, which means the materials don’t end up in landfills. They are also constructed without PVCs and contain no volatile organic compounds. PVC is a plastic substance that can be toxic to the environment and takes a long time to break down. An example of PVC-free blinds is the Eco-Green line of solar sun and roller shades. Other examples of environmentally friendly materials would be window treatments made of bamboo fabric, hemp or organic cotton.
Recycled Materials: Recycled materials are also considered environmentally friendly. Using recycled or reclaimed wood has become a popular trend. Other manufactures use recycled fabrics to construct patchwork designs or vintage style blinds.
Another consideration is how the materials were processed. While bamboo is a sustainable material, some companies will use harmful chemicals to process the material that can leach into water systems and damage fish and wildlife. Companies seeking to establish themselves as leaders in the environmental movement will be open about their materials, their processing methods and how their materials are manufactured.
Shipping is another consideration. While a company may do everything the right way environmentally, if they have their products manufactured overseas, the carbon footprint of shipping the materials has to be considered.
As consumers, there are many ways to incorporate green materials into a home. From vintage furniture to reclaimed wood flooring and cabinetry, the ways are endless. With window treatments, consider bamboo wood blinds, Eco-Green Roller Window Shades and cellular shades. By replacing outdated window shades and treatments, consumers can increase the efficiency of their homes, incorporate unique colors and designs and create a focal point for conversation.
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