Eco-Friendly Bedroom

This article is written by Erik Braunitzer of Douglas Elliman Real Estate Company, agents for Bronx Apartments and Condos.

You’ve heard about a sustainable kitchen, and you’ve certainly read about ways in which to make your bath more “green.” But what people really aren’t discussing these days are methods for transforming your own bedroom into something that meets the standards of green design.

For starters, you can remodel your entire bedroom to meet LEED standards specific to lighting. LED and energy efficient light bulbs are sold everywhere, and although they are initially more expensive, they’ll save you energy in the long run, while eliminating waste.

Now it’s much easier to build a house from the ground up using reclaimed materials, but it’s always possible to knock down a few walls and take out some floorboards for the greater good. Reclaimed and recycled materials like hardwoods are readily available at most hardware stores, and are environmentally welcoming. Everything from your bed frame to your dressers can be made from recycled wood materials. And it doesn’t end there! There are even choices for organic latex and foam beds. Sheets, clothes and carpets can all be made from 100% organic cotton.

Pretty much anything labeled organic, recycled or reclaimed is what ideally should be used to create a more earth-friendly living space. It’s always wise to purchase windows that are recycled, and can capture a natural draft. This means positioning them on opposite sides of the room. Likewise, larger windows permit more natural light, saving you energy as well.

As we progress further into the 21st century, these green “suggestions” will soon start to become standards. Although it will take a while, if met, these standards will eventually help us create a more sustainable earth.