With global warming ravaging every part of the world, we could all stand to be a little more environmentally-conscious. Although corporations are responsible for the bulk of worldwide pollution, it is incumbent on all of us to do right by the planet. As such, homeowners should constantly be on the lookout for ways to make their residences eco-friendlier and more energy-efficient. When setting out to reduce your home’s carbon footprint, the bedroom is a great place to start. As you’ll find, creating an eco-conscious sleeping space can be conducive to overnight comfort and a reduced environmental impact.
Upgrade to an Eco-Friendly Mattress
Although your bed is the star of your bedroom, your mattress is the star of your bed. In effect, this makes your mattress the most important item in your sleeping space. Since the quality of your mattress largely dictates the quality of your slumber, it’s in your best interest to put genuine thought into your next mattress purchase. Cheaping out and going with a standard-grade mattress is liable to result in many uncomfortable nights. On the flipside, a high-quality luxury mattress is practically guaranteed to be a worthwhile investment.
Fortunately, there’s a way to combine your desire for a peaceful night’s slumber with your passion for conservation. By investing in a mattress composed of environmentally-friendly materials, you can provide yourself with top-of-the-line comfort and ensure that you’re able to enjoy a guilt-free good night’s sleep. So, the next time you find yourself in the market for new bedroom furnishings, consider the benefits of a hybrid latex mattress.
Invest in Energy Star Electronics
You’d be hard-pressed to find a modern-day bedroom that isn’t brimming with electronic devices. From televisions to sound systems to gaming consoles to digital alarm clocks, most bedrooms are filled with assorted gadgets. However, if your bedroom electronics weren’t designed with energy-efficiency in mind, these devices are likely consuming an unnecessary amount of power. In addition to increasing your carbon footprint, this doesn’t bode well for your power bills.
While there’s nothing inherently wrong with bedroom electronics, it’s better for the environment – and your finances – for you to invest in energy-efficient devices. When shopping around for bedroom devices, look for products that contain the Energy Star label. This indicates that appliances consume minimal electricity and operate every bit as efficiently (if not more so) than their power-guzzling counterparts.
Buy Reclaimed Furniture
The next time you’re on the hunt for attractive bedroom furnishings, you’d do well to consider reclaimed furniture. As the name suggests, this refers to furniture composed of materials that have been reclaimed and upcycled from old residences and places of business. Reclaimed wood and metal are frequently used to create an eye-catching assortment of bookshelves, tables, chairs and sofas. So, if your sleeping space could use some additional shelving or a new bedside table, look into going the reclaimed route. Although it tends to be a bit costlier than standard-grade furniture, most reclaimed pieces are built to last and should be fixtures in your bedroom for years to come.
Upgrade Your Windows
Central air is a necessity in many parts of the country. However, using it excessively stands to cost you a princely sum and contribute to your household’s environmental impact. While you may not be able to stop using central air entirely, you can reduce your heating and cooling costs by installing energy-efficient windows in your bedroom. Being multi-paned, these windows are adept at preventing indoor air from escaping and outdoor air from entering your bedroom. As is the case with energy-efficient electronics, these windows cost a little more than their single-paned contemporaries. In addition to paying for themselves through reduced heating and cooling bills, they stand to lessen your household’s impact on the environment.
At this point, there’s no denying that it’s high past time to start taking eco-consciousness seriously. Although basic recycling has been commonplace for the last two decades, many households are now starting to place importance on energy-efficiency and environmental impact. Contrary to popular misinformation, being more environmentally aware doesn’t have to entail spending a small fortune or upending your lifestyle. By committing to small changes, being willing to learn new things and following through on your pledges, you can easily take your household in a greener direction.