Bedroom

Floors

• If considering carpet, look for carpet, padding, and adhesives that are labeled as emitting less volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Off-gassing from carpet is particularly problematic immediately after installation.
• During its use, carpet attracts allergens, such as pet hair and dust, which can be reduced by choosing a low-pile carpet.
• Carpet tile products can be installed easily without harmful adhesives, worn or stained tiles can be replaced individually unlike broadloom products, and tiles often can be recycled.
• Natural fiber carpets, such as wool or jute, are typically better for indoor air quality than synthetic carpets.
• Especially in bedrooms, you may want to avoid carpets altogether and choose smooth flooring, such as linoleum, cork, tile or wood.
• Look for recycled-content flooring products.

Lighting

• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) instead of standard light bulbs and ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures when installing new fixtures. CFLs last 10 times longer and modern CFLs have comparable sizes and colors to incandescents.
• Dimmers can also help save energy if used correctly. Dimmers allow the user to change the amount of light to suit their needs and can and extend the life of the light bulb. Be sure to select dimmer-compatible CFLs.
• Consider timers, occupancy sensors or motion detectors, especially in rooms where lights are frequently left on.

Furnishings

• Select furnishings that include environmentally friendly finishes and FSC-certified wood resources and organic fabrics.
• Buy bedding made of natural latex, wool and organic cotton to reduce allergens and to ensure they are biodegradable for breakdown at the end of their life.
• Buy used, recycled and antique furnishings to reduce demands on natural resources while helping to create period-specific aesthetics and oftentimes save you money.

Windows

Homes lose and gain significant amounts of heat through their windows. About one-quarter of the heat lost in the winter and one-third of the heat that enters a house in the summer occurs through windows. On the positive side, windows provide energy benefits because they can reduce your reliance on electric lighting.

• Fix or replace old, inefficient windows. If you have single-paned windows, add storm windows or replace with double-paned to save energy.
• If purchasing new windows, look for products with a lower “U-value” to keep heat in during winter months, and become familiar with other measures of window performance.
• If on a budget, you can save energy by installing curtains or insulated blinds. Keep them closed at night in the winter and during the day in the summer to reduce heating and cooling loads. If installed without air gaps, temporary do-it-yourself plastic film is another inexpensive way to improve the insulating value of your windows.
• Install overhangs over windows on the exterior of the house to limit solar heat gain in the warmer months while not limiting heat gains in the winter. Overhangs are recommended for windows oriented within 30 degrees of due south.
• Repair windows that have been painted shut so they are fully operable.
• Use wood composite windows for new or replacement windows. These windows contain recycled polyvinyl chloride or high density polyethylene and wood waste fiber to provide the thermal insulation of wood and the decay resistance of plastic.
• Bring more natural light into a room by installing solar light tubes, a kind of skylight. They are fairly easy to install and allow less heat loss than conventional skylights.

Walls

• Choose low-toxic, low-VOC paints since they are safer to handle, easier to clean up and do not emit harmful fumes as they dry.
• If your house was built before 1978, make sure you test for lead-based paint before you do any sanding or wall demolition, especially in a nursery or child's bedroom. Because their brains are still developing, children are very vulnerable to lead, a highly toxic neurotoxin.
• Consider lighter-colored paints to reduce artificial lighting needs.
• Select clay plaster as an alternative to paint to create a rich, natural texture. It is breathable, mold resistant, hypo-allergenic and low-toxic.

Additional resources

Lighting

• Doctor LED
  Provides extensive information about LED and Halogen lights
• Household Hazardous Waste "Wastemobile"– from the King County Solid Waste Division
  Shows dates and locations of household hazardous waste collection events around King County
• Simply Brilliant
  An Oregon company specializing in energy–efficient and solar–powered lighting and lighting appliances
• "Flourescent Bulb and Tube Recyclers"– from the King County Solid Waste Division
  A “Take it Back Network” page with info on how and where to recycle fluorescent lights
• The Global Warming Shop
  A local company offering a large selection of compact fluorescent lights

Other

• EcoBusiness Environmental Directory
  Provides an extensive list of links to companies that specialize in eco-friendly products for any home remodeling project
• Household Hazardous Waste Collection Options – from the King County Solid Waste Division
  Provides information on how to best dispose of household hazardous waste

Note: links to external sites include educational resources and businesses that are partners of existing or former King County Solid Waste Division environmental programs. If your business offers environmentally friendly home remodeling products or services, and you would like to be listed as a resource in the Eco-Cool Remodel Tool, please contact the EcoConsumer program online.

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