Quick, Easy and Cheap Ways to Spruce-Up Your Home & Environment

These days many of us want to change our environment. Some of us really want to help make the world a better place and others want a fresh look. You can do both and fairly cheaply too.

If you’re thinking about updating your style, how about doing some green redecorating? You’ll end up with a great new look for your home and contribute to the health of our world.

A change of color is the easiest and most cost-effective way to give your home a whole new look. You can do it yourself and for the cost of the paint and some supplies, you’ll have a fresh new-looking space. If you are going to re-paint, consider using a low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paint that won’t release toxins into the atmosphere. The environment inside your home will be healthier and you’ll breathe better too!

Adding a piece of original art to your décor is a great way to insert your own personality into the mix. Handmade Persian rugs are an easy way to add a touch of luxury to your space. They’re one-of-a-kind pieces of useable art and are more affordable that you might think.

“Authentic, hand-woven Persian rugs are made with natural fibers and vegetable dyes,” explained Mahan Sionit, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at a leading online retailer. “They’re a great investment, don’t release any off-gasses into your home and won’t end up in a landfill,” he added.

Are you thinking of buying some new furniture and accessories? The most cost-effective and easy way to keep green is to scour your local fairs and markets for bargains. From dining room sets, to dishes, throw pillows to bureaus, you’ll be surprised at the treasures waiting to be found. You’re sure to rescue a real gem from the local landfill, save yourself a bundle and have some fun to boot!

The internet is another great resource for the green bargain hunter. A quick search of sites like eBay, Kijiji and Craigslist will net you some real finds. Many retailers skip the bricks and mortar model and keep their costs down by selling their products online. They pass their savings onto customers like you who can save as much as 70% on many products.

Do you have some furniture that’s in poor shape? As long as the structure is sound, you can easily re-finish it. Your local paint, hardware or home improvement store will be able to give you advice on how to prepare, stain, paint or reupholster older furniture in an environmentally sound way. You’ll be following the 3 R’s of recycling—reducing waste by reusing an existing piece of furniture and recycling all of the packaging materials from your supplies. Once you’ve finished the job, you’ll have a possession as unique and special as you are.

Green decorating doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. All it takes is a little imagination and a commitment to reducing waste and using natural products whenever you can.