Every day it becomes more important to move to sustainability; window treatments are undoubtedly a major component of eco-conscientious lives. Traditional window treatments, such as curtains and blinds, generationally bring great trouble to our planet when made from traditional materials. There are four aspects of the environment that eco-friendly window treatments tackle: supplies, production process, energy usage, and air pollution.
In terms of materials, various synthetic chemicals are generally used to produce blinds and curtains. Generally, extreme chemicals adversely affect our environment as well as our health. In this respect, the materials employed in blinds and curtains are not desirable. Additionally, excessive energy is consumed during blinds and curtain production, which causes harm to our environment.
Regarding warming, poorly made blinds and curtains are regarded as energy guzzlers. Because windows are significant sources of drafts, curtains, and blinds are vital to insulate heat. Therefore, houses will unnecessarily consume more heat and electricity.
In conclusion, all the aspects mentioned are considered to have significant negative effects, as they give us a clear understanding these products are unfavorable to the environment.
Luckily, we are seeing more ecological alternatives with a much smaller carbon footprint than the old ones and other advantages, such as saving energy and indoor air quality.
The Importance of Eco-Friendly Window Treatments
Traditionally made window treatments also mean more needless resources and toxic chemicals go into producing materials such as vinyl, aluminum, and synthetic fabrics. These options are mass-produced options and generally imported products. Express Blinds Shutters, Drapes, Shades offer products with the Green Guard certification.
Eco-friendly window treatments are not only great for the environment but also for your home. You can minimize your carbon footprint by picking the right product and helping to preserve natural resources for generations to come.
Types of Eco-Friendly Window Treatments
The most popular eco-friendly window treatment design options are all based on natural design concepts: natural shades made of bamboo, natural curtains made of linens or hemp drapery, as these materials are both renewable and biodegradable and do not cause as many environmental problems as synthetic materials.
Another eco-friendly option is the window coverings made of recycled materials. Plastic bottles could be translated into fabrics and used for making blinds and curtains. Yet these recycled choices carry a much smaller footprint than products made from virgin materials.
Similarly, energy-efficient window treatments (eg, cellular shades, optimistically referred to as “honeycomb shades” and thermal curtains) serve as a sustainable and economical solution.
Cellular shades are designed to have a honeycomb shape to hold onto air within the cells that will not transfer to the outside of the rooms, reducing the need for heating or cooling to conserve energy.
Thermal curtains use insulating liners that screen out heat in the summer and retain warmth in the winter, reducing the amount of artificial heating and cooling you use.
Choosing Sustainable Window Treatments
When choosing eco-friendly window treatments, several factors should be taken into consideration.
Materials – where do they come from? Your supplier can source materials in a variety of ways – look for suppliers using sustainably harvested or recycled materials.
Look at the production and choose products with very little waste and energy output.
However, consumers can rely on certifications such as the GREENGUARD certification, which attests that a product features a low chemical emissions level, guaranteeing better indoor air quality.
Curtains can also be certified using the OEKO-TEX certification, which guarantees that they are free from harmful substances.
When shopping, look for these certifications to ensure that your window treatments meet the highest standards of sustainability and safety.
Benefits of Eco-Friendly Window Treatments
Another of the big advantages of choosing window coverings as an eco-friendly solution is that there is a chance it will help to save energy and therefore money. By opting for energy-efficient design features such as cellular shades and thermal curtains, less air conditioning or heat will be required to keep rooms at comfortable temperatures, meaning lower energy bills and overall longer-term cost savings.
Moreover, there’s an entire array of ecological ‘green’ window designs, available in many colors, patterns, and textures and generally suitable for everyone with any taste in interior decor.
Furthermore, ecological curtains are also investing in a healthier environment. We all know that thanks to natural or recycled materials indoor air quality is improving. This is another motivation to buy ecological curtains that are helping our planet as well.
Innovative Trends in Eco-Friendly Window Treatments
As technology continues to advance, innovative solutions for eco-friendly window treatments have emerged.
Smart blinds, for instance, are another growing niche. They automatically change their orientation throughout the day, responding to sunlight, artificial light, and temperature, maximizing the efficiency of natural light and artificial energy. Motorized blindshttps://www.ul.com/services/ul-greenguard-certificationgreen and motorized roller shades give the homeowner more control over sunlight and heat control in each room.
Additionally, the production, packaging, and shipping of window treatments are increasingly being produced in more environmentally conscious ways by manufacturers.
They are investing in green energy such as solar power, reducing waste by recycling, and utilizing eco-friendly packaging materials.
When you purchase from them, you are backing an industry that is gradually changing to become more sustainable, and which will hopefully innovate further on green window fashions.
How to Incorporate Eco-Friendly Window Treatments in Your Home
Professional Installation and Custom Options
If you want something specifically built for your home and with sustainability in mind, you may want to consult with a person who works with window treatments and can give you custom options.
Green home decor professionals will help you choose the most environmentally friendly materials and window styles.
They will make sure that your window treatments are not only a boon to the planet, but also a benefit to your home’s appearance and performance.
Conclusion
Eco-friendly window treatments offer a sustainable and responsible approach to enhancing your living space.
This effort can include selecting natural or recycled materials, building to an energy-conserving design, or seeking certifications and standards – all of which will not only help the planet but also bring benefits such as lower utility bills, better indoor air quality, and a tastefully unique home.
Ready to make a sustainable change in your home?
Our extensive selection of eco-friendly window treatments will help get you started on reducing your carbon footprint. Schedule an in-home consultation today!
